The Brown Smokey Eye

Beauties,

I am working on acquiring some equipment to start filming tutorials, but until that time my sad photos will have to suffice.

Today is a simple brown smokey eye, a look coveted by many. Don't be scared.

First we will start with basic terminology. Please see image for the regions of the eye that will be discussed during this tutorial:

The lid (see #1) refers to the area of your eye from corner tear duct to opposite corner tear duct. The crease (see #2) refers to the area right above this that often disappears when you open your eyes. The brow bone (see #4) is the area of skin covering the bone directly under the eyebrows. You should familiarize yourself with these areas since they will be referenced in the future.

1. Apply an eyeshadow primer all over the eye. This means apply the product from lash line to brow bone.  I have exceptionally oily eyelids so I always use Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer, the clear one, all over before I use one that has a skin tone shade over top.  I've been using Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat a lot lately, but this changes a lot.

If you don't apply a shadow primer do not proceed to the next step. It's over. Dramatic, but seriously. 

2. Apply a medium brown shimmer shadow to the lid. I used Snakebite from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette using a Sigma E55 shader brush.

3. Apply a matte warm brown eye shadow through the crease. I used smashbox eyeshadow in nude which is discontinued, you can try MAC Soft Brown or Makeup Geek Beaches & Cream using a fluffy black haired blending brush. I used a Sigma E40 Blending Brush which is a better, cheaper version of the MAC 224. 

4. Apply a slightly darker warm brown eye shadow in the outer corner through the crease. I used MAC Brown Down using a MAC 217

5. Using a small bullet brush (I used Laura Mercier's Eye Crease Brush) apply either a matte black or super dark brown eye shadow in the outer most corner of your eye lid. Pack the color on carefully so it's nice and dark. I used blackout from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. Then using the same brush you used in step 4 blend out the color so there are no harsh lines. 

6. Apply a matte white or cream color eye shadow along the brow bone. I used Bobbi Brown Ivory 

7. Apply eyeliner on the top lashline. I used Maybelline Eye Studio gel liner in blackest black using a Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. 

8. Under the eye, lined using an angle brush the color used in the outer corner, I used  out with the same warm brown color I used in the crease to give a soft but still defined look of lining. 

9. Finish the look with mascara, obviously. I used Chanel Le Volume in black. 

I realize this is slightly involved, but have faith! With the right tools you can totally master this look no problem. Buy the brushes!! You won't be sorry. Then I'll come over and show you how to use them and we can drink wine together. Yay! 

xoxo. LP

Dark and Mysterious - a lip tutorial

Hello darlings,

This evening I've had a special request to do a tutorial on how to wear  dark lip color.
Despite it being 81 degrees in San Diego today it is still winter thus, I say wear more dark lips!!
Dark lips can be a challenge! Don't think you can pull it off? Nonsense, I believe in you!

Obstacles to overcome:
-You think it looks bad. This is likely because you simply aren't used to seeing yourself in a darker lip color. You look great, own it!
-Let's face it, dark lips can get messy! You MUST use a lipliner. No exceptions.
-Good lip prep is a necessity. Exfoliate and hydrate before you pop that color on.

Let's go over the steps to own that dark lip.

1. Prep. Exfoliate: Get rid of dead skin on the lips that can cause texture and make the lip color look uneven. Scrub with a washcloth or an amazing lip scrub like Lush's Mint Julips Lip Scrub. Hydrate: Now that your smackers are baby smooth make sure you give them what they're craving: Moisture! Try Bobbi Brown's Lip Balm to soften them up to make sure your lip color glides on like butta'.

2. Secure. Like I said before, dark lips can get messy! To make sure your color stays in the lines I like to apply a face powder all over the area just surrounding the lips. This makes sure any oil gets wicked away and won't cause the color to bleed. Next apply your lip liner. For this dark of color, I personally like to use a shade that is a teeeeny bit darker for added drama. If that freaks you out, by all means use one that matches closer. Note: It doesn't have to be perfect on the inside just try to line as sharply as you can near the cupid's bow and around the edges. You can always clean it up with some remover if you make a mistake. I used MAC's nightmoth for this look.

3. Perfect. Now apply your color in the lines. I applied right out of the tube for this look, but feel free to use a lip brush for added precision. One applied rub your lips together to blend the color and you can go back with your lipliner to smooth out any areas that need perfecting. I used MAC's Diva. If this is too matte for you you can always add a lip gloss over the top. **Make sure you carry your color with you since you will without a doubt need a touch up.

Now that you have mastered the darkness, you may be stuck when it comes to what you are "allowed" to pair with it. My vote is to keep it simple. If you're wearing a dark lip, they should be the focus of your face. Tone down the eyes and cheeks with neutrals and let the lips run the show.

Products I used:
Face:
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Sand
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Extra Light Bisque
Bobbi Brown Concealer in Cool Sand
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Power 

Contour: Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium  
Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny
Highlight: MAC Belightful (tragically discontinued)

Eyes:
MAC Soft Ochre Prolongwear Paint Pot
Smashbox Full Exposure Palette
Chanel Le Volume mascara

Woo. Sorry that was l o n g.

I'd love to hear any feed back from you and will happily take any questions you have!

until next time.

xoxo. LP