From time-to-time my friends, knowing I'm a lover of make up, will ask me what brands I like and would recommend. So, I will be doing a series of posts of the beauty products that I use regularly and are my favorites. Today, I will focus on products for the eyes. This is the feature I play up the most and (I think) has the most impact on your overall look. I determine what other makeup I will wear based on my eye makeup.
the EYE PRIMER- There are lots of different types of this stuff and I've tried a lot of them. They make a huge difference in how long your eye shadow will last and it prevents creasing.
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| MAC paint in Bare Canvas for $17.50 |
** If I told you to buy one thing off of this list, this would be it. This stuff will make your eye shadow stay on for days (don't do that though. wash you face nightly :)) and will prevent creasing. This will last forever too because you use a tiny amount.
the EYE SHADOW - Lots of people have success with drugstore eye shadow, but I am not one of those people. I find I have to use a lot more to get the desired color.
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| MAC eye shadow in Satin Taupe for $15.00 |
** This particular color is universally flattering. I love just about all of their eye shadow colors but if I had to recommend just one, this would be it. This color is great for a smokey eye & can be used in the crease or all over the lid (minus the brow bone- never do that).
** These eye shadows are phenomenal and come in colors that I've never seen anywhere else. The two colors I recommend are not for the faint of heart, but they really are great colors. If you aren't feeling too brave, then line your eyes with them for a vibrant pop of color. The color shown in the picture is not one of the colors I recommended (though it looks nice).
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| MAC pigment in Vanilla for $20.00 |
** This will last forever and is absolutely gorgeous. If I'm lazy, I will sweep this over the entire lid from eye lashes to brow bone and will line my eyes in a bright color (like the 2 colors mentioned above). Of course, I add mascara too, but that's it.
the EYE LINER - If I had to leave the house wearing only one makeup product, I'd punch the person who was making me do that and then I would put on foundation and eyeliner :) Those are 2 products I cannot live without.
** I have tried zillions of eye liners and right now this is my favorite everyday eye liner. It's really black & glides on easily. Most importantly it doesn't smudge. Also setting your eye liner with eye shadow will help it last longer and not smudge.
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| Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in True Black for $15.00 |
** Sometimes I like to wear a cream or gel eyeliner and this is the best I've found so far. It comes with a brush that actually works pretty well (I will do another post on make up brushes). This liner is great for a more dramatic eye liner look and to make a cat eye, and it stays on well.
the MASCARA - Back in the day I would have told you that this is a product that is what I would choose to wear if I could only wear one or two products for the day. While it may have slipped to my #3 most crucial make up, it is only slightly behind foundation & eye liner (I look like I'm dead if I don't have eye liner on). However, mascara makes a massively huge difference and I do wear it daily (except for the days when I am temporarily insane and forget to put it on and realize half way through the day & I realize something isn't right).
** I have tried so many different brands of mascara and there are some crap ones out there. Lancome Definicils and Dior Show are probably my all time favorites, but this stuff is so much cheaper and I really like it enough to not bother spending the extra money on the more expensive brands.
the FALSE EYE LASHES - Just say yes! You can do it. I promise. I went through a period where I wore these nearly every day because once you start wearing them, looking at your naked eye lashes will shame you. Realistically, they are great for a special event.
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| Ardell Wispies in Black |
** You can buy these at Kroger or Walgreens for around $3 or $4. There is absolutely no benefit to buying expensive eye lashes unless you want some more adventurous eye lashes that have feathers & glitter (hey, there is a time and place for those).
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| Ardell Lash Grip but DON'T buy waterproof |
** The most popular brand of eye lash adhesive is Duo, but I hate it. It takes an eternity to dry. I really like this brand, but don't buy waterproof unless absolutely necessary. Waterproof adhesive is just more tricky to use. However, if you are going to bawling your eyes out, then by all means go for it. The whole trick to wearing false eye lashes is letting the glue dry a little before putting them on. The glue should be a little tacky and not completely wet.
Well, I hope this helps and look for more beauty must haves to come!
What are your favorite beauty products for the eyes? What can't you live without? Help a sista out because I'm always looking to try something new.
