Product Love: Lorac Pro Palette

Over the years, I have been pretty much used Urban Decay eyeshadows exclusively, mostly because of their palette product offerings.  A couple weeks ago I decided to try something a little different, and came across the Lorac Pro Palette ($42) at Ulta.  This palette contains 16 eyeshadows, half of which are shimmery and half of which are matte.  The shades are all neutrals, with a range from pale nude to dark plum and black.   It also contains a mini bottle of Lorac's eyeshadow primer to ensure your makeup lasts longer.
The pigmentation is amazing, which means the product will last you a long time since you don't need to apply as much for good color payoff.  The matte shades look rich and not chalky at all, and the shimmery ones are not overly shimmery.  I have been using this on all of my clients lately, and have nothing but good things to say about it.  You can obtain anything from a very natural, everyday look to a dramatic evening look with this palette.  I would definitely recommend the Lorac Pro Palette if you want a broad range of eyeshadow colors, but tend to stick to neutral shades.

This is what the palette looks like; as you can see, mine is already well-loved:)

These are the shadows, exactly as they appear in the palette.  I did not use primer for the swatches. 

June Faves

Considering the damage I did just a month ago at the Makeup Show, I should not be shopping for makeup and hair products.  BUT I am crazy and love beauty products, and sharing my thoughts about them with you- so here we are again!

After reading some other blogs, I decided to buy RMS Living Luminizer, which is a gorgeous, natural looking (not glittery/too shimmery) cream highlighter.  It is a little pricey ($38!), but you only need to use a little at a time, so it should last awhile.  It imparts a beautiful, healthy-looking glow to the skin.  Apply with your fingers or a brush to the high points of the face (tops of cheekbones, brow bone, cupid's bow, etc).  This is a great summer product- something that looks fresh, pretty and can be applied quickly and easily.

The last few months I have had issues finding a shampoo and conditioner that keeps my frizzy hair tamed and at the same time does not make it lifeless.  I was recommended Davines Beautifying Shampoo and Conditioner ($26 each), and have to say I am very impressed.  Both products smell AMAZING and the formulas seem very balanced.  The shampoo is creamy but gentle, and the conditioner is rich and thick.  In fact the shampoo and conditioner are for all hair types, which initially scared me since my hair is on the dry side, but my hair has been well-behaved since I starting this regimen.   Oh, and they work well for when I wear my hair both wavy and straight, which is another plus.  I highly recommend this line based on my experience so far.

Now, for a inexpensive drugstore buy! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is pretty dang great considering it is under $10.   Obviously, this is marketed for mature skin, but it works well on anyone.  It is creamy but does not crease or settle into fine lines and blends easily into the under eye area.  Unfortunately, the shade range is not great (4 shades, plus one brightener and one neutralizer), but women with darker skin tones may be able to use this product as more of a highlighting product.


Please let me know what you think if you try any of these products, or if you have a product you have been liking lately and want to share.

Product Review: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Hello lovelies! I am trying out a new format for product reviews, so please let me know what you think.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, shown in the color "Carina".

Product: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Cost:  $22.00

Where to purchase: www.stilacosmetics.com, Sephora, Ulta

Colors available: Ten colors, ranging from pale pink to deep red and plum

Packaging:  Comes in a lipgloss tube with a doe foot applicator

Feel:  Does not feel thick and sticky like a gloss; kind of a silky, creamy feel when first applied.  After wear for a couple hours, starts feeling dry on the lips.

Finish:  Matte, full coverage

Longevity:  Lasts for up to six hours without budging.  Product may start to fade on the inner part of the lips after eating and needs to be reapplied.

Worth it?  This is probably one of my favorite purchases I have made in awhile makeup-wise.  The color range is beautiful and the staying power is awesome.  My husband likes it because he can still kiss me without getting any lipstick on himself (haha).  I think it is a good buy, but beware- the color clings to your lips, so some scrubbing may be needed when you are ready to take it off.

April Product Love

Gotta love the still shots from a video.  Haha!  Please excuse my skin, I have a little breakout happening.

Products mentioned:  Bumble and Bumble Cityswept finishing spray ($29.00) and Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights   ($12.99)

Thought I would share: MAC Haul

If you are like me, seeing makeup others have in their collection or have purchased is strangely addictive and fun.  I recently renewed my MAC Pro Membership, so I had a little shopping spree.

