Beauty, Decoded

Smokey eyes - I know you all want them! A smokey eye can be done with any color. Just use the darker shades of whatever color you choose. I’m using browns on this example (pictured left) which can be a little softer than black.

You need a primer and 2 shades of eyeshadow, one a little lighter than the other shade, and an eyeliner (I recommend Too Faced Lava Liner).

Eyeshadow always needs a primer!!!! Does your eyeshadow crease and rub off by the end of the day? NOT ANYMORE!!!! M.A.C. has great primer.

Start by applying primer all over, then apply the lighter shade all over eyelid, blending out over orbital bone, stopping just after it. Then thickly line around entire eye with eyeliner, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Then take a brush and blend out line until it is soft and smokey! Then apply the dark shadow over the liner, but just at the lash line and then blend out. Voila!!! If you’re feeling courageous, line the inner rim of your lash line and apply mascara, if not just apply mascara. Now go out and have a martini!

Under all great makeup is great skincare. Most of us want to look pretty and natural, and in order to achieve a look that seems effortless you have to start with good skin.

ALL TIME MUST HAVES

DERMALOGICA SKINCARE LINE LINE: I love Special Cleansing Gel, Multi Active Toner, and Active moist.

BENEFIT HIGH BROW: Lifts your brows and adds such a finishing touch, beautiful and subtle.

TOO FACED LIP INJECTION: Careful, this stings, but wow, it gives a great pout.

M.A.C. PREP + PRIME EYE PRIMER: Choose one close to skin color and pat with fingertip in a very thin layer.

STILA ILLUMINATING LIQUID FOUNDATION: This is such a pretty foundation, and it’s illuminating factors reflect light giving the illusion of flawless skin. When matching your skin, color test a bit out by wiping it down your cheek and onto your neck make sure you go outside and look in a mirror. Whichever one blends into your skintone is the right color.

PHILOSOPHY WHEN HOPE IS NOT ENOUGH SPF: This is my favorite sunblock. It is very gentle on the skin and absorbs quickly as well as containing powerful antioxidants.

VINCENT LONGO LIP/CHEEK GEL STAIN: I am so in love with this product, I don’t know how I lived before it! It stains the lips and will not come off and the colors are beautiful, every one of them. My favorite is Neo Aura, this color looks good on everyone!

BEAUTY DETECTIVE’S SEASONAL PICKS

NARS FAME PALETTE: This is an AMAZING lip palette that is an excellent beauty investment! It has shades for every occasion, and some great bright shades to take makeup to the next level. A little blush, mascara and a strong lipstick is always a classy look.

PIXI EYE BEAUTY SMOKY PALETTE: I love this product! It comes in credit card size and has a primer, concealer, black, shimmery dark green, purple, dark blue, royal blue, and a the best charcoal grey shadow. The smokey color possibilities are endless!

STILA ROUGE POTS: Cream blushes give the look of natural color and rosy cheeks give a pretty girlish look.


-Leah Vautrot