Eyeliner Brushes!

Alright! Let’s talk brushes! I’d like to share an infographic by Sigma Beauty regarding eyeliner brushes and the effects it creates. See, the thing with makeup is you can achieve whatever effect you like depending on the tools and products you are using.

I don’t believe that there’s a specific rule on which brush to use for makeup, but the infographic below would be a useful guide, especially if you just beginning to learn about makeup.

Personally, my all-time favorite is the E75 Angled Brow brush for any type of eyeliner products (gel, liquid, pencil, powder). I have more control, and it can creates a sharper line. Not to mention, if you have shaky hand, or can’t seem to get the line straight, this E75 brush is perfect for you. I started out using this brush too when I first learn about makeup! I think the fact that this brush has an angled edge helps with the contour of your eyes. I just love this brush for eyeliner and eyebrow application!

Oh, just an extra thing, but E15 Flat Definer Brush is actually what I love to use to define my eyebrows! Check my post on How to Fill in Eyebrows to see what I’m talking about.

*Don’t forget to use the code MAR2014 during check-out for 10% off*

Below is an idea on how to achieve the looks that you might be looking for!How to apply eyeliner

Winged

Precise

Soft

Smudge

*Don’t forget to use the code MAR2014 during check-out for 10% off*

Disclaimer: Please note that links above will land you to my affiliate page. However, I strive to recommend only the best products for you, and ones that I love myself, so you know you are in good hands. Your support in purchasing through these links will go towards the maintenance of this website, and to keep the blog updated and running. Thank you for your support!

UPDATE 2020:  As of 2020, I’ve removed all affiliate links related to Sigma Beauty. This post is no longer affiliated.

Product of the Week:NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette Review

I’ve been asked to do a NARSissist eyeshadow palette review ever since I posted a picture of the palette on Instagram couple weeks a go. I’m so sorry that this review is up a bit late, I’ve been having too much fun here in Jamaica (as you all can see on my Instagram..lol). Not to mention, last week I was celebrating my birthday, so sorry but not that sorry…hehehe..

Anyways! Here’s my NARSissist eyeshadow palette review! I hope you’ll enjoy reading it.

Narsissist review

What is a NARSissist eyeshadow palette?

A palette of 15 NARS signature eye shadow shades for creating unlimited artistic effects.
Connect with captivating colors that will have all eyes following you. Ready to wear every day, every way—15 signature eye shadow shades every NARSissist adores.

(Sephora, 2014)

At first glance, this NARSissit eyeshadow palette is not as eye catching as the Urban Decay’s. It doesn’t have anything rosy, the packaging is black, it doesn’t stand out much. However, since it is NARS, of course I have to walk on that aisle to admire it. The simple and sleek design of the packaging is what makes this palette look so very elegant! To be honest, I didn’t even stop to take a look closer, I just grabbed it and go.

With all the neutral palettes that are out in the market (i.e. UD Naked, UD Naked 2, UD Naked 3, Smashbox Full Exposure) I felt that perhaps NARS was just jumping in the bandwagon. However, the more you look at this palette, the more you’ll realize there’s quite a difference between the rest of the palette and NARS. I find that this NARSissist palette has more of a “grown-up” feeling to it. There’s some sort of elegance to the range of shades in this palette. I love the mixture of cool and warm neutrals, and I find that the darker shades are slightly more on the sultry side compared to the other 4 palettes that I mentioned earlier.

This palette consists of eyeshadows that are available in singles or duos, with the exception of Bad Behavior. However, the palette in itself is a limited edition. If you do like the shades in the palette, but can’t buy the palette anymore, you can still purchase the eyeshadow in singles/duos. This palette is so worth the price. I’ll talk more about the value of this palette under “Price” below, so please keep reading or scroll down if you are curious!

 

Narsissist palette review

Packaging

Like I’ve mentioned above, the packaging is simple and sleek. Very NARS. This palette comes in a black case. Inside you’ll find a big mirror on one side, and 15 eyeshadows on the other.

Longevity

I have worn this eyeshadow with Urban Decay Primer Potion and it has minimal to no creasing after a 10-hour wear (in a warm climate)

Narsissist review

Shades & Finish

Please note that I and II indicate whether the shade is on the Left or Right side of the duos, since these shades are also available in singles/duos (for more info read under Price).

Top Row (L to R) –

  • All About Eve I – flesh toned neutrals.
  • Madrague II – matte caramel.
  • Fez – velvety cocoa.
  • Bali – neutral.
  • Coconut Grove – deep brown infused with reflections.

Middle Row (L to R) –

  • Madrague I – matte cream (pretty much non-existence on my skin tone. It matches my skin color exactly)
  • Nepal – soft sheer rose.
  • Ashes to Ashes – shimmery violet based brown.
  • Brousse II – black violet.
  • Mekong – espresso infused with gold.

