The cat eye. It's one of those beauty looks that will be represented in fashion for eternity. Flick it upwards for a retro vibe a la Moschino Fall / Winter 2012; or keep it thick, straight, and dramatic for an edgy-meets-powerful look inspired by Lanvin Fall 2012. Exaggerated, subtle...regardless of how you flick it, there is something oh-so purr-fect about this look that adds the same type of effortless, instant chic synonymous with Brigitte Bardot and beachy, bohemian waves. Here are six of my current favorite products for creating killer cat eyes:
ONE: NYX in CARBON BLACK {$10.00} TWO: Maybelline in BLACKEST BLACK {$7.99} THREE: L'Oreal in CARBON BLACK {$8.99} FOUR: Stila in BLACK {$20.00} FIVE: Rimmel in BLACKEST BLACK {$5.49} SIX: Urban Decay in PERVERSION {$19.00}
NYX's Super Fat Eye Marker in Carbon Black is an amazing liner tool for 2 reasons: 1} The thick, Sharpie marker-like aesthetic is {perfect for beginners; 2} The point-tip allows you to create thick or thin lines - depending on your preference. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black is one of my favorite drugstore beauty finds. The creamy formula gives you optimal control {with a bit of practice}; and can also be used for creating smoky eyes - just line and smudge!
L'Oreal's Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black is my current go-to {and an essential if you want a product that doesn't require touch-ups} for its ease of use {it never dries out during application}, and rich, intense black color that stays intact all. day. If you're short on time, or simply prefer a fast, unfussy product to add to your makeup drawer, Stila's All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black is it. The formula is quick-dry and glides on flawlessly - no skipping, smudging, or pulling to speak of!
One of the greatest gel liners to hit drugstores? Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black. It's economically-friendly, and gives you incredibly bold color that lasts all day and really amps up your eyes. One thing to keep in mind: As a gel liner you need to give it a few minutes to dry to avoid smudging {the same goes for the Maybelline product I mentioned above}. Pencil liners are perfect for truly defining, outlining, and creating a fierce cat eye. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion is tops. It glides on creamy then dries to a dramatic matte black that basically stays forever {or until you decide to remove it}. Sharpen it for thinner, more precise lines; or leave it in its natural shape for a bolder, thicker look.
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Kristen Stewart is one of my favorite people to see on the Red Carpet because her makeup {especially the eyes} always looks ridiculously fierce. Smoky shadows in a variety of colors; tight black liner; and an overall smoldering gaze that you can't help but to want to try for yourself. My current favorite? The plum smoky eye {seen above}. It's absolutely stunning for fall {as russet / wine / merlot / plum / burgundy shades tend to be}; plus, it gives you a new, high-glam eye option for Night's Out. Here are five of my top picks for recreating this look:
ONE: Urban Decay in LAST CALL {$18.00} TWO: NYX Cosmetics in RUST {$4.50} THREE: Stila in METALLIC MERLOT {$32.00} FOUR: COVERGIRL in PURPLE PLUME {$6.94} FIVE: Stila in VENUS {$20.00}
If you aren't ready to go all-out red-based plum, Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Last Call is a great option. It has purple undertones, which make it easy to tread slowly into the plum smoke trend; and it has amazing pigmentation. Simply apply it in the crease of your lid, and blend it down into your lower lashline. One of my must-have products for this look is NYX Cosmetics Single Eyeshadow in Rust. It's under $5 {how can you resist?}; plus it looks absolutely gorgeous when worn alone, but can also be blended with other shades to create your own look.
If you, like me, love a hint of shimmer in your shadow looks, you will adore Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Metallic Merlot. The cream finish is intensely buildable, and the foil finish is stunning - not overly sparkly; just perfect. CoverGirl's Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plume is your new BFF if smoky eyes are a conundrum for you {plus it is amazingly affordable}. It's a dual-ended shadow stick that guides you in terms of application so that you wind up with a glamorous gaze with minimal effort. Another essential if you're slightly clueless about complementary shadow shades? Stila's Eyeshadow Trio in Venus. The trio includes lid, highlight, and liner shades so that you have everything at your fingertips for a gorgeous plum smoky eye!
