The Makeup Box

Black and Copper Smoke Eyeshadow Tutorial

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This is a very simple rounded smoky eye quite reminiscent of the retro 20’s shape, but with the contrast of  high-sheen metallic as a color-accent. This is good for most eye shapes, but is a very strong and dramatic look.

Because of the very intense black rimming and circling the eyes, it will bring out all eye colors, but especially blue and lighter browns because of the copper on the lids.

You will need:

1. Black pencil or kajal
2. A matte black shadow
3. A metallic copper or bronze shadow (I used MAC Metal pigment in Copper; you can try any copper you have; there are many options in the drugstore, or you can try MAC Coppering and Coastal Scents Hot Pot in Copper Pot as well.)
4. Wispy false lashes (I used Ardell 122s)

Read on for Tutorial

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The Copper Cat - Graphic Winged Eye

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This is an updated recreation of a winged graphic eye, below, that I did awhile back, except this time, I used a copper metallic shadow instead of purple. You can always switch the lid color according to your preference.

This latest version is a little more precise and not quite as dramatic, so it’s up to you which version you prefer to try.

This eye shape can be done for:

• Mono-lids, hooded lids, regular lids
• Any eye color; though copper looks especially good with blue eyes, or if you are a woman of color.

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Soft, Warm Copper Eye Makeup (Transition from Day to Night for Valentine’s using Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadows!)

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What’s a girl to do if she’s got class or work in the day, and no time to run home and redo her makeup after that? Wear makeup that you can easily transit from day to evening!

Valentine’s (or anytime you are spending a time in close proximity with any typical guy) is probably not the time for bright blue liner and lime green shadow, so I’m throwing out a simpler, more subtle look first.

Those of you with blue eyes should take especial note of the color combination if you want something that can take you from day to night, AND brings out the blue tones in your eyes.

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80’s Pastel-Suede Makeup (Too Faced Insurance Policy Eyeshadow Collection)

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Taking a short break from the glittery looks for something that’s still quite dramatic in shape and texture, but can easily be adapted for daily work wear.

I’m using the Too Faced Insurance Policy Eyeshadow Collection, and there were 4 shades I picked;

• Boy Toy: Pale cotton candy pink shimmer (MAC Swish is similar)
• Glamazon: Pale champagne beige (most brands would have a similar soft beige shade)
• Full Frontal: Warm reddened brown (MAC Sable is very similar)
• Skinny Dip: Navy shimmery (this color goes on slightly violet over skin; just pick any deep rich blue shimmer)

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Golden Bronze Cat Eye Tutorial (88 Warm Palette)

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My 88 Warm Palette has been in cold storage lately, as tends to happen when you are always trying new things. This is a look you don’t need the 88 palette to create, as there are lots of similar shades in other palettes as well. 

The shades you’ll need to pick are

• A soft beige- or malt-gold that isn’t too far off from your skin tone
• A warmer, stronger amber-gold with some orange in it
• A soft burgundy with a pearl sheen (surprise; this gives the whole look more depth than just sticking with a deep bronze or brown)

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 Step 1: Apply the soft gold all the way from inner corners up to the brow bone, leaving just the outer-most corners of the eye clean. Run along lower lash line half-way from inner corners out as well.

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Step 2: Pack the warm ambery gold onto the outer 1/3 of the lid below the socket, and then extend up to the brow bone. Notice I extended the color inwards more along the deepest part of the socket line. This will give your eye more definition instead of allowing all the bright colors to wipe out your contours.

Run the amber along the outer half of the lower lash lines as well.

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Step 3: Pick up a warm, rich burgundy and pack that right in the outermost corners of the lid, then also lightly sweep the remaining pigment on the brush up towards the end of your brow as well. This will make the look a lot richer and stop the eye look from going too brassy and yellow.

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Step 4: Apply a black pencil along the tightline and waterline, and then use black liquid or gel liner to apply a thick flick at the outer corners. Finish with black mascara.

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The finished effect is polished, dramatic (how often do we wear color all the way up to our brows?), but at the same time not over-the-top because it should work with your natural skin tone. You can choose to pair this with a strong lip, but I prefer just going the natural route with this.

On Rest of Face:

• TheBalm Hot Mama blush (my favorite warm coral blush)
• NYX Iced Honey lipstick (metallic beige/nude)
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef (sheer coral creme)

Peach-and-Brown Defined Eye with Coral-Red Lips (MAC Lady Danger)

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This is a defined neutral eye with a twist of warmth with the addition of a peach shade. It’s simple and versatile, and you can wear it either with soft lips or a full-on coral like MAC Lady Danger.

I used:

• Dior Nude Foundation #21
• Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation RF140 + RF210 (as concealer)
• Wet n Wild Greed Coloricon Palette (matte beige and matte peach)
• Urban Decay Deeper - limited edition (you can use MAC Bronze or Twinks)
• TheBalm Hot Mama! Blush mixed with a touch of Bahama Mama Bronzer
• MAC Lady Danger Matte Lipstick

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Step 1: After applying a flesh colored primer on the lid (this is highly recommended as it will hold on to matte shadows better), use a pointed detail brush to run a rich chocolate metallic brown along the socket line - not the crease line from outside fading in.

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Step 2: Follow this basic shape and apply a peachy-nude to the center of the lids, and along the outer edge of the brown earlier to blend it out.

Then use the matte beige to fill in the inner corner of the lids and the brown bone.

The finished look, above.

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Step 3: With a flat angled brow brush, run the metallic brown along the lash line on both upper and lower lids. 

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Step 4: Finish with black mascara, then dab a shimmery coral blush along the peaks of the cheek bone.

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Step 5: Slick on a fire-red coral on the lips, like MAC Lady Danger.

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Animal testing note: Wet n Wild, MAC, Illamasqua and Urban Decay claim to be cruelty-free.