Foolproof One-Step Eyeshadow that Works on Everyone...Really!

When I teach lessons and classes, women always tell me that they are overwhelmed with makeup....so many brands, so many types, so many techniques....just too many choices.  That's great for special nights out when you want to experiment and do it up, but for everyday, most women want a simple and quick go-to that always works, no fuss, no muss.  Makes sense, right?  Well ladies, you came to the right place...I have your foolproof plan of action for a simple, easy eye makeup routine that takes seconds, but still looks great!

                                                                 Pinterest.com

SIMPLE DAILY EYE
Start by choosing a neutral shade in a shimmer formulation....bronze, gray and taupe work best! Taupe...or a cross between bronze and gray, works on everyone because it isn't too warm or cool, and the color will automatically adjust to your skin tone.  Bonus....these shades look great with any eye color too!

Apply shadow over lid area up to brow bone and blend well so there are no edges.  Use your finger or a medium size shadow brush to blend.  No need to apply in the crease, you're aiming for a soft wash of overall color.  See how simple this is?!?!  No need for 12 rainbow shades, if you want to keep it quick...this one shade will get it done!

Add a little black mascara and poof, you're ready to go!  If you want more definition, you can add a little black liner like in the photo above, but you don't have to.

A few things to note:

- Choose a shade that isn't too warm (orange) or too cool (frosty or blue looking) for the most flattering effect
- Don't choose a shade with glitter...shimmer and glitter aren't the same!  Shimmer consists of very tiny shimmery particles blended seamlessly into the shadow pigment, glitter is chunkier particles that you can clearly see.  IMO, glitter should be saved for costumes, halloween, cheer competitions, drag shows and Las Vegas.  Ok, MAYBE a girls night out, but you get the idea....it's generally not a good choice for a daytime, natural look. ; )
- Since you're only using one shade, be sure to blend well...no lines!
- Choose a powder, or consider a cream formula.  Cream formulas are super long lasting and don't need eyeshadow primer...again, be sure the shimmer in a cream formula isn't too obvious.

Here are a few of my favorite shades at different price points, but it's not important to choose these specific ones...any similar shade will work.

                                                   MAC Cosmetics - Satin Taupe

                                                     "Barlust" - bottom left corner
                          From the Urban Decay "Smoked Palette" - Sadly, Discontinued!

A closer look at "Barlust" from Urban Decay

                               Maybelline "Bad to the Bronze" - a great cream shadow option!

So there you have it...a super quick eye that anyone can master, with no worries that you picked the wrong color for your skin tone or eye color.  Have fun finding your perfect "one stop shop" shade and tell us what it is!  Everyone can use a new favorite. This eye look  really couldn't be any easier! Simple and quick without sacrificing looking polished and pretty......AND out the door in a flash in the morning.  I think that's a win-win-win!!!!

Five Drugstore Beauty Favorites!

I attended a vendor open house earlier this week at the Orchard, a venue that refers me all the time...thanks guys!  It's a lovely venue out in the country that actually sits on ....you guessed it...a pecan orchard.  When I attend an open house, I like to offer a fun giveaway that brides can sign up for....this time, I decided to create a goodie bag with 5  of my top drugstore beauty favorites!  Five products you can find at any Walgreen's, CVS or Target and run $15 or less (one is only $1!)...all affordable, yet effective.  Great products to mix in with more expensive skin care and cosmetics that you already love.  All the brides were excited to discover a new product that wouldn't break the bank! 

Want the lowdown on the fun stuff I included in this goodie bag?  Here ya go.....maybe you'll discover a new favorite!

 Garnier  The Refreshing Remover Wipes
As the name implies, they smell fresh and clean!  They run about $6 a pack and they remove all of your makeup with one sheet….even mascara and eyeliner...all without leaving any oily residue.  They are oil-free, safe to use with eyelash extensions and leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and soft.  Great to keep in your nightstand for nights when you are too tired to do your whole skin care routine, but still want to go to bed with a clean face!  I keep some in my purse too…they are great for removing any makeup stains on your clothes and in a pinch, can be used to cleanse your hands too. I love them….

ELF concealer brush

These run about $1 a piece…seriously! The low price allows me to buy several that I use for a variety of purposes. It can be used as a tiny concealer brush for undereye circles or to cover blemishes…simply dot on and blend.  It’s a great lip brush, and applies lipstick easily for a clean line.  It can also be used to apply powder eyeshadow as liner (a fave trick of mine) on upper and lower lashlines, or it can be used with gel liner for a precise application.  It has synthetic bristles, so you can wash with soap and water to keep it clean…a little Dawn liquid is also great to remove creamy products like concealer.

Sonia KashukEyeshadow  Medium Shader Brush

These run about $11 each and are one of my eyeshadow staples!  They rival brushes that cost 3 times as much, but since they are affordable, I have 4 or 5 of them to supplement my more expensive blending brushes. This is a medium size shadow brush that has a dense, yet soft head with a rounded top…excellent for applying color and blending.  Clean with brush cleaner daily.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lipbalm/Stain in Honey

Costs about $9 and is a great all around lip color.  Applies easily, like a big crayon….it applies subtle color that isn’t too glossy, and has a stain like pigment, so it lasts.  The Honey color is a soft nude pink that looks very natural and works on nearly everyone.  A great product for moms or any busy woman on the go....lipcolor and balm in one step!

L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in Carbon Black

 
 

An excellent mascara that rivals brands that cost 3 times as much!  This is around $10…the formula is a glossy, VERY black one that applies smoothly with no clumping.  Doesn’t provide tons of volume, but it does create glossy black lashes that don’t look spidery.  One of my favorite mascaras!

And the lucky winner was.....Nikola H.!  I will be sending her these drugstore goodies next week.  If you follow me here, on Facebook or Instagram, then you know I spend a ton on cosmetics and love prestige brands, but why spend a fortune if you don't have to?  Much like great fashion, a high-low mix suits me well.....and I've already done the product testing so you don't have to!  What are some of YOUR favorite drugstore beauty finds?