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I usually contour my eyes with varying shadow shades; but I love the simplicity of a one-swipe system {i.e. one swipe of shadow from lashline to brow, followed by a swipe of lower-liner from outer corner to inner, followed by a swipe of mascara} - especially in glistening metallics and lush jewel tones. It's a look that has been seen on Charlotte Free in the Maybelline Pure Pigments adverts {above}, as well as the Nina Agdal for bebe fall 2013 campaign {both using bold gold shadow + purple liner}; and is super stunning for high-drama Girls' Night Out looks, but can also be adapted for the daytime hours {I myself have worn it for early-morning shopping dates}. Here are a few of my favorite products to Get the Look:
ONE: MAKE UP FOR EVER in Yellow Gold 10 {$20.00} TWO: Maybelline Pure Pigments in Wild Gold {$6.99} THREE: Lancome in 24 Karat {$19.00} FOUR: NARS in Corcovado {$24.00} FIVE: COVERGIRL in Gold Flame 330 {$5.94}
If you don't like a lot of fuss when it comes to makeup, you can't go wrong with MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyeshadow in Yellow Gold 10. It's crease resistant, so it looks just as fab at the end of the day as it did when you first applied. Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Loose Powder in Wild Gold is a must if you want hyper-pigmentation on a budget. Loose Powder is not something you frequently see in a drugstore brand; but it is a great addition to makeup drawers, as it is buildable and very easy to blend. Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in 24 Karat is the epitome of luxe, and worth every penny. The shimmer effect is intense {but not so much so that you can't wear it to the office}; and the texture is like velvet. Definitely one of those obsession-worthy products.
If you prefer shadow sticks, NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Corcovado is basically an essential. It's creamy, and brightens up your eyes in a total OMG way. One of my new loves, however, is COVERGIRL Flamed Out Eye Shadow Pencil in Gold Flame 330. The gel-like formulation is soft and creamy; and there's a cooling effect when applied that feels amazing. It doesn't hurt that it's insanely affordable either.
ONE: Urban Decay in Ransom {$6.00} TWO: Maybelline Pure Pigments in Potent Purple {$6.99} THREE: NYX in Purple Blaze {$8.00} FOUR: RIMMEL in Paranoid Purple {$4.49} FIVE: Mineral Essence in Purple Nebula {$12.00}
Urban Decay Vintage 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are like the holy grail of eyeliners because they never fade and go on super smoothly. Ransom is the perfect color for recreating this liner look as it is a bright iridescent purple that will fully complement the bold gold shadow. If you don't have a steady hand when applying pen/wand-style liners, Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Loose Powder in Potent Purple is a great solution for nailing your liner look - simply apply it with an eyeliner brush, which gives you a bit more control. My personal obsession is the NYX Slide On Eye Liner Pencil in Purple Blaze. I own these in about 15 colors, and cannot rave about them enough. The pigmentation is so amazing; and they never flake or fade {even if you, like me, wear them for 12+ hours a day}.
Double-duty beauty is always a nice feature; so if you want a liner that can work overtime as a shadow, RIMMEL ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in Paranoid Purple is fab. Use it as a liner one night, and create a smoky purple eye the next. Like the Maybelline Loose Powder, Mineral Essence Liner Shadow in Purple Nebula is an easy choice if applying liner isn't your forte. This one also has silver undertones / particles, so if you love an extra kick of shimmer, you'll adore it.
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Read
Part 1 and
Part 2 of this series.
5 beauty products I'm digging;
that you totally need to try for yourself. Trust.
{1} Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube - Original {$20.00} I apply this from upper lashline to eyebrow. It's fast-drying {so you can start applying liner and shadow within seconds}; sheer nude in color {so it works with all skintones}; and keeps my eyeshadow intact for 12+ hours. I honestly don't think I could survive without this product.
{2} L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude {$8.95} If you, like me, love nude lipstick, this is total bang for your buck. It's a pinky beige shade that doesn't give you that dead-girl-walking / chalky look; and is ridiculously moisturizing, hydrating, and creamy. Also pertinent...the L'Oreal imprint on the actual lipstick is so. luxe.
{3} Hard Candy Glamazon Glow All the Way Face & Body Luminizer in Bronze 318 {8.00} If you love a sunkissed glow all over your body {without having to slather yourself in self-tanner}, this is a must. Mix just a tiny bit with whatever product you want {lotion, highlighter, sunscreen...}, and rub it on to make your skin radiant. NOTE: There are shimmer particles in this; but they are not overly sparkly - just subtle and glamorously glowy.
{4} Nicole Richie 'Nicole' Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz. {$69.00} This is one of those fragrances that makes you feel feminine and works for all occasions - day or night. It perfectly balances sensuality, sophistication, and sweetness using a beautiful blend of vanilla, florals {Moroccan rose, lily of the valley}, and hints of fruit {blackberry, orange}. I especially love the traces of sandalwood and cashmere wood - they are so completely intoxicating - without being overpowering.
{5} mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette {$16.00} Don't let the candy colors deceive you; this is one of the most brilliant face palettes ever. Whether you use this all-over your face {like me}, or simply try it on your lips, lids, or cheekbones, you will be left with the most beautiful, just-kissed glow. What I love is how adaptable this palette is to all skintones and types - literally anyone can use it for a pinch of pretty.
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