Day 24 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Day 24 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Halloween She-Devil!  Before I even begin my discussion of today's makeup challenge, I have venting to do.  As I noted in yesterday's Halloween Angel challenge, for today I was going to tackle the devil costume, most often referred to as the 'she-devil.'  When considering the type of makeup I would do for a she-devil costume, I decided to do some research via a Google image search.  After browsing 18 pages of photos of various she-devil costumes, I came to the realization that most people pick the standard she-devil costume (i.e. sexy, vampy, seductress) and then seem to forget about the makeup!  Photo after photo, I was staring at the same makeup application: black eyeshadow with red lipstick or black eyeshadow with black lipstick.  Where is the creativity?!  What happened to the excruciating effort we all put into every detail of our costumes as children?  My opinion is this: if you're going to get dressed up for Halloween, you should go all the way.  Don't put on your costume and then take five seconds to put on boring makeup.  Your makeup is what truly finishes your costume!

With all this in mind, for today's challenge I decided to show my version of a makeup style that can really complete your she-devil costume.  Forget the standard look. and be creative!  Trust me - in a party full of girls dressed in she-devil costumes, the one that goes all the way with the makeup will be the one that people will remember!



What you will need:

• Clear primer (I used Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer)
  
• Tinted primer (Today I tried out Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant)
  
• Bronzer (I used Lancome Star Bronzer Cream-To-Powder Bronzing Veil in 01 Dorè)
  
• Red-orange cream blush (I used Make Up Forever Aqua Cream Waterproof Cream Color)
  
• Black kohl eyeliner (I used a fat black kohl pencil from Giella)
  
• Black inner rim eyeliner (I used my all-time favorite, POP Beauty In Liner in No 1 in Black)
  
• Red cream eyeshadow (I used the No. 017 Red color from the  Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case)
  
• Black eyeshadow (I used 'Statuesque' from the Lancome Color Design Eye Shadow Quad)
  
• Dark brown lip pencil (I used Sephora Lip Liner Pencil in No. 9171, a dark brown)
  
• Red glossy lipstick (I used Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-bomb)
  
• Sparkly red lip gloss (I used Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Cherry Bomb)
  

 Instructions:
For my she-devil look, I started as I did with yesterday's Halloween Angel challenge, a good moisturized base topped with Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer,  For today's look, however, the overall skin base was not as important to the final look, so I kept at the base simple.  I applied a tinted primer  to the entire face and neck area to even out my skin tone and add a bit of color.  I didn't need any concealer  for my eyes today since my makeup focus was on the eyes and would be covering up the dark circles anyway.

For today's color palette, I did decide to go with the black and red color combination.  As I noted, I decided that the main focus was going to be the eyes.  When I think about what a she-devil would look like, I picture a devil in a female human body.  To me, that devilish entity brings to mind sharp lines and stark contrast.  Essentially, I would categorize the look as severe.  With that in mind, I got started.

I began with contouring the cheekbones, but in a different way from the standard contouring I wear on a daily basis.  (Check out my Contouring Post for instructions on this)  After all, I wanted an exaggerated look.  Using acream bronzer , I worked the bronzer under my cheekbones from the hairline all away down to just under the apples of my cheeks.  I wanted to follow the cheekbones that far down to assist in increasing the sharp angle.  I also applied the bronzer slightly heavier than normal so that the color was more visible.  I then completed the contouring by working the bronzer around my jawline.  With the look I was going for, I did not use any highlighter in my contouring.  After all, I don't think that she-devils should glow like angels.  I then selected a fiery red-orange color for my blush, choosing a cream for its staying power.  Once again, however, my application of the blush varied from my daily blush look.  I applied the blush beginning at the temple and working it downward along the cheekbone in a straight line to the apples of the cheeks.  I wanted to avoid any softness with this look, so I did not apply the blush in circular motion on the apples of the cheeks as I typically would.  I kept the look of the sharp line of blush, but I did gently soften the edges by blending with my finger tips to avoid looking like I had stripes of war paint.

