This was a very unplanned, spur of the moment video tutorial of how to create a smoky eye. I’ve never edited video, but I tried my best. Please try ignore the lame Musak, and occasional whining child in the background.
Smoky Eye Tutorial
Category Archives: makeup
Marissa’s Pick of the Week – NYX Pigments
NYX Loose Pearl Powders are sold as eye shadows, but work like pigments, and for only $2.50 a pop, why spend up to $20 more on department store brands? The highly concentrated powder can be used on your eyes, face, lips, and eyelashes. You can find NYX products at www.nyxcosmetics.com, Ulta stores, and Ulta’s website.
Here’s a rundown of my NYX Loose Pearl Powder look:
Eyes:
All Over – Yellow Pearl
Outer corner, fanned out from the top of my cheek bone to the temple – Orange Zest Pearl
Under eyeliner and lashes – Jade Pearl
Face:
Apples of cheeks & bridge of nose- Very Pink Pearl
Lips:
no lip liner- Orange Zest Pearl on top of Make Up For Ever Lipstick #201
Marissa’s Pick of the Week- Asian Beauty
Yes. My pick this week is a book, but not just any book. What I have chosen for you is the best beauty book I have read so far. This includes books by Bobbi Brown, and The African American Women’s Guide to Successful Makeup by Alfred Fornay. Not only is this a great reference for makeup application techniques, but it also has suggested skin care regimens, beauty tool knowledge and lifestyle recommendations for better looking skin.
Margaret Kimura (pictured right) has finally put a guide out into the world that focuses on the unique texture, skin tone and features of the Asian Woman in her book, Asian Beauty ($30). Her book models range from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean to Indian, Filipino, Malaysian, and mixed races. Other ethnicities can benefit from this book, as her techniques have been used on hundreds of people in Hollywood and skin care tips are universal. Known as the “Blending Queen” in the makeup artist industry, her book is 210 pages of how to achieve a smooth, natural looking complexion to build the perfect canvas for color.
Check it out at the library first. Chances are, you’ll want to buy it. It also makes a beautiful coffee table book at the very least.
Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Glitter!!!
1. I like glitter.
2. I like inexpensive, quality makeup
3. I LOVE NYX Glitter Cream Palette!
The website says it’s 6.00 USD, but I purchased my pallet in “Sureal” for only 4.00 at a beauty supply shop (probably because “palette” was spelled wrong). I like using this formula with powders because it intensifies the pigments while adding a glittery effect. After experimenting with this cream shadow, I learned a couple things. It does not play well with other cream formulas, and it’s a must that you pat it on, not stroke or rub. I like using a foam tip eyeshadow applicator or a concealer brush. It can be a little frustrating to get the hang of it at first, but once you figure out how to apply it, you will love it.
Here are the shades on my bare skin:
With a black base:
With a white base:
You can see how the glitter is subtle so that it’s fun and pretty, not strippery.
Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Turnaround Concentrate
I can’t stress enough how important exfoliation is for your skin. It clarifies, cleanses, and brightens skin better than just washing. What most people don’t know, is that for optimal results, they need 2 kinds of exfoliation: manual and chemical. Manual being an abrasive scrub or facial brush/towel/loofa, and chemical being a topical beauty product.
Clinique‘s Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer (39.50) has been a staple in my skincare regimen since it debuted in 2005. An improved formula from the original Total Turnaround cream, this serum penetrates deeper into the epidermis to speed up cell renewal. The result: clarity and radiance. Because Total Turnaround Concentrate continuously exfoliates from the inside out, your skin will look younger, fresher, and brighter. It even helps acne scars fade faster.
Apply twice a day under your moisturizer avoiding the eye area. Continue to use your manual exfoliator 3-5 days a week. I also like to apply this serum to my decolletage, for a more youthful looking neckline. You will definitely notice a difference within a week.