Assorted eyeshadows (Shroom, Gleam, Star Violet, Sketch, Carbon, Woodwinked, Soot, Plum Dressing, Sumptuous Olive), liquid eyeliner (Boot black), lipstick (Heroine), Chromaline cream liner (Black), mixing medium, glitter (Gold), lipmix (Clear Gloss), and powder puffs.

This is what I bought.  I actually love the eyeshadows and lipstick a lot.  The rest I have not yet tried, but since they will be going into my freelance kit, I am sure they will come in handy.  Just thought you might like a peak!

Inspiration of the Week: Purple lipstick

Lately I have been more inclined to paint on a bright lipstick rather than wear a dark eye.  I have tried various reds, pinks and even orange shades, and have been quite happy with the look that the dose of color adds.  After browsing through Pinterest, I found that I was pinning quiet a lot of purple lip shades.  Maybe it is because it is a little different and fun, but still looks cool and chic.  I don't know;  I do know that I like the look and plan to wear it as a alternative to red more often.  Aside from the violet lipstick, not much else is needed.  Maybe some tinted moisturizer and concealer to even the skin, a few coats of mascara and a little black liner, and you are good to go.  Remember that the darker your skin tone, the deeper the shade you can choose for the lips.  

Photos courtesy of Tumblr via Pinterest, BehindM blog/Elle via Pinterest, and Instagram via Pinterest(Jessiiistephiii).  Collage created with PicCollage app.

My suggestions to try-

Fair skin: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in Purple

Medium skin: MAC Heroine 

Dark skin: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless

Me sporting my MAC Heroine lipstick

Product Review: Illuminare Concealing Mineral Foundation

I am am a loyal BareMinerals foundation user, but sometimes I like a little more coverage than it offers.  As you may already know, I have pretty sensitive and acne-prone skin, so it is difficult to find a moderate to full coverage liquid foundation that doesn't make me break out.  When I reordered my beloved Cor Silver Soap, Skincarestore.com sent me a couple of samples, the Illuminare Concealing Mineral Foundation being one of them.  I gave it a try yesterday, and I have to say, it is pretty great.
I simply used my hands and fingers to apply and blend onto my face (make sure to use moisturizer first for better blending), but a brush or sponge may be used if preferred.  After applying the foundation, my face barely required any concealer aside from a little brightening under the eyes.  The finish is semi-matte, and the look is flawless (no caking or weird oxidation here!).  I am seriously considering buying a tube of this stuff to have on hand for special occasions (or for when my skin acts up).  A tube is about $27, which isn't cheap, but since you require such a small amount for a full-face application, it should last quite a while.  And it contains sunscreen (SPF 20!)  Something to consider if you are in search of a new foundation:)

This is what the foundation looks like:) And Nars Dragon Girl on the lips.

My little sample packet.  Need more of this!

Product Review: BareMinerals Faux Glow Face

I am always hesitant to try sunless tanners, especially on my face, since they tend to make me break out.  Since BareMinerals tinted moisturizer, foundation and concealer do not make me break out, I decided to give their version for the face a try.  BareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow is a gradual sunless tanner for the face and neck.  It is supposed to provide a golden glow without the damaging effects on the sun.

The instructions for usage of this sunless tanner do not vary from any other kind out there.  Basically apply evenly to clean, dry skin and wash hands thoroughly.  The formula is tinted, so you can ensure the product is evenly distributed on the skin.    You can choose to reapply every day to enhance the color, but I would advise applying every few days, which is enough to beat the pallor of winter and not look like a tanning junkie.

After one use, my skin felt extremely soft and moisturized, and I appeared more bronzed than I ordinarily look at this time of year.  The color is very believable; not too orange or brown.  It also helps disguise discoloration / unevenness a bit too (which means less foundation and concealer!).
I have not had any breakouts from this product so far, so I am pretty pleased.  I would definitely recommend BareMinerals Faux Glow Face sunless tanner.

This product can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta or BareMinerals stores for about $24.

P.S. the line also carries a body formula, which I can't wait to try!

I will try to add a photo soon of the before and after:)

Product Review: bareMinerals Shades of Decadence Collection

First off, I want to apologize about the lack of posts the last week or so.  I am sure you all are busy with the holiday season as well, but I promise I am not being a slacker! I have a couple product reviews coming in the near future, and this is one of them...

