Fall Make-up Trends 2013 - Copper Smokey Eye

Copper Metallic Smokey Eye

Make-up Looks for Fall 2013 - Trends and Tips

This year I have been seeing a new version of the Smokey Eye...the color is consistent almost the whole way up to the brow and really only one color is used.

This look is dramatic and modern, but very hard to pull off (keep it simple and extra blending will help).  It is usually done in one particular shade such as copper (shown here) or greys.  Metallic versions are often used as well.  The color is applied heavily close around the eye and then gradually fades out as you blend it to the brow.  This is similar to a traditional smokey eye, however usually there are at least three colors used in the smokey eye we are used to seeing.

This particular look using copper is beautiful with a bronzed contoured cheek (very little blush), heavy black eye liner, a nude peach lip, very heavy eye brows.

1.) Use a Short Shader Brush MAC #213 works great for close around the to blend out the black liner into the heavy copper.  If you are using a metallic copper color you will want to pat the product on your eye lid so it doesn't fall on you lashes.  Blend using short back and forth strokes below the eye.

2.) The #217 MAC Blending Brush is a must have in any kit and works really well for blending out the heavier shadow from the lid up thru the crease.  You shouldn't need to switch brushes for the blending from the crease up to the brow at all, I would just continue to blend (don't add any more product or it will end up too heavy in the crease)

Personally I think the heavy dramatic eye like this doesn't need any false lashes and should go with a very sleek hair style.  It speaks for itself and doesn't nee much else.

Bag for Europe

Had to find a handbag for Europe that was cute and functional and inexpensive... Of course I turned to Zappos!   

Mission accomplished.... I found this cute 'Cross Body Bag' big enough for... 

Phone

Map

Sunglasses

Water

Lip Gloss

Sunscreen

Hand Cream

Sanitizer Wipes

....and it was only $30!!!  

I already had a passport case, so I am set!

The Perfect Shoe for Europe

The Perfect Shoes for Touring Europe -

I am trying to find the perfect flat shoe to take to Europe with me on my fabulous, 18 day trip with my mom.   When I went to Italy I went with one pair of shoes that worked ok for the first couple days, but ended up buying cute leather loafers when I was there.  They were actually very comfortable from the very beginning…but I am too worried to do that this time, I want to break them in before I go.

I bought a pair of Drivers recently and have been trying to break them in by wearing them around the house and to work.  I think I need to wear them with socks tho cause they are still bothering me around the top of my big toe.  Does anyone else have this problem?  For a girl who is used to only heels and running shoes this is gonna be tricky. 

I already returned a pair of boat shoes, they just looked too frumpy for me???  Any good suggestions?  I got one suggestion, however it was for a brand that was $400, not my budget anymore! 

I have a pair of ballet flats, but they always hurt at my heel…they are good for a couple of hours like if I am going to the farmers market….but I cant seem to find a pair comfortable enough for 8 hours of walking around cobblestone streets.

I also bought a pair of flat sandals that I can wear with dresses and a little bit more trendy for my days in Paris and LondonJ   These have been much easier to break in and I bought them as just a back up, but they might turn into my main shoe!!!!

My goal for this trip  is to not look like a tourist!  I have heard that the shoes are a good place to start.  I tend to over dress for everything in the US and since it seems that most people in Europe dress up a little more I might be able to fit in a little (aside from the map and annoying carry-all strapped across my body).

Speaking of hand bags, I have a small Coach bag that goes across the body (hands free)….but I am kind of thinking that I want something a little bigger???  Might have to go on Zappos to see what they have.  I picture something that maybe has room for a water bottle, my phone, a map, some lip gloss, my money, ID, and sunglasses.  (That is another blog)

Whats Hot for the 4th of July

Top Looks for Independence Day...

1.) The Red Lip - this is a popular trend for 4th of July, because it gives a pop of color to you makeup look.

• Keep the eyes simple with lots of lashes and maybe black liner 
• Add a pop of candy apple red blush but apply very conservatively (just as if someone pinched your cheek)
• Use a clear wax lip liner to keep the red from feathering

2.) Bronzed Babe - a medium airbrush tan to give you a glow will compliment any summer dress, with a little body bling on the shoulders and shins and a touch of bronzer on the forehead and across the cheeks and nose

• Dont go too dark with your airbrush tan, because it will fade unnaturally 
• Put shimmer body lotion (my favorite is Body Bling by Scott Barnes) only on the areas that wont touch your clothes or other people
• Use a matte face bronzer only in the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (forehead, across the nose and cheeks, and a touch on the chin)

3.) Denim - I like just one piece in denim...denim top and bottom is way too much in my opinion, but I do love a strapless denim dress!  (the denim shorts witht he pockets hanging out the bottom...even though it is the trend right now, I think you will end up regreting it if you do)

5.) Stars and Stripes - Pick one.  Wearing both together can start to look like a parade or costume.  I prefer a smaller stripe it is more flattering

6.) Fun Sunglasses - If you can get away with colored rims, I love them.  But for me... I love Gold Rims and a bronzy tinted lense.   Plus it always looks great with my airbrush tan.

7.) Summer Highlights - Everyone wants to lighten their hair a bit during the summer...however, chunky overdone highlights tend to look dated.  Keep them natural and in the right color family for your skin tone.

Flawless Finish for your Skin

I am in love with Body bling by Scott Barns in the platinum color, however for some occasions it is too much sheen for me. It is also kind if expensive!

So recently I have been mixing my Body Bling with a little Vanilla scented body lotion. The Body Bling goes a long ways, helps it last longer and it is a more mild amount of coverage.

Beauty Tip!

The Favorite Smokey Eye - most popular request

Why I Love This Smokey Eye 

The most common request when someone comes in for makeup application or a makeup lesson with me is for a more dramatic smokey eye.

I love doing this look, it is probably my favorite.  I think it looks good on just about everyone and it is dramatic and pretty without being too trendy or harsh.

Although there are several 'interpretations' of a smokey eye, this is by far the most popular look that people want to try to achieve.




The elements that make it great...

• a matte color under the brow to highlight the brow bone, it doesn't shine too much or catch the light when photographed
• a matte color in the crease, soft brown in this look is warm and doesn't shimmer so it keeps the look fresh and youthful
• a slight sheen to the lid so there is a little pop of goldish pink that fades into a light inner corner
• a dark matte color in the corner that blends really nicely into the eye liner
• black eye liner that lines both the waterline and the outside of the eye without smudging it too much so it wont fall below and make you look like you have a black eye
• lots and lots of lashes and mascara

Always make sure that you apply your false eye lashes last so that the makeup doesn't fall onto the top of the lashes.  Apply mascara on the bottom first and then then top.  The bottom of the eye is easier to clean then the top if you accidentally transfer your mascara.

Cant wait to see all of your favorite smokey eye looks.  You can do so much with them without making them too harsh or dramatic.