I then moved on to the main focus of my look, my eyes.  I started off by lining the inner rims of my eyes with black inner rim liner.  I then began on the key outer eye makeup using what I consider my mortal enemy: kohl liner.  In case you missed my first kohl liner experience, you can go back and read all about what occurred during the Bombshell Challenge.  Despite my misgivings, I chose to use the kohl liner for its richness and smudging capability.  I commenced my outlining starting at the outer corner of the eye, moving the eyeliner along the bottom lash line in a thick application.  However, instead of following the natural curve of the eye, when I reached the center of  the bottom eyelid, I continued my line straight towards the bridge of the nose, ending at the edge of my eye area.  Going back to the outer corner of the eye, I created a straight line moving from the corner upward towards the hairline.  This created a diagonal line from the inner eye out to the hairline.  I then lined the upper lashline and filled the eyelid in with the liner.  Opening my eyes, I could see a space from where the black color appeared on my upper eye to the outer diagonal line I had created.  Using this as my benchmark, I lined straight across from the open lid to meet the line, resulting in what looked like a triangle at the outer corner of the eye.  I filled this area in with the kohl liner as well.

Next, starting where I had left off my line for the bottom of the inner eye area, I created an arch by moving upward, following the side of the nose, to my eyebrows and above (creating a higher arched eyebrow), and then angling out to the hairline.  You will note with this line that, once I had reached the end of my natural eyebrow and moved toward the hairline, it ran parallel to the bottom line I had created.  I then filled in the triangular area created underneath the eye with the kohl pencil.  I then repeated the entire kohl lining process on the other eye.  When you reach this point, you might notice some unevenness between the two eyes.  Make any adjustments necessary so that the two eyes are as symmetrical as possible.  I highly recommend the use of Q-Tips to assist in cleaning up and adjusting lines you've already made.  To prevent the kohl liner from straying, I lightly topped all of the black liner with black eyeshadow to set it in place.  Now, if you're following along with me when you reach this point, you might begin to think you're looking like a mix between a superhero and a raccoon.  Stay with me! As you can see from the results above, it does work out!

To finish the eye look, I filled in the open area between all that black liner with a red cream eyeshadow.  For my selection, I chose to use Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case.  I highly recommend this palette, as it not only provides you with an array of vivid colors, but it also allows you mix the shades to create just about any color combination you could possibly imagine. To finish the eyes, you can opt for mascara if you would like, however I chose not to.  With all all of the eye makeup in place, it seemed that the mascara would just get lost in the shuffle anyway.

Moving onto the lips, I decided to use trick from my Exaggerated Pout Challenge to make my lips seem bigger.  Following the steps from that challenge, I lined and filled in my lips using a dark brown liner.  This step is, of course, optional.  However, I decided to go with a larger pout to coincide with the rest of my exaggerated makeup, as well as to highlight the overt sexiness that is associated with the she-devil costume.  I then applied Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-bomb, which is a beautiful deep red with a nice shine that's not overly glossy.  On top of the brown lip liner, the color becomes deep and rich.  To finish the look, I applied a  sparkly red lip gloss to the center of the top and bottom lips only.  This assists in making the lips look fuller while adding to touch of sexiness.

In addition to my makeup challenge instructions today, I also have an overall style tip for those she-devils out there: try pulling your hair into a severe high ponytail, flat ironing the tail to be straight as possible.  This once again plays with those sharp angles that I've been talking about, and highlights that severe look you're going for.  Think part dominatrix and part devil.

Now go out there and have fun! Show me your best she-devil looks, both past and present!  If you have a costume that you'll be wearing and want me to create a coordinating makeup look, want to share your Halloween makeup photos and tips, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try out via reply post, my Submit page above. or Email Me!
See you tomorrow for Day 25 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 23 of The Great Makeup Challenge

Day 23 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Halloween Angel!  Over the last week, almost everyone I've spoken with has mentioned that they will be attending a Halloween party.  Additionally, most of them have asked if I'm going to be doing any Halloween makeup on my blog.  Initially, I wasn't going to, but then I started thinking.  It seems that everyone debates and plans carefully for their perfect Halloween costume, but how good is the costume without makeup?  Without coordinating makeup, the costume can look disjointed or incomplete.  So, starting today through Halloween (October 31st), I will do different Halloween makeup ideas based on some of the most popular costumes.  With this challenge, however, I definitely need some help from you, my followers!  If you have a costume that you'll be wearing and want me to create a coordinating makeup look, write to me via reply post, ask via my Submit page above or Email Me!