For Christmas, I received the bareMinerals Shades of Decadence Collection from my mom (who is also a makeup fanatic, by the way!).  I didn't need more makeup by any means, but I am always happy to try out new and different products that come my way.  This set includes nine eyeshadows and six lip glosses (3 Marvelous Moxie glosses, 3 regular glosses) and comes in a really cute gold box.
The eyeshadow colors are gorgeous, ranging from light, shimmery shades to deeper tones that can double as eyeliner if used with a damp brush. You may even be able to use some of the lighter shades to highlight your face as well.  Although these shadows look gorgeous alone, I would recommend using a eyeshadow primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion is my favorite) to help keep it in place and make the color stand out more.

Shadow colors from top to bottom: Cypress (smoky greenish grey),  Glitz (dark shimmery plum), Atomic Plume (mushroom), Splendid (warm shimmery gold),  Rose Gold (rosy gold, ha!), Aglow (pearly whitish pink), Brave (light gold glitter), Gilt (light gold), and Wink (warm brown)

The lip glosses are very pretty and the shades are wearable.  I have to say that I am a fan of the regular glosses more than the Moxie line, since the latter are a tad too shimmery for my liking.  Still, the lip glosses are nice and would suit most skin tones.  Plus, the regular lip glosses are 100% natural, which always makes me a happy girl.

Lip gloss colors from top to Bottom: Vixen (bright shimmery pink), Temptress (shimmery rose), Tantalizer (shimmery nude), Starfruit (light pink), Wearable Mauve (light rose), Raspberry Truffle (pink).

 The only issues I have with this collection are, a) the eyeshadows are a bit messy, since they are loose powders and b) the 15 separate containers take up a fair amount of space, so they aren't the most portable.
Overall, I think the Shades of Decadence Collection is a good buy, since it is only $39 and comes with so many fun eyeshadow shades and lip glosses.  If you are trying to keep your makeup collection more concise / easy to carry, I would probably recommend skipping it and getting a palette that includes shadows and lip glosses in one compact.

If you have any questions about these products, please let me know.  I plan to do a tutorial with this collection very soon, so be on the lookout!

My Top 10 Dupes

In case you are not familiar with the world of Pinterest, "dupes" are essentially duplicates or cheaper versions of expensive products.  There are so many great lists already compiled, but I wanted to share some of my personal faves.
 1. Prestige Liquid Eyeliner ($4.99) vs MAC Liquid Eyeliner ($19.50
These two eyeliners are very similar in texture, finish, and longevity.  They also both have a felt tip applicator which makes for easy application. At under $5, you can't go wrong trying out the drugstore option.

2.  Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9.99) vs MAC Fluidline ($16.00)
Both of these gel eyeliners are long-lasting and have a deep black finish.  The Maybelline formula is a little smoother in texture, while the MAC is thicker.  Both are very easy to use, but the Maybelline version even comes with a little brush!

3.  NYX Eyebrow Pushup Bra ($9.99) vs Anastasia Beverly Hills Duality Highlighting Pencil ($23.00)
Each of these pencils have a matte brightening formula on one end, which are great for highlighting the inner corner of the eyes as well as the brow bone.  The main difference is the NYX version has a regular brow pencil on the opposite end, and the Anastasia has a shimmery highlighter on the other side.

4. L’oreal Voluminous Mascara ($7.99) vs Lancome Hypnose Mascara ($27.00)
Rumor has it that these two brands are manufactured with the same formula.  I happen to LOVE cheap mascara, and the L'Oreal performs beautifully.

5. Revlon Colorburst Kissable Balm Stain ($8.99) vs Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm ($17.00)
Each of these lipstick balms are glossy and easy to apply, but you can try out more shades without spending as much with the drugstore option.

6. Real Technique Brushes ($6.00 and up) vs any expensive brush (ie: MAC, Sigma, etc)
Real Techniques brushes are excellent quality and offer lots of professional types of brushes that you may not be able to find in other inexpensive brand offerings.  They are all synthetic, which is a plus if you are into animal-friendly products. 

7. Maybelline Magic Lumi Highlighter ($12.99) vs YSL Touche Eclat ($40.00)
Both of these highlighting pens are amazing for disguising dark circles or highlighting the cheekbones.  At less than $15, the Magic Lumi is a steal.  The con for the inexpensive version is the shade offerings are not as extensive.

8. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow ($6.99) vs MAC Paint Pot ($20.00)
Cream eyeshadows are amazing for using as a base or adding richer color to eyemakep.  The Maybelline version peforms wonderfully and lives up to the 24 hour name.  MAC Paint Pots, however, come in a larger array of shades and finishes.

9. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips (Nude) Palette ($11.99) vs Urban Decay Naked Palette ($52.00, comes with brush)
The Physicians Nude Palette offers similar shades and hues to the Naked Palette, at a fourth of the cost.  The Urban Decay palette comes with a handy dual ended brush. 

10. Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat ($4.99) vs OPI Start to Finish 3 in 1 Treatment ($12.95)
Sally Hansen's Double Duty Base and Top Coat keeps manicures fresh for up to a week.  The OPI version is technically a 3 in 1, so you may benefit a little more from the added strengthener, but I happen to love the inexpensive version.


　

　

　

Tutorial: Red Lips (and otherwise natural makeup)

After posting this photo to my Instagram account (@ericabasha, if you want to follow)  I had a request for a tutorial / product information.  This is a typical weekend day look for me, since it is quick, easy and looks put together.  So here it is!

1.  Apply moisturizer to the face as normal.  I also use a tinted moisturizer over my regular moisturizer.  I like Bare Minerals Skincare Tinted Moisturizer because it doesn't make me break out and it has sunscreen in it.  There are SO many formulas out there, including many drugstore brands, so just use what you like!  A BB Cream would work also.

2.  Apply under eye concealer and spot conceal any red areas.  I use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer for the under eye area, and Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick for the rest of my face.  I recommend applying the under eye concealer with your fingers (helps blend it better) and a synthetic brush for everywhere else (helps it stick better and wastes less product). 

3.  Apply Bare Minerals foundation (or any mineral powder foundation you like) with a big brush.  

4.  Apply bronzer (I like Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, but anything will work as long as it is not too shimmery) in a "3" motion on both sides of your face (so it hits your hairline, cheekbone, and jawbone) and over your nose.  

5.  Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks.  I almost always use Nars Orgasm, but any peachy blush will work.  

6.  Fill in eyebrows with the product of your choice.  These days I am using MAC eyeshadow in Omega and a angled brush, then adding a little of MAC's eyebrow pencil in Fling.  Comb through with a spoolie brush.

7.  Put on some mascara.  I obviously have some recommendations on this site:)  

8.  Now this is the more precise step.  Make sure your lips are clean and moisturized (flakey lips never look good) and then line the perimeter of them with a lip liner.  You can use nude, clear, or red liner.  Because the finished look is more natural, you do not have to exaggerate your lip liner or draw a harsh line.  The liner really just acts like a barrier to the lipstick and prevents bleeding color.

9.  Apply the lipstick! I usually just use the tube and apply directly, but you can always use a lip brush (helps with precision) instead.  I used Nars Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, but any matte red lipstick should suffice.  

10.  This last step is completely optional, but I added a shimmery highlighter to the inner corners of my eyes and to the brow bone.  I used Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duality, which is a fat pencil with one matte highlighter and one shimmery highlighter.  A good dupe is NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Push-up Bra.

And there you have it!  It seems like a lot of steps, but I promise it is a quick process.  If you try it out, please let me know what you think in the comments section.

Inspiration of the Week: Hot pink lips

For some reason I have been into bright pink lips lately.  It is a great alternative to a red lip, and looks chic and pretty.  A bright pink lip looks best with some black liner and lots of mascara.  If you are feeling up to it, false lashes help amp up the look.  Depending on your skin tone, the shade that looks best will vary (anywhere from a reddish pink to a purply pink).

Different shades of beautiful bright pink.  From top to bottom, all via Pinterest:  Ne-uw Tumblr, All Things Makeup Tumblr, The Glitter Guide Tumblr (Collage created in Pic Collage)

Me rocking the pink lip (Nars Satin Lip Pencil in YU) and false lashes for a holiday party.

Product Obsession: Gift List

Since I am still under the weather, I am gonna wait on the tutorials with photos.  Instead, I am going to tempt you to check out some cool products for the holidays (for yourself, or for a gift!).

I don't know about you, but I always check out Sephora's website to see what new and exciting products are available.  I don't necessary need anything, but I love makeup and I like to see what is out there.

