Maybe it’s just one shadow applied to whole lid, maybe two shadows mixed together from the middle of the lid, or something similar.

I decided to make this post to give you some ideas of how to use you darker shadows differently!

 Highlights:

Makeup is after all just play with lights and shadows, and to use lighter shades to bring certain
spots up more than others, and other points are made darker, so that they look like they’re deeper.

My highlight spots are in the inner corner of the eye, in the middle of the lid, and on the brow bone.

Different eyeshadow shapes:

There are countless ways how you can use your shadows, by mixing different colors, different textures,
and glitters, but here’s some ideas were to apply your makeup’s darkest shade:

 Inner corner:

You can add darker shadow only to inner corner of your lid, which seems reduce the space between the eyes.

 Outer corner:

If your eyes are close to each other, this may make them look further away from each other.
I have used this often, even though I don’t think I have close-set eyes, so I think this suits for other eye
types too.

Both corners:

I think this one is great for everyone,  it can be easily used in both dramatic looks with bold
colors, and with natural everyday looks with neutral colors. It doesn’t make
eyes look wider or smaller, and I think it suits for all eye types.

Outer corner, “catshape”:

Make eye look a bit tilted upwards, which creates a bit mysterious look. Also, if your lids
are bit droopy, this might bring them the “boost” they need.

Outer corner & crease, blended upwards:

This is my own favourite.
Darker shadow is applied to outer  corner and crease, then blended up towards the brow, where it
meets the highlighter, and blends together with it.

This is also good technique if you have hooded eyes, just extend the shadows so that they show up a bit.

Banana:

This technique can make your eyes  appear wider, and your lid “longer”.

Whole inner part:

This one isn’t for everyone, it easily makes you look angry, or your eyebrows look too heavy.
But you might want to try it, maybe with lighter colors.

 Just crease:

With dark color neatly on the crease you can deepen your crease a lot, make your
eyes look more deeper. If you add some light color to your lid, your lid looks bigger.

 Whole lid:

Depending on the color your using, this might be the most dramatic of these styles.
Be careful if you use bright colors, especially if you don’t want to draw too much attention to your eyes.

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Please remember, that everyone has different eye shape, head shape, nose shape, and that all affects one way or the other to the makeup.
So don’t get depressed if some makeup style doesn’t fit you, just move on to the next style. Eventually you’ll find your own!

Eyes

MakeupGeek 88 warm palette Available at: Makeup Geek

Tools

	MUG Deluxe Outer V Brush
	MUG Soft Dome Brush Available at: Makeup Geek

Even though wedding makeup is usually very simple and neutral, it’s one of the hardest makeup looks to create, since it has to be PERFECT. After all, it is your big day!

Makeup should last all day, through all the crying, hugging, kissing, eating and dancing.  You’ll probably want to get your mascara waterproof, lips to be kiss proof, and your skin makeup to be bombproof.  (I really recommend Model in a Bottle as it makes your makeup last several hours!)

Your goal is to bring out your best features- not to prove how well you apply your makeup. So keep it simple but pretty. Sometimes less is more.

If you’re going get your makeup done by a professional makeup artist, be sure to tell him/her what you want from your makeup. If you want something bolder, or some specific color, you should be able to get it. It is after all YOUR day, and you’re the one who gets to decide how your makeup looks.

Don’t forget your decollete, if your dress shows it. A little amount of soft shimmer gives the final touch to your look.

Remember that some foundations and/or powders look different in pictures, since they reflect light differently. If possible, get your makeup checked and photographed with a flash before the big day. Also, blend your foundation down the neck some to make sure your face does not look different from the rest of your body.

If you’re getting any facial treatments, make sure to get them several days before the wedding day. Sometimes skin can look irritated for the next couple of days after treatments, and you don’t need that kind of surprise!

Get  your brows plucked and shaped (possibly even dyed) before the wedding day. If you pluck them on your wedding day, your brows may look red, swollen and irritated.

If you’re going to wear contact lenses on your wedding day, put the lenses on before applying your makeup.