Bottom Row (L to R)

  • Bellissima I – shimmering beige with subtle glitter.
  • Lhasa – lavender grey.
  • Bad Behavior – deep pewter. (Not available in single/duos)
  • Dogon II – charcoal black.
  • Pandora II – matte black.

*shades description taken from Sephora*

 

Narsissist Swatches

Price

CAD$85 for 15 eyeshadows (0.03 oz/each).

Keep in mind that each singles are CA$28 (0.07 oz), while duos are CA$39 (0.07 oz/shade).  If you only like a couple of the shades from this palette, I think buying the singles/duos is far more worth it than buying the whole palette.

However, if you have to have this palette, it’ll come down to CA$5-6/shade compared to $28 each (singles) or s20 each (duos). You pay significantly less for half the amount, so I think it is a good deal.

Pros:

  • Great for makeup artists or beginners who want more neutrals in their palette without breaking the bank.
  • The eyeshadows in the palette are very smooth and easily blendable.
  • Great value for money.
  • The eyeshadows are not limited (except for Bad Behavior), so if you’ve finished a shade on the palette and want more you can buy it in singles/duos.
  • Highly pigmented and easy to work with.
  • Great mix of matte and shimmer.
  • Would be a great alternative to the Naked palettes.

Cons:

  • You have to prime your eyelid with an eyeshadow primer – dry skin will find it’ll help the eyeshadow to stick to the lid better.
  • Without primer, some of the shades end up looking a bit more sheer.
  • The color range is so-so. You can find similar shades from different brands.

I’ll try to do a tutorial using this palette soon! 😉

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated nor sponsored to do this review. This palette was bought out of my own pocket, and I do not gain any monetary profit out of it.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Rosy Eye Makeup Revisited

Hello, everyone! Finally I’m back with a post after a week of hiatus. I’m actually in Jamaica at the moment, so yay me! What a beautiful place, with nice people, great food and loads of sun. At this moment, I’ll be staying in Jamaica for an indefinite period of time, so follow me on Twitter and Instagram to find out what I’m up to, and where I’m heading next. My life has been a great adventure so far, and I’m so thankful for all these opportunities to travel to different countries.

Anyways, since today was a really great day, I wanted to do a quick tutorial. However, since I’ve been living out of my luggage, I couldn’t find my palettes (all buried underneath my clothes probably). The few palettes that were on my sight were the Naked (1, 2, 3, and basic). Obviously, I’ve to pick the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette for today’s makeup.

My original Rose Smoky Eyes post have received 4,000++ repins on Pinterest and I’m so thankful for that! However, upon looking back at the tutorial, I wasn’t too thrilled with the result. So, I wanted to re-do that post in a slightly different manner. This Rosy eye makeup can be worn as a day makeup, or night makeup. It’s one of those looks that goes really well for anytime!

Please note that all the pictures below are taken using natural daylight, thus might look different than my usual pictures.

urban decay naked 3 makeup tutorial

How-to:

1. I prepped my eyelid using UD Primer Potion (original).

2. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Buzz from UD Naked 3 all over my eyelid.

3. Using a fluffy blending brush, I applied Nooner from UD Naked 3 on the crease.

4. I applied Blackheart from UD Naked 3 on the crease and outer V using a small shader brush.

5. I blended Blackheart using a clean crease bullet brush.

6. I applied Blackheart on the lower lid using a small shader brush.

7. I lined my upper lash line using Kate Kanebo Super Sharp Eyeliner. I also lined my waterline using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner.

8. I curled my lashes and applied Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara on both upper and lower lashes.

9. I filled my brows using Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette.

urban decay naked 3 makeup tutorial

10. On my face, I applied Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation using Sigma Round Kabuki brush.

11. I contoured my face using NARS Ita kabuki brush and MAC Blunt powder.

12. On my cheeks, I applied MAC Dainty blush.

13. Finally, on my lips I applied Tarte Lipsurgence in Lively.

urban decay naked 3 makeup tutorial

For this last picture (above), N actually took it for me outdoor since the sun was setting, and we couldn’t resist to snap a few shots. I decided to add YSL Glossy Stain no. 27 on my lips for the shot. Just ignore my eye bags, I was trying to hold my laughter.

Product used:

Eyes – Urban Decay Primer Potion; Urban Decay Naked 3 (eyelid: buzz, crease: nooner, outer v: blackheart); Kanebo Kate Super Sharp Eyeliner; L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner; Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara; Anastasia Brow Wiz.

Face – Urban Decay Naked foundation; MAC Blunt powder; MAC Dainty blush; Tarte Lipsurgence in Lively.

Disclaimer: some of the links provided on this post link back to my other posts. However, the links on Sigma Beauty products are affiliated links, therefore if you click on the link I might be compensated for it. Please note that any sort of compensation that I received from affiliated links will go to the maintenance of this website.