For my first day of my Halloween challenge, I decided to start with an angelic look.  The angel costume is a traditional favorite, whether its the super sexy or demure version.  Regardless of the style of angel, most angelic costumes involve two  main elements: (1) the color white; and (2) something shimmery or glittery.  Using these two elements as my guidelines, I created my version of an angelic makeup look.


What you will need:

• Clear primer (I used Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer)
  
• Highlighting primer (I used Sephora's highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primer)
  
• Powder Highlighter (I used Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink)
  
• Cream Highlighter (I used Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Golden Pink)
  
• Foundation one to two shades lighter than your skin tone (I used Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer in light - see below for my explanation of why)
  
• Shimmery peach blush (I used Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Powders Collection Coralista blush)
  
• Shimmery white eyeshadow (I used Sephora Eyeshadow in No. 23 Aspen Summit)
  
• White or clear eyeshadow glitter (I used NYX Cosmetics Glitter Mania Eye Shadow in Crystal) 
  
• White eyeliner (I used Wet 'n' Wild Eyeliner in No. 656A White)
  
• Black Mascara (I used Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara)
  
• Clear or light gold lip gloss (I used Philosophy Lip Shine in Vanilla Birthday Cake)
  

Instructions:
First and foremost, no matter what makeup you will be wearing this year for Halloween, one of the most important things you need to do is getting your skin ready.  With such heavy applications of makeup that coincide with Halloween costumes, the last thing you need is to have it flake, peel, crack, etc.  To prevent this, I first recommend exfoliating your skin and lips a day or two prior to your event.  Second, the day of your event, I recommend opting for slightly heavier moisturizer to help prevent your skin flaking or drying out from the makeup.  Third, and I think most importantly, I recommend applying a really good face primer!  For today, I followed all of these recommendations.  For my primer, I opted to use Sephora Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer, a clear primer that glides on and smooths out your entire skins surface.  I've used it many times in the past, and I know that it helps makeup to go on smoothly, prevents creasing and flaking, and it helps the makeup to stay put all day!  I applied the primer to my entire face and neck.  I applied it to the neck because a lot of costume makeup does need to extend to the neck area so that it doesn't look like you're floating head.

Now, when I think of what an angelic face should look like, I think of skin that is pale and glowing.  Accordingly, I knew that my base for today would be very important.  To start, I recommend that you apply a foundation that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone, unless you already have pale skin.  For me, I didn't have any light foundations on hand, so I improvised.  I actually used a light concealer that I owned and didn't use anymore (due to the fact that I discovered the amazing power of Benefit Erase Paste).  I applied the concealer over my entire face and neck, including an application over my eyebrows and lips.  The entire goal was to create a 'white-out,' nullifying any color on my face and neck so that it was all one tone.  Since the concealer was a lighter shade, it helped to immediately lighten my entire skin tone, covering the pale element of the angelic look.

For the glowing element of the look, I began by applying Sephora's highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primer to the entire face and neck area.  I topped this with a dusting of the lighter shades in the  Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink palette.  Essentially, I applied this as if it was my powder, adding to the overall glow and also setting the base.  For my cheeks, I dabbed on a healthy dose of cream highlighter to the apples of the cheeks and along the cheekbones.  I then added an extremely light dusting of a shimmery peach blush to just the apples of the cheeks.  After all, I'm sure even angels blush.

When considering how I would design the makeup for an angelic look, I decided that the eyes should be the focal point of the look.  My vision was to create a 'mask' using white shadow.  Essentially, the goal was to apply eyeshadow in a shape à la the Zorro mask.  I began by lining the inner rims of my eyes with a  white eyeliner.  I then applied the white eyeliner to my eyebrows as if it was a brown liner.  My eyebrows are dark, so I had to apply the white eyeliner heavily.  The shade of your eyebrows will dictate how much or how little white eyeliner you actually have to apply to them.  The goal is to get them as white as possible.  I then finished up using the white eyeliner by applying it to my lips as if it were also a lip liner.

