Everyday make-up for brown eyes

I am loving these cooler temps (finally) but am really missing my summer glow.  I feel so pale right now.  I just picked up the new Naked3 and so far, I love it.  There are a couple colors that are heavy on the glitter but there are plenty of options that are good to go.  The far right colors are similar to Naked2 but all the new ones give even more options than before.

Here are my go-to choices for late winter.

Everyday make-up for brown eyes by eporter-217 featuring a pencil eyeliner

What I Thought About What I Bought: Contouring Powders

Hello my fellow cosmetics lovers!  Today, I am giving you a review on my first contouring powders.  I am pretty basic when it comes to make-up.  I have oily skin and too much make-up is not a good mix.

I have long read the benefits of using contouring and highlighting shadows but never tried them, until recently. So far, I have tried two.  One works great for me and one, not so much.  Kim Kardashian made Ben Nye Banana Powder famous.  Everyone has probably seen these before and after photos and she makes it look so easy.

I ordered some online and tried a few times but couldn't get this powder to be as great on me.  I tried applying it with a medium sized kinda firm brush but made more of a mess than anything.  I took a couple day break and tried again using a flat, foundation brush.  It went on much better and didn't make a mess at all.  I waited a few minutes (as recommended online) and blended with a beauty blender.  Unfortunately, I just never got a look I loved and I ended up breaking out on my forehead.  I am not sure what triggered it, but since I stopped I haven't had any issues.  

I did a little more research and found this SMASHBOX combo set online at Sephora and decided to order. It cost much more than the banana powder did but Sephora is so great about returns, I thought...what the heck and splurged for it.

I opened the package and found that it had complete, super simple instructions plus a brush (shown).

 

I was initially concerned that the brush was so soft and fluffy that it may not work well but it is great!  There are instructions right on the mirror and the powder goes on so smooth.  There are no instructions on blending but I am using a kabuki brush (there are so many choices) and blending in after I finish the contour/highlight steps.  I top with a touch of blush.  (I love NARS)  

This is a little work for everyday (although the process is fairly simple) but I will definitely take the extra steps for a night out and maybe some big meetings at work.    

Have you tried contouring and highlighting?  Tell me what you think.      

 

What I thought about what I bought - Cosmetics

What I thought about what I bought - Cosmetics by eporter-217 featuring Cover FX

1. The Body Shop - Honey Bronze:  I like this.  I have only used it twice so I am still learning how to use it best, but so far, so good.  It's labeled as a dry oil but it's a liquid product.  There is a very small hole in the lid and you have to shake out the product like ketchup from a jar but once you get the hang of it, it comes right out.

2. Bliss - Mattifying Pads:  Another good product.  This is a great oil remover but doesn't leave your face feeling tight.  It's also got a little texture so it helps give a deep clean.

3.  Cover FX - Mattifying primer:  This is pretty good.  It goes on clear and feels light and does a fairly good job as a mattifier.

4. NARS - Bronzer/blush combo:  I bought this in the impulse section of Sephora while I was waiting to check-out and love it.  The blush is their famous Orgasm color and it's a little brighter than what I was using but is great for summer when I have a tan.  I bought the mini-size to try it out but it's a little tricky with them being so small.  If you can use a little bronze/blush refresher, I'd recommend this but go ahead and invest in the normal size.  Sephora is great about returning products if you don't like them.

5.  Living Proof - Amplifier:  I am so sad to give this a thumbs down.  I was in Ulta looking for my normal hair powder/texturizer and saw this so I decided to try it.  My hair is short and fine so I need some help with volume.  This product has the consistency of a light lotion and the directions say to rub in your hands until it's transparent and then apply it.  It smells nice and didn't leave any greasy residue but also wasn't helpful for volume.  I tried it three times to be sure but unfortunately, it's not a good fit for my hair.

What are your favorite products of the moment?  Don't forget the sunscreen!
  

Sephora Sale - Ends soon!

Did you get your mailer?  Their 15% off VIB sale ends Friday, April 11th.

Here are a few of my favorite Sephora buys.

Sephora Faves by eporter-217 featuring Christian Dior