Two Basic Ways To Shape Your Eye With Eye Shadows

As much as I know about eye makeup until now, there are two basic ways you can shape your eyes with eye shadows regardless of your eye shape. One method of eye shadow application makes your eyes more almond-like, more elongated while the other method of application makes them appear more rounded.

While it's good practice to follow your natural eye shape for makeup application and enhance their shape but that may not be the desired result at times. You may have round eyes and wish for more elongation or you may have elongated eyes and want more rounded effect. There is a way of doing that with eye shadows.

Use three matte shades for this purpose, although you may use shimmers as well but just for the sake of explanation we will stick to three basic matte shades. A creamy beige shadow, a medium warm brown and a darker slightly ashier brown.

Eye Shadow Application For Elongated Effect:

Start with the medium warm brown shadow applied all over your lids blended up to your socket. Add more and blend if you want more intensity. Now with the darker ashier brown shadow apply it all along your lash line (do not go too far up on the lids) and in a triangular shape in the outer corners, again not going our of your natural lid space. Blend the shadow applied along the lash line slightly upwards and that applied in the outer corners slightly inwards and into the socket. Repeat this process to get desired intensity and depth. Use the medium warmer brown shadow on your lower lash line and blend. Apply the darker ashier brown only on the outside 1/3 section of your lower lash line and blend inwards into the medium brown shadow. Use the creamy beige shadow on the higher points of your brow bone for a highlighted effect.

Eye Shadow Application For Rounded Effect:

Again start with the medium warm brown shadow and apply it all over your lids blended up to the socket. Add more and blend in the same way for more intensity. With the darker ashier brown apply it all along your lash line and up on to the lids without going out of your natural lid space, stopping slightly below the socket bone and blend it to remove any harsh lines. Doing so will impart depth to the lids while letting the medium brown shadow still showing through in your socket bone. Apply the medium warmer brown shadow all along your lower lash line and blend. Apply the darker ashier brown closer to your lower lash liner and blend slightly downwards into the warmer medium brown for a seamless gradient. Apply the creamy beige highlight on the higher points of your brow bone for a highlighted effect.

This method of application can be adapted with any type of shadows you want to use. Though both methods of application give you a smokey eye, you may notice that the eye shadow application that results in a rounded shape may look slightly smokier than the other but that just depends on perspective and certainly does not mean you cannot achieve a fierce smokey eye with the elongated effect, you most definitely can. Note, however, I have explained both methods of application while staying within the natural space of your eye lids and socket bones. Blending the shadows up and out for a more cat eye or extended eye shape is something you would do after this basic application.

If you have any more questions regarding this post feel free to type them in the comments under and I will answer to the best of my knowledge.

Love,

Fizzah

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog edited by its owners and the opinions expressed here belong solely to its owner's. For questions and queries please email at thepoutpainter@gmail.com

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How To: Colored Eye Shadow For Beginners

Hey guys! This is the first post in our brand new “How To” series in which we will be imparting tips and tricks from our burgeoning wealth of knowledge about makeup application and beauty. I hope you guys will enjoy following this series as much as we do making it.

Today’s post is all about the dreaded colored eye shadow which most people have a love-hate relationship with. You see Instagram overflowing with genius creations using colors but your attempts usually end in disaster. It’s okay. We have all been there.

I have a huge thing for colored eye shadows and eyeliners so I have learnt a thing or two about how to make them work. Different colors enhance your eyes depending on your natural or artificial eye color. A colored lid balanced with neutrals, however, works for everyone.

So, my aim is to show how you can achieve exactly that.

How To Do It?

Step 1: Prime Your Eyes

This will get rid of discoloration, give your shadows something to stick on and give you a smooth canvas to work it so make sure it is evenly applied. I applied Makeup Revolution Focus and Fix Eye Primer in Matte. Oily eyelids benefit from a dusting of translucent powder on top.

Step 2: Highlight Brow Bone

Always use a matte cream shade, like Glory from Makeup Academy’s Smokin Palette, to highlight your brow bone to prevent it from looking cheap and getting shimmer all over the place. I also used the same shade on my inner corner for now with a flat shader brush from Colorstudio Pro.

Step 3: Apply A Transition Shade

This is the shade between your lid and brow bone so it’s called the transition shade, which allows easy blending of the deeper crease color. I used Shade 5, a mid tone medium matte, brown from Makeup Academy’s Undressed Palette. You can also use a matte bronzer. Anything you put in your crease MUST be matte because we want that area to recede not sparkle. Use a fluffy blending brush like Morphe MB23 to disperse the pigment evenly.

Step 4: Apply Colored Lid Shade

Pack on your preferred lid color such as jewel tones like Unleash from Makeup Academy Smokin Palette, using a firm shader like Sigma E57. Keep this on your mobile lid or it will transfer all over your crease. (Tip: Your mobile lid is the part of your eye lid you can see with your eyes open from the front)

Step 5:  Deepen Your Crease

If you already have deep set eyes, then you might want to skip this step or apply this dark chocolate shade, like White from Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette, only on the outer 1/3 of your crease. If you have hooded eyes, then you can take it midway to your crease and blend it out thoroughly.

