subtle smoky eye

if you've ever read this blog before, you know that i'm more about the statement lip than i am the statement eye. to me, it's so much more comfortable to do neutral eyes and slap on a bright lipstick. but i was in an experimental mood last saturday night, and decided to try a not-too-dramatic smoky eye. i thought the result was appropriate for a lingerie shower:

i first applied wet 'n wild's idol eyes creme shadow stick in "techno" all over my lid. then i brushed on a layer of maybelline's shadow quad in "natural smokes." i liked how the purple still kind of came through.... 

the purple shade, "techno", is the one i used

 

on top, i layered the top left shade, the one labeled "lid"

by the way, i just figured out this weekend that if i curl my hair with a curling iron, and then hairspray it upside down, it turns out awesome like in the first picture. i really should do that more often, but i'm just so gosh darn lazy (about hair. about makeup, not so much).

holy grail lip product: maybelline moisture extreme lipstick in "rum raisin"

i mentioned this lipstick in my new faves post last week. i seriously can't rave enough about it. i bought it on a 40% maybelline sale at rite aid (i think in november??), mostly just on a whim. But at first swipe, I knew it was a keeper. It's somehow everything I want in one package- sheer to medium color that can be applied without a mirror, feels like a balm, goes with any eye makeup look, and brightens my face up instantly. see for yourself:

so easy, and yet so pretty! you can tell more in the second picture that it's not an opaque, creamy finish. it's more gel/balm-like, which is awesome. it somehow makes my cheeks look flushed and my eyes sparkle. that should really be the test of a fabulous lipstick-

1. does it make your cheeks look flushed?

2. does it make your eyes bright and sparkly?

3. can you apply it with ease?

4. do you have 4+ back-ups of it in various purses, drawers, or places around your house?

then it's a holy grail lipstick :). no but seriously, i do have several back-ups.... i spotted these moisture extreme lipsticks on clearance at walgreens around thanksgiving time, and had a panic attack, thinking that they were being discontinued. so i bought like 3 tubes for myself (they were between 2 and 3 dollars, but still....). oh, and also a couple for my mom.... and my sister.... and my cousin :S. and you know what?? they all love it too! of course it helps that we all have the exact same coloring, but still. it's fabulous!

 

maybelline used to have a huge color selection of these lipsticks, but they've discontinued all but about 10. the amazing "rum raisin" is among them. although i think walgreens is phasing them out to make room for new products this january, they're still sold at target and walmart (and online, of course!). so for now, i'm safe!

today's face is brought to you by some new faves!

(i tried to post this yesterday, but blogger was being moody.... sorry)

this is what my face looked like yesterday:

face:

maybelline dream smooth foundation

maybelline dream mousse concealer (under eyes)

maybelline superstay concealer (under eyes)

covergirl cheekers blush in "classic pink"

wet 'n wild natural blend pressed powder

eyes:

maybelline define-a-line eyeliner in "chestnut brown"

wet 'n wild color icon eyeshadow trio in "walking on eggshells"

maybelline great lash mascara in "blackest black"

maybelline define-a-brow eyebrow pencil in "light blonde"

lips:

e.l.f. luscious liquid lipstick in "cherry tart"

this is a really basic, subtle look that i imagine would be appropriate anywhere. it's all about brightening up the eyes, but still looking natural. i LOVE the chestnut brown eyeliner. this maybelline liner has quickly become my favorite, and not just because the packaging is lime green! it goes on soooo smoooooth. plus that medium brown color is just great. somehow it makes my eyes look more blue than green, like black or brown-black liner usually goes. in this look, i lined my eyes all the way around, but it still looks natural and bright-eyed! because this liner goes on so smoothly, it only lasts about half a day before disappearing, but having to touch it up once a day isn't a big deal to me, i still love it!

ok, on to another favorite product. this wet 'n wild eyeshadow is super pigmented and smooth. plus is never. creases. ever. isn't that incredible for a $3 eyeshadow? i never would've tried it if i haven't read glowing reviews online. the pink shade (the very lowest one) is great for a wash on your eyelid. it reminds me of pink satin ballet slippers because of its shimmery finish. the brown shade is perfect for shading your crease. i've been using this for a lot of my looks, even without the pink shade.

here i have the pink shade on my lid, and the brown blended into the outside corners and crease.

even without a flash, look how glowy and pretty it is!

i've been doing this eye look a lot lately, either when i look really tired, or when i just want something subtle that pairs wear with any kind of bright lipstick! i've yet to try a lipstick that clashes with this eye makeup.

enjoy! more looks coming, i promise!