Today I stumbled upon Tarte's LipSurgence Collector's Set, which includes 15 of the brand's awesome chubby lip pencils.  These pencils are super hydrating, come in a multitude of colors (some shimmery, some matte) and leave lips feeling and looking great.  The set seems a little pricey ($175), but for a bunch of gorgeous shades that are formulated without parabens or phthalates (i.e.: yucky chemicals), it may be worth it!

I also love Benefit Cosmetics Little Love Potions gift set, which contains 10 minis of some of the brand's most loved products, including my highlighter faves (Watt's Up and High Beam!) At $36, it is a great deal and a good way to test out the line's products without purchasing the full-size versions.

Last but not least, I would highly suggest Urban Decay's Vice 2 Palette, which I already own, but can't stop raving about.  This palette contains 20 eyeshadows, including matte, shimmery, dark, light, bright/bold, and neutral colors.  Urban Decay's shadows have amazing color payoff and there is such a variety that you could seriously try a different combo every day for a month without repeating.  The brand also released the Naked 3 palette, but I am telling you, the Vice 2 is way more versatile!  It even comes with a double-ended brush (shader on one side, blender on the other).  This set is $59, and is worth every penny!

A glimpse at the gorgeous colors from the Vice 2 Palette by UD. 

Which products are you most excited to try out for the holidays?  Are there any cool beauty-related gifts you plan to give?  Please let me know in the comments section:)

Inspiration of the Week: Dramatic Cat Eyeliner

So, if you know me (or follow me on Instagram or Pinterest), you probably are already aware of the fact that I am OBSESSED with cat eyeliner.  Right now, I am into a even more dramatic cat eye with little eyeshadow and flawless skin.  I tend to go back and forth between a felt tip liquid eye liner (try Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner (prestige) or Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner (drugstore)) and a gel eyeliner (try MAC Cosmetics Fluidline or Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Gel Liner with a stiff angled or pointed brush (like Sigma's E65 Small Angle brush).  Liquid and gel formulas give a more precise, defined line, than pencil formulas.  Try resting your elbow on a table or vanity while you draw the line, which helps keep your hand steady.  Getting the perfect line and flick takes practice, but once you learn, it is pretty simple.  Something else that makes this look easier to achieve?  Pointed cotton swabs and some eye makeup remover to help clean up any mishaps and make the cat eye flick as precise as possible.

All photos from Pinterest (original sources unknown) and collage created in Pic Collage.

Oh, and don't forget to fill in those brows!

Nars Satin Lip Pencil: Palais Royal

As you may have read in my post awhile back, I am obsessing over cranberry and wine lip color for this fall and winter. Luckily, I stumbled on the perfect product to achieve this look. Nars Lip Pencils are all over amazing products- look in my purse, you will always find about 2-3 of them! They come in matte, gloss and satin finishes, and they have great shade ranges. What I love most is that the formula comes in a jumbo pencil, so there is no need to carry a lip liner.
Anyway, back to the color! Nars Palais Royal is a satin finish wine lipstick, which is exactly what I was looking for.   It is perfect for achieving the vampy, dramatic look I love.

Me sporting my new fav lipstick! Other makeup: MAC Omega eyeshadow and Fling Eyebrow Pencil (brows), Bare Minerals Foundation, Nars Creamy Concealer, Bobbi Brown Corrector Stick, Nars Orgasm blush (complexion), Urban Decay Primer, Vice 2 eyeshadow palette, 24/7 eyeliner pencil in Whisky (all by Urban Decay), Marc Jacobs Gel eyeliner pencil in black, and L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara (eyes). Whew!

A Quick Lesson on Highlighter

I received a request to write a post about highlighters.  I love the illuminating effect of a good highlighter, especially for a special event.  You can use it on the high planes of your face; in other words, cheekbones, cupid's bow, brow bone, etc.  It is recommended NOT to use it on your forehead or nose in most cases, since it may cause a shiny look that may not be flattering.  You can find highlighters to suit your skin tone, so it looks like a "natural" glow rather than a stripe of shininess.  Those with paler skin with pinkish undertones tend to look best with a silvery or light pink highlighter.  Folks with golden undertones look best with a gold or pinkish gold product.  Women with a deeper complexion can use bronze or a darker gold. You can find highlighting products in liquid, cream, and powder formulas, and you can apply them with your fingers or a brush.  My favorite highlighters are below!