Step 6: Tight-line And Kohl Application

Tightline between your upper lashes with a black pencil, like Luscious Cream Kohl in Black Onyx , and apply it to your waterline too if you wish. Make sure not to go too far on your lower lash line and if you do, just clean it up with a cotton swab.

Step 7: Smudge Lower Lash Line And Apply Eyeliner

Never ever leave your kohl as it is: Always smudge it with a dark shadow like the same one I used in step 4 to deepen the crease: White from Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette. I used the Sigma E30 Pencil brush for this purpose. I don’t recommend a winged liner or even a dramatic one here because that will totally steal the focus from the colored lid. Either a very thin basic eye liner or a smoked one, like I did, works well. Alternatively, you could skip eyeliner altogether and just go for a pair of false lashes.

Step 8: Highlight The Inner Corner

If you are happy with a matte inner corner that’s fine but if you want to open up your eyes a bit more then put a cream shimmer, like Adorable from Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette. I used the sponge tip applicator that comes with it. You can use any small brush or even your pinkie.

Step 9: Apply Mascara

We all need some mascara to give our lashes some life. My current favorite is Essence I Like Long Lashes Volume and Length mascara which is excellent for long, defined, clump free lashes.

Step 10: Clean-Up & Conceal

 

There is always fallout so I never neglect using a cleanser to wipe it off and prefer to do my eyes before my face. Put on your favorite concealer and voila! You are done!

To show you that this same tutorial can be used with other colors I have done an EOTD with Icon from Makeup Academy Smokin Palette on my lid.

Here are some lip and cheek combos that keep colored lids in focus.

Remember your colored eye lids take center stage and nothing else on your face should compete with them including your brows so dramatic brows are a big no no here. When your lids are in the pink/plum/red category, go for a warm nude pink lip like Essence Stay Matt lip cream in Velvet Rose. A more purple/ violet eye lid calls for something a more mauve-y plum-y nude like Bell lipstick 161. My other picks are Colorstudio Pro Color Rush lipstick- Desire and Essence XXXL Long lasting lip gloss - Soft Nude.

For cheeks, I prefer cream blushes. Eyelids are in the pink/plum/red territory get Colourpop Super shock cheek in Cruel Intentions (A reddish berry pink). I like a bubblegum pink, like Sleek Blush by 3-Lemonade in Macaroon, for purple/ violet eyes. A rosy nude blush like Inglot Cream Blush 94 works perfectly for all other colors.

Now I hope you won’t be so afraid to try some color on your eyes. Feel free to ask any questions and I look forward to your active participation in our new “How To” series.

Love,

Sadaf

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog edited by its owners and the opinions expressed here belong solely to its owner's. For questions and queries please email at thepoutpainter@gmail.com

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Essence Summer Collection 2015 – Swatches & Review

Hey guys! Every summer we have fabulous trends to try out with some great new product releases. Essence always comes up with unique ideas to make our summer more colourful and they did not disappoint this year either. I was delighted to receive a lovely PR package from Essence Pakistan earlier this season. It contained amazing products from their new summer collection. There was a mono eye shade, blush, nude nail polish and a gel top coat. I will be reviewing them all together in this post so are you ready? Let’s get started!

Essence Silky Touch Blush-90 “Summer Dreaming”

Product Claims

A fresh complexion is essential for perfect style! You can set gorgeous, natural-looking highlights in soft as well as brighter shades on your cheeks with this silky-soft blush.

What Do I Think?

Now, I happen to have a blush (Adorable) from this range already and love it to bits. Summer Dreaming is a light coral colour with an almost neon quality to it. Although it looks quite light, there was no lack of pigmentation. It seemed like something that would only suit pale to far skin tones when I swatched it on my arm. However, on my cheeks, it presented an entirely different story. The colour just popped on my face screaming summer even when used lightly. You can easily build it up to the desired intensity. The blending is wonderful and the lasting power more so. On my combination skin it was still fresh after 5-6 hours in hot humid weather. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the micro shimmer just adds to its cuteness and summery appeal. I experienced no fallout in the pan or during application. I found the packaging to be very sturdy and pocket friendly plus I loved the swirly embossed, pattern which is not easily ruined. In my opinion, 5 g of shimmery coral goodness at this price is a really sweet deal!

Price

PKR 470

Pros

Richly pigmented

Dreamy blending

Micro shimmer gives soft glow

No fallout

Great lasting power

Travel friendly packaging

Affordable

Cons

None

My Rating

5/5

Mono Eye Shadow - 15 "Hazel Me Not!"

