The Makeup Box

MAC Tan Pigment and Flashtrack Shadow: Bronze and Navy Eye Makeup (for work)

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This was a super-simple eye that looks quite dressy without much effort.

1. I applied Flashtrack (deep navy Veluxe Pearl) to the outer halves of the lids, packing it in a more concentrated way around the socket line.
2. Then I applied Tan pigment (warm peachy-bronze) to the entire lid, blending into the navy.
3. I ran Flashtrack along the upper lash line lightly as a soft definer, using a flat angled brush, then applied mascara.

On the cheeks: MAC MSF in Medium Dark (contour) and MAC MSF in Porcelain Pink on cheeks (this was limited edition but you can use any pink/peach mineral blush for a similar effect)

On the lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake (this is one of my rare non-opaque lip days)

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Side-note: I’m sorry I always take pictures while on conference calls… it’s the only time I can do it in the morning! LOL.

Warm, Glimmering Lid Wash (MAC Tan Pigment and Sable Eyeshadow)

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You guys know I love packing on colors strong. But sometimes a nice, shimmery shadow looks the best when it’s a softer, more translucent veil over the lids. 

There’s an easy 2-step process for getting a nicely dimensional “wash”. 

1. Always apply your darker definer color FIRST (I used Sable here). Apply it around your lash line, concentrating in the outer corners, and run the remainder on the brush very lightly along the socket without re-dipping.

2. Use a soft brush to apply a light wash of the light, shimmer all over the lid, including the darker shade earlier. The point is for the darker shade to not be that obvious. This allows you to get both shine, and dimension. 

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Choosing colors:

Women with darker skins will always have an easier time getting this “shimmery wash” effect, but if you’re fair, take note of the following:

• sparkly pigments with some larger flecks of mica that look like micro-glitter (but not actually containing bits of synthetic glitter) will always work better than pressed shadows as they can be sheered out more without losing their sheen. If you are light-to-medium, try something like MAC Tan. If you have a deeper skin tone, try Copper Sparkle. For those who are uber-fair, slightly pinker tones like MAC Lily White pigment would be gorgeous. (Note that you should not pack these on.)
• Choose a light-to-medium base tone that allows your natural skin color to show through. Beiges, greys, ashes, soft browns, smoky golds and coppers will work best.