Next came the important part: the eyeshadow.  Using a shimmery white color, I swiped the eyeshadow across the entire eye area, from the inner corners across the lid and to and over the brow.  I then swept the eyeshadow under the eye, from the inner corner all the way out to the temple, forming one side of my 'mask.'  Next, I applied the eyeshadow across the bridge of the nose to the other eye, and repeated the look on the opposite side to complete the 'mask.'  I kept applying the eyeshadow until I reached the shape and color saturation that I was looking for.  Once I was satisfied, I applied a clear loose glitter eyeshadow over the entire 'mask' area.  Additionally, I dusted a light amount of the glitter eyeshadow over the rest of my face, down my neck, and on the top of my chest.  Don't be afraid to use the glitter!  After all, this is Halloween is just about the only day of the year that you are given a free pass to go makeup crazy without people thinking you've actually gone crazy!  To complete the eye look, I decided to add two coats of mascara to the top lashes only.  I found that this allowed my eyes to stand out a bit.  Of course, you can opt not to apply mascara, or even to apply a white mascara.  The choice is yours!

To finish my angelic look, I applied a light coat of shimmery gold lip gloss to white lined lips.  On a note, I used Philosophy Lip Shine in Vanilla Birthday Cake, which not only gave the  soft glow I was looking for, but it also really did taste like birthday cake!

Overall, I was quite happy with the end results of my angelic look.  Throw on a set of angel wings, and you're set!

Stay tuned for tomorrow, when I'm going to go in the opposite direction of today and take on some devilish make up.  In the interim, if you have a costume or Halloween theme idea that you want me to try out this week, write to me via reply post, ask via my Submit page above or Email Me!   I welcome the challenge!

Don't forget to share your Halloween makeup photos and tips, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try out via reply post, my Submit page above. or Email Me!

See you tomorrow for Day 24 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 22 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Day 22 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: I love olive! For today's look I decided to play with deeper green tones. My goal was to create a gradation of color across the eyelid starting with a shimmery gold-green tone and ending with a dark olive tone with a touch of shimmery black to the outer corner. A mixture of a dark green with a black can be really stunning on the eyes, and it offers up a different take on the smoky eye. Enjoy!


What you will need:

• Tinted primer(s) (I blended Sephora's sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers)
  
  
• Concealer (Benefit Erase Paste, of course!)
  
  
• Powder (I used Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation Powder in Medium Beige)
  
• Bronzer and highlighter (I used Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink for both)
  
  
• Warm, beige blush (I used Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in No. 14 Tempting Beige)
  
  
• Shimmery peach blush (I used Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Powders Collection Coralista blush)
  
  
• Shimmery gold-green cream eyeshadow (I used Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Cream Shadow in Going Green)
  
  
• Olive green eyeshadow (I used Estee Lauder Pure Color Eye Shadow in No. 44 Camouflage)
  
  
• Shimmery black eyeshadow (I used 'The New Black' from the Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad Palette in Smooth Hold)
  
  
• Black inner rim eyeliner (I used my all-time favorite, POP Beauty In Liner in No 1 in Black)
  
  
• Dark green eyeliner (I used in Styli-Style 24-Hour Power Line & Seal Waterproof Eyeliner in No. 122 Green/Black)
  
  
• Mascara (I used Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! on the top lashes and Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara in Very Black on the bottom lashes)
  
  
• Warm chocolate-colored lip color (I tried out Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in No. 9140 Mochalicious)

Instructions:
For my base, I again went with the tinted primer combination, mixing two Sephora primers(the sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers) to get that nice glow. I really wanted warm, glowing skin to offset the darker colors I was using for the eyes. I applied concealer under my eyes and set with a loose dusting of powder. You may have noticed my recent obsession with warm skin. I live in an area where the Fall season triggers the start of pale, sickly skin. As the sun goes away and winter sets, I lose that nice warm glow I picked up during the summer. This year, I'm not ready to let it go just yet, so I'm using my makeup to warm up my complexion instead. To do just that, I used one of my favorite bronzer and highlighter combination palettes yet again. I applied light dusting of the darker shades of the palette across my entire face and down the neck, and then worked the color into the hollows of my cheeks and along the bottom of the jawline for definition. I finished with a sweep of the lighter shades up the tops of the cheekbones to the temples to complete the contouring look. I then applied my favorite beige blush on the apples of the cheeks, and topped it with a shimmery peach blush.