Product Claims

The soft powder eye shadows are easy to apply and blend for long-lasting results. The texture feels wonderfully pleasant on your lids and has a cool wave embossment. Different colours and effects ranging from matt to shimmering to slightly metallic give you lots of choice and ensure the perfect eye make-up for every occasion.

What Do I Think?

I have tried a few mono shades from Essence before and my experience has been good so far. Hazel Me Not! reminds me of my favourite hazelnut flavoured coffee so the name does describe the shade quite well. It is a pale milky brown colour which is best seen on my lid in the EOTD above. On my neutral fair skin, it serves as a gorgeous nude for a no makeup look. I don’t think it will show up very well as a lid shade on medium to dark skin tones. However, it may be blended in the crease as a transition colour especially for neutral looks. There is no apparent shimmer but for some reason, I believe this is satin and not matte. The texture is unbelievably soft with effortless blending and zero fallout. It just happens to be a pale shade but it does not disappoint in the pigmentation department. I have worn this twice on my lids during the monsoon. It creased around 4-5 hours after application in extreme heat and humidity. The second time, it stayed put even after 5-6 hours. It will only crease quickly in extreme weather if you don’t have oily lids. It was worn over my current favourite matte eye primer from Makeup Revolution. The packaging is clear sturdy plastic with a flat top, which is easy to store and carry around. I hope they keep the flat top design because I find the dome shaped ones take too much space.

Price

PKR 280

Pros

Decent pigmentation

Good lasting power

Superb blending and texture

Pocket friendly

Easily stored

Affordable

Cons

None

My Rating

5/5

I Love TRENDS Nail Polish The Nudes - 05 "Pure Soul"

Product Claims

Only nude… is sure to make the hearts of all nail polish fans beat faster this season! The I ♥ TRENDS nail polishes cover your nails in light nude shades. The selection of different colours and effects is huge. The long-lasting formula ensures permanently pampered nails.

What Do I Think?

First of all, what a beautiful name for a beautiful shade! This is a pearl white colour with stunning fine pastel multi-coloured shimmer. The packaging is compact not to mention, adorable. I am not a nail polish gal because I just don’t have the patience to learn the skill of nail painting. I am trying to polish my skills *pun intended* but that will take time. I apologize for my lacquer application which is, in the words of Simon Cowell, “Absolutely horrendous!” Since I am a complete klutz in this area, I was expecting it to be really hard. After trying on other brands and failing miserably, I realized this applicator and formula is close to perfect. The density of the brush and its flat shape made it easy to apply a single coat in just three strokes per nail. I thought the formula was too thin at first but it went opaque in only two coats. Two to three minutes was the maximum time for each coat to dry. I did not wear it for more two days but the quality was apparent. It was not difficult to remove but it didn’t chip easily either. If you are a beginner, love nude nail polishes or looking for a festive touch with a subtle base, this is for you.

Price

PKR 335

Pros

Quick drying

Goes opaque in two coats

Good lasting power

User friendly applicator

Cute sturdy packaging

Affordable

Cons

None

My Rating

5/5

The Gel Nail Polish Top Coat

Product Claims

The revolution in nails – easy like nail polish, amazing like gel! The innovative base coat and top coat formula improves the durability of the “gel nail polish” by 60 percent! The nails are given an extreme, long-lasting gel-shine finish without the need for an LED or UV lamp. Simply apply the gel nail polish base coat and let it dry completely. Then apply the gel nail polish in the colour of your choice and let this dry well, too. For a perfect finish, all you need now is a coat of the gel nail polish top coat – and you’re done! The nail style is easy to remove using conventional nail polish remover.

What Do I Think?

Since, I don’t have any sense about using base or top nail coats, I simply applied this one over the nude one as you can see. I was surprised at how the shimmer became twice as prominent with this clear gel finish. Drying did not take more than two to three minutes with a thin coat. The lasting power was definitely increased as it formed a sort of protective shield over the original nail polish. The formula was slightly problematic for me as it felt like very thin glue with its gel-like consistency. If you are not careful about spilling the product around the neck, then crusts may be formed. However, those are easily removed and don’t cause too much trouble. The applicator was similar to the nude nail polish so I had no complaints about it. If you wish to transform your regular nail colours into gel ones then this is a good option.

Price

PKR 470

Pros

Gives a brilliant shiny gel finish

Increases longevity of original nail paint

User friendly applicator

Attractive packaging

Cons

Formula maybe hard to apply

May dry to form crust around the neck

My Rating

4/5

So, these were my thoughts on the items from the latest Essence summer collection 2015. You can get your hands on this range from any store with an Essence Kiosk.

Have your tried any new products from this range?

Love,

Sadaf

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog edited by its owners and the opinions expressed here belong solely to its owner's. For questions and queries please email at thepoutpainter@gmail.com

PR sample(s) for consideration. This, however, has not affected our sincere opinions as our loyalty is to the readers. For further details, check our Blog Policy.

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