1. Benefit Watt's Up

This is a cream stick formula.  The one shown is in a trial size, but the real product is bigger.

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed

This is a powder formula with a gold undertone.

3. Nars Albatross

This is another powder formula with a iridescent gold finish.

4. Benefit High Beam

This is a liquid formula with a light pink tone.

From top to bottom: Watt's Up, High Beam, Exposed, and Albatross

Inspiration of the Week: Brown smokey eyes

This week I have been forgoing my usual cat eyeliner and instead have been really into a simple brown smokey eye.  It is a great way to enhance any eye color and can be done pretty easily, as long as you have a good black or brown eyeliner and a brownish eyeshadow.  You can decide if you prefer the shadow to be shimmery or matte, and you can smoke it out as little or as much as you want. Top with mascara, groom your brows, and you are good to go.

All images from Pinterest.  Collage via Pic Collage App.

Product Lust List- Fashion Designer Turned Beauty Product Creator edition

Two of my favorite designers launched beauty lines recently.  Tom Ford Beauty and Marc Jacobs Beauty are both awesome lines and offer some interesting and unique products.  You definitely pay for the designer name, but the products I  tried from both lines so far are very good quality.  If I had to choose a couple products to purchase, these are the ones at the top of my list:

1.  Tom Ford Beauty Bronzer :  Since Tom Ford Beauty products are so pricey, I have only tried a couple so far (lipstick and liquid eyeliner- AMAZING- will have to write product reviews soon!)  I have been eyeing Tom Ford's Bronzing Powder, but at $95 a pop, I can't stomach it.  I may have to try the Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire, a vibrant reddish orange.  At $32 it is still a bit of a splurge, but based on the quality of the other products in this line, I am sure it is worth it.

2.  Marc Jacobs Beauty LoveMarc Collection:  I have yet to try Marc Jacobs lipstick, but this limited edition palette is calling my name.  The collection includes 13 of Marc Jacobs gel lipstick encased in a black jewelry box.  This sucker is $350 (YIKES) and I am sure is amazing, but again, just can't do it.  Something else by Marc Jacobs Beauty that is a little less pricey is the Showstopper 7- Piece Holiday Set .  At $89 it is still pricey, but would make an awesome gift for the holidays (or as a gift to yourself!).  This set includes perfume, mascara, eyeliner, lipgloss, eyeshadow, a mirror and a cute makeup bag.

Hopefully I don't influence you to add more products to your own wish lists.  I would love to hear what products are on your radar.  Please share in the comments section if there are any products out there you want to try but haven't yet, whether it is the price or any other reason :)

Product love: Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner

I have been using Tarte's SmolderEYES liner on and off for awhile now, but seem to always come back to it when I am in the mood for a simple, lasting smokey eye.  This Tarte eyeliner comes in a jumbo pencil with a smudge applicator on the opposite end.  The waterproof formula is creamy and easy to blend, and comes in a variety of colors.  The best thing about this product is you can create a smokey eye in 2 steps, and who doesn't love that?! Normally when I use this liner I start with Urban Decay primer on my lids, then quickly swipe on a similar shade of eyeshadow to the liner.  You can DEFINITELY use the liner as a shadow, but I think it blends better with powder shadow underneath it.  Then just line your upper and lower lash line, smudge with the smudge brush, and apply mascara.  

AND the Amazonian clay and minerals contained in this product prevents flaking, keep skin nourished and makes the color extra-vibrant.  

A quick phone photo with the liner...please note that the makeup was applied about 8 hours ago!

A quick discussion about the importance of eyebrows...

I have been wanting to write a post for a long time about how important eyebrows are to a person's total appearance.  The shape of your brows can made you look older, younger, meaner, nicer, more surprised, etc.  Depending on how far or close your eyebrows are to the bridge of your nose, it may look larger or smaller in comparison to your other features.  Brows should never look like commas, sperm, triangles or other crazy shapes (see chart below).  Please only tweeze stray hairs as needed and if you over plucked when you were young, fill in those brows!  Once you see how big a difference your brows can make, you will understand my rant.  I promise I will add a brow tutorial here sometime soon. That is all:)

Photo obtained from Instagram user @beebee_xoxoxo