Moving on to the eyes, I began by applying Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Cream Shadow in Going Green, a shimmery gold-green color, to the entire eye area. I smoothed it on the eyelid, in the inner corner, and up along the brow bone. Next, using a pretty olive eyeshadow, I began by applying a very light dusting from the inner corner of the eyelid, increasing the amount of color (a.k.a. a thicker application of shadow) as I worked my way across the lid to the outer corner of the eye. I then worked the shadow into the crease, starting at the inner corner and working along the angle of the crease, moving upward from the center of the eye to extend the color outward to just past the outer corner of the eye, angling back in and filling in the center. I then added just a touch of the shimmery black shadow to the outer corner of the eyelid, arcing around the corner, and adding a small touch to the very outer lower lash line. I lined the inner rims of both eyes with black inner rim liner, and then lined along the lash line around the entire eye with a dark greenish-blck eyeliner. I finished the eyes with two coats of Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! on the top lashes and one coat of Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara in Very Black on the bottom lashes.

Finally, for my lips I decided to continue my exploration of brown lipsticks. Today I tried out a pretty warm chocolate color (Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in No. 9140 Mochalicious), and I was quite pleased with the results!

Share what you try out and send me photos! And remember, if you have any questions about colors or products, ask away via my Submit page above or Email Me!

See you tomorrow for Day 23 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 21 of The Great Makeup Challenge

Day 21 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: It's Time for Follower Friday!  Yes, it's Follower Friday again, and as promised, we're going to go back to visit with our friend Michelle M. from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. As you may recall, Michelle submitted the following question:

"I love seeing color used in makeup... like completely unexpected color... but, I guess I feel like I need a way to ease into it, to use stand-out color but not have a wild looking face. Is there a way to use bold colors that look somewhat natural?"


Last week on Follower Friday, I addressed part of Michelle's question, which how to start wearing color if you are someone who typically wears either no makeup or natural makeup.  After all, this is a problem that most people I talk to have: they are scared of trying something new, or just unsure of how to do so.  Check out last week's Follower Friday post for few tips on how to get over that fear.


Today, I'm going to address the second part of Michelle's question by exploring varying ways to use bold, unexpected colors without looking like you stepped out of the circus.  I'm going to take the approach from a natural look and add a pop of bold, unexpected color.  There are a few different ways that you can do this.  I will demonstrate one really simple way to ease into it.  However, I'm also going to give you some tips on different ways you can integrate integrate varying pops of color into your look.  Of course, remember if you have any questions about this topic or any others, submit your questions the via my Submit page above or Email Me, and I’ll be glad to answer.  Now let's get down to business for today's Follower Friday question!


What you will need:

• Tinted primer (Today I blended Sephora's sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers)
  
  
• Concealer (Benefit Erase Paste, of course!)
  
  
• Powder (I went with Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder in Light again today, as I was quite impressed with yesterday's results)
  
• Bronzer and highlighter (I used Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink for both)
  
  
• Warm, beige blush (I used Chanel’s Joues Contraste Powder Blush in No. 14 Tempting Beige)
  
  
• Rosy pink blush (I used Lancome Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush in Rose Romantique)
  
  
• A matte warm ivory shade and a shimmery bronze shade (I used Heaven and Push-Up, respectively, from the Too Faced Naked Eye palette)
  
  
• (Optional) Black inner rim eyeliner (I used my all-time favorite, POP Beauty In Liner in No 1 in Black)
  
  
• Bright eyeliner(s) (Today I chose two colors from the Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof line: Flashy Green and Flashy Mauve)
  
  
• Mascara (I used Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara)
  
  
• (Optional) bright coral lip color (I tried out  Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in No. 909D, Coral-ine)

 
Instructions:
First, for my base I started with a tinted primer combination I've used before, a mix of two great Sephora primers(the sheer glow and highlighting Base Sublimatrice Primers). The combination provides a smooth, even base, and it gives your skin a bit of warmth and a natural looking glow.  This base can really be key when you're opting for a natural makeup look.  I then proceeded with my standard application of concealer under my eyes to cover up my under eye circles.  As you may have noticed, this is a daily step in my makeup routine.  Of course, whenever I reference this step, I realize that not everyone is going to need to do it.  However, you can use this step to apply concealer to any imperfections you may want to cover up, such as dark spots, acne, rosacea, etc.  Keep in mind that concealer can be a woman's best friend!

Next, I applied a light dusting of the Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder that I had tried out yesterday.  I am becoming a fan of this powder , as it provides a nice even coverage and really helps to set any base you put on beforehand.  Also, and this is a big benefit for me, it really helps to control shine that may occur from my skin's oil production throughout the day.  The added bonus?  It doesn't dry my skin out in the process.  I recommend you give it a try!  Sephora usually has free samples to try out, as I did, so it won't hurt your wallet to do so!

Moving on, I really like a natural look to have a lot of warmth.  Not only does it help prevent you from looking sickly, it also serves as a great backdrop for our bright pop of color.  I went once again with the Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder set.  I started by applying a light dusting of the darker shades of the palette across my entire face and down the neck to provide an overall warm up of my complexion.  I followed this by applying those darker shades into the hollows of my cheeks and along the bottom of the jawline for definition.  Then I applied the lighter shades of the palette along the tops of the cheekbones upward to the temples.  You may note that I've used this product quite a bit.  For anybody out there who's starting to use makeup (or even those who are product junkies like me), this palette is a really good option to add to your makeup toolkit.  It contains both bronzing colors and highlighting colors in complementary shades all in one palette.  The best part?  It's only $2.99 (U.S.) at your local drug store!

For my blush, I opted to again utilize Chanel’s Tempting Beige Powder Blush on the apples of the cheeks.  However, I then topped that with Lancome Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush in Rose Romantique.  This not only gave me a warm glow, but that pretty rosy color on top gave a soft natural flush.  I've mentioned this before, but I can't say it enough: don't be afraid to mix blush colors!  After all, most blush colors aren't going to be a perfect match for your skin tone or the right tone for your makeup look for the day.  It's okay to mix, I promise!

For my eyeshadow, I opted to use the Too Faced Naked Eye palette from the Eye Love Exclusive Eyeshadow Collection.  The Naked Eye palette is comprised of Heaven, a matte warm ivory shade, and Push-Up, a shimmery bronze shade.  I highly recommend the entire Too Faced Eye Love Exclusive Eyeshadow Collection for anyone who is unsure of the best way to mix eyeshadows.  Not only does only does the palette come with complementary colors for ease of matching, it also comes with easy step-by-step instructions on different ways you can apply those eyeshadows!  For my own application today, I applied Heaven starting at the inner corner of the eye, sweeping it upward along the brown bone, and then on the inner half of the eye lid.  I then blended Push-Up into the crease, onto the outer half of the eyelid, and around the outer corner of the eye, including a small portion of the bottom lash line.  Next, lined the inner rims of my eyes with my favorite black inner rim liner.  You can opt to skip this step if you prefer, but I really like the contrast and definition that it provides.

Now to get down to business: how to work in that unexpected pop of color.  The recommendations I'm about to give you leave room for a lot of variations.  You can choose to go with whatever color or color combinations you would prefer.  I decided to start off with the simplest way to add a pop of color without going over the top.  All you need to do is find one bright eyeliner.  Find a color in an eyeliner that you typically wouldn't wear.  By this I mean no black, brown, or grey.  Step out of your comfort zone.  Choose something with a little OOMPH!  For my own application today, I started with colors that I thought might be easy for you, my dear follower, Michelle M., to start off with.  I selected Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Green.  I used this to line my top lash line and subtly around the outer corners of the eyes.  You can stop there or keep lining all the way around the eyes.  This really is about your comfort zone when you are first experimenting with color.  Another option is to take a complementary color and line the bottom lash line.  I opted to do that using Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Mauve.  I also lined the inner corners with the Flashy Mauve color since it's a light, bright color, helping to open up the eyes.  Now, when you look at the photos above, you might notice that this simple eyeliner application adds a little something, but it isn't anything wild (especially for the kind of makeup I adore!).  However, the simple addition of a bright eyeliner to an otherwise natural palette is a quick and easy way to add just the right amount of unexpected color.  As your comfort zone grows, you can opt for wilder colors for your eyeliner.  You can use hot pink, bright blue, orange, red, etc.  The sky is the limit!

I finished my eye look with two coats of Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara to the top lashes and one coat the bottom.  You may notice that I've opted for waterproof eyeliner and mascara today.  Truth is, I'm going for a massage this morning!  For anyone who has gone for massage, you know that you have to put your face in cradle while your back is being worked on.  If you've gone in for that nice, relaxing massage with makeup that isn't waterproof or smudge-proof, you have probably stood up to have one of my past experiences: raccoon eyes!  So when going for a massage, take my advice: go waterproof!

As I noted earlier, I want to discuss other variations for adding an unexpected pop of color.  Going back to the eyes, one option is to add a vivid, unexpected eyeshadow color of your choice to the eyelid only.  Don't extend the shadow any further than the eyelid.  When your eyes are open, there will be just a slight hint of color, but when you close your eyes (or just look down), there's a fantastic 'WOW' moment as the full color is revealed.  Don't be afraid to try a variety of colors in varying shades.  For instance, a bright yellow can be completely unexpected and gorgeous.  Don't be afraid to be daring with your color choice, and remember that even within your color selection the actual shade can vary from deep, rich color to bright electric hues.  Experiment!  The more you try out these bright bursts of color, the more you're going to realize just how much you love it!

Going back to my look today, I needed something for my lips to complete my look.  This presents another opportunity for you to use a bright unexpected pop of color.  You can choose to keep your eye makeup in a natural palette and opt for your pop of color to be your lip color.  Of course, lip colors can vary from electric pigments to bright corals to great shades of red, pink, purple, or even orange.  My Day 17 post demonstrates that an orange lip can actually be completely stunning!  Once again, don't be afraid to experiment!

Also, remember that if you opt to go with the bright lip color, eyeshadow, or eyeliner, the less you apply, the lighter the pop of color.  Of course, that means that the more you apply, the brighter the pop of color.  So you really are in control of how vivid that pop of color is going to be.  If you need to start light, go ahead.  Just don't be afraid to take risks and just go for it!

For my lipstick today, I tried out another new one for me, Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Coral-ine.  I instantly became a big fan of this color.  I layered on a few coats because I love a strong lip.  The shade of this color will actually be very flattering on almost all skin tones.  Extra bonus?  It only costs about 99 cents at your local drug store.  If you want to try out a pop of color on your lips, this may be a great option for you.  Add a little or add a lot, whatever you're comfortable with.

So, Michelle M., I hope I gave you some ideas on how to add a bright, unexpected pop of color to your daily natural makeup routine!  I also hope others out there also get some inspiration!  Now you know what I'm going to say next: I want to see you try it out!  Try it!  Love it!  I promise you can do it!  Once you do, I want you to share with me.  Share what you try out and send me photos!  And remember, if you have any questions about colors or products, ask away via my Submit page above or Email Me!

See you tomorrow for Day 22 of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.

Day 20 of The Great Makeup Challenge

Day 20 of 365 of The Great Makeup Challenge: Rusted!  Okay, so I know that I've been lecturing about using pops of color to break up the monotone colors typically associated with Fall.  However, there are those of us who may want to work with the earthy Fall tones.  So for my challenge today, I wanted to come up with a palette based on those nice rusted hues we see so often in Fall.

What you will need:

• Makeup primer (Today I used Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup )
  
• Foundation (I used Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 in No. 12 Desert Beige )
  
• Concealer (Benefit Erase Paste reigns supreme)
  
• Powder (Today I tried out Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder in Light )
  
• Bronzer and highlighter (I used Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink for both)
  
• Warm, beige blush (I used Chanel’s Joues Contraste Powder Blush in No. 14 Tempting Beige)
  
• Eyeshadow duo (or separate colors) containing a shimmery tan/nude and a dark brown (I used Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in No. 01 Saturn )
  
• Rust-colored eyeshadow (I used Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics eyeshadow in Rustic)
  
• Brown inner rim eyeliner (I used Tarte emphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Pencil in Brown)
  
• Copper-colored eyeliner (I used Estée Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in No. 03 Copper Writer )
  
• Shimmery gold eyeliner (I used the Unicorno shade from the tokidoki Brillante Glitter Eyeliner Set)
  
• Mascara (I used Chanel Inimitable Multi-Dimensional Mascara in No. 10 Noir on the top lashes and  Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara in Black on the bottom lashes)
  
• Pink lip stain (I tried out Wet n Wild Wild Shine Lip Laquer in Flirtatious )

 
Instructions:

To start my look, I began by applying a  makeup primer.  I highly recommend Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup face primer.  You apply the  primer and allow it to set for two minutes before applying the rest of your makeup.  The product goes on clear, but it helps any foundation and makeup you apply afterwards to go on smoothly and stay put.  Once my primer set, I applied a light coat of foundation, followed by concealer under my eyes and a light dusting of powder to set the base. 

To stick with my theme of a warm rusted look for Fall, I used Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink to bronze and highlight.  I used the darker shades of the palette to warm up my complexion by applying a light dusting over my entire face, along the jawline, and down my neck.  I then used the same shades in the hollows of my cheeks for contouring, followed by highlighting the tops of my cheekbones with the lighter shades in the palette.  I finished my base by applying the pretty warm beige  blush (courtesy of Chanel) to the apples of my cheeks. 

Next, I started work on my eyes, beginning with lining the inner rims with Tarte emphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Pencil in a dark brown shade.  However, I must note that this pencil was not easy to apply (it did not go on smoothly, and barely deposited any color).  I actually had to apply multiple coats, and it still did not reach the color that I wanted.  As you can guess, I am not a big fan of this one.  Luckily, the rest of my eye makeup went smoothly. 

For my eyeshadow, I once again opted for an eyeshadow duo that contained a shimmery tan color and a dark brown color in one.  I began by applying the shimmery  tan color to the inner corners, guiding it up along the brow bone towards the outer eye.  I then applied the rust color eyeshadow to the entire eyelid.  I then worked the dark  brown color into the crease, and, following the angle of the crease upward from the center of the eye, I extended the dark brown color up above the crease outward to just past the outer corner of the eye, angling back in and filling in the center.  Next, I lined my eyes all the way around with a pretty  copper eyeliner, gently smudging it after application.  I finished lining the eyes by applying a shimmery gold eyeliner to the inner corners of the eyes for for a pretty touch of sparkle.  I finished my eye makeup with two coats of Chanel Inimitable Multi-Dimensional Mascara on the top lashes and one coat of Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara to the bottom lashes.

I finished off my entire rusted look by trying to new lipstick shade.  I used Wet n Wild Wild Shine Lip Laquer in Flirtatious.  It's a toasted coffee color, and it's very different from what I usually wear.  In fact, I've never really worn any lipsticks in brown tones.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by the color, and I've decided I need to try other brown-tones lipstick!  Stay tuned!

Show me your favorite Fall natural look!  Share your photos and experiences, and show me some of your makeup skills!  Post your photos, ask any questions you may have, or share any ideas you want me to try our via reply post or Email Me!

See you tomorrow for Day 21 (FOLLOWER FRIDAY!) of The Great Makeup Challenge!

Note: All products I recommended above are available from Sephora, Ulta, your local department store, your local drug store, or through Amazon.com.