Try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!).  Stress may cause impurities on your skin. If  you have some impurities, do not pick at them as it makes them worse! Also, put a clean pillowcase on every night and drink plenty of water (avoid sugars, excess milk, and carbonated beverages).  Your body and skin reflects what you eat, so get plenty of veggies and fruits.

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Some basic notes about wedding makeup…

Makeup that lasts:  Face primers

• Fills in pores and makes the skin look smoother
• Makes the makeup last longer

*My favorite face primer: Benefit “The Porefessional”

Hide imperfections:  Concealers

• Green neutralizes redness (rosacea, pimples, etc)
• Yellow neutralizes blue (dark circles)
• Lavender neutralizes yellowness

TIP: Apply colored concealers before foundation to get the best result.  For application techniques, see Marlena’s video on How to Conceal Undereye Circles or How to Hide Acne

*My favorite undereye concealer: Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer

Perfect  skin:  Foundations

• Make sure foundation matches your skin tone, be sure to check it in both natural light and artificial light
• If possible, check out how your makeup base looks in photos: Does it appear lighter or darker than the rest of your skin?
• You can set the foundation using powder – just be sure you don’t apply it too much, so the result doesn’t look cakey. Preferably use translucent powder.

For foundation application techniques, check out Marlena’s video  How to Custom Mix your Foundation or  Face Routine

*My favorite foundation: Revlon Colorstay

Shine the light:  Illuminators/ Highlighters

• Doesn’t everyone want to shine on their wedding day? To get that wedding day glow, apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, near the tear ducts, and just under the brows.  Any more than that and you’ll be looking like a disco ball…. Keep the glitter and shimmer products to a minimum.

*My favorite highlighter: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

Blushing bride: Blushes

• To avoid looking too pale, use a subtle blush on the apple of your cheeks- it brings more life to your face.  A universal flattering shade is a peachy pink color…

*Best universal blush ever: NARS Blush in “Orgasm”

Sit, stay:   Eyeshadow primers

• Use eyeshadow primer to keep your eyeshadow in place, even when you’re crying out of happiness. This will prevent creasing throughout the day.

*My favorite eye primer:   Tarte Natural Eye Primer

Cry-baby:   Mascaras

• Use waterproof mascara, so it won’t end up on your cheeks if you happen to shed a tear (or a dozen). You don’t always have to use black mascara- for a more natural look, brown mascara can be better choice.
  

To see how to apply mascara like a pro, check out Marlena’s video  How to Apply Mascara or How to Curl your Lashes Like a Pro

This will lash forever:   False lashes

• Easy way to enhance your eyes without using too much makeup is to wear artificial lashes. If you are afraid that lash glue will leave you in trouble, you can get yourself lash extensions for the big day.  The most natural looking lashes have an invisible base like Ardell’s Invisbands

*The most natural lashes (and easiest to apply):  Ardell #301′s

Hugs & kisses :  Lips

• Choose a lasting lip color. If it doesn’t last, make sure it matches your groom’s outfit, because he’ll be the one wearing it eventually…  Lipstains work really well as they give a nice color to the lips that you need for pictures, plus it lasts for hours.
• Choose a lip liner the same color as your lipstick/ gloss. Lip liners prevent the lipstick from bleeding.

TIP: Apply lip liner to whole lips before applying lipstick. It makes the color last even longer.

*My favorite lipstains: Palladio Lipstains

*My favorite inexpensive lipliners that work really well! NYX Lipliners

Remember that the wedding day is supposed to be YOUR (and your groom’s) special day, so if you want to have theme wedding, purple eyeliner and orange wedding dress, just go for it!

FYI:  My list is based off what I believe is most unique to MAC.   Yes, there are a TON of eyeshadows and lipsticks that you could easily get, but why pay $11 each if you could find the same color somewhere else for cheaper?  So…. I picked the more unique colors that other brands don’t have.  I hope this helps!

Fix +  Spray

This is by far my favorite products that MAC sells!  I use it everyday after I finish my makeup to give my skin that youthful glow.   You can also mix it with pigments to get a wet eyeshadow look, or spray in your hair to make it shiny and soft.

Price: $19

217 Brush

If you have watched any of my videos, you know that I swear by this brush.  I love it because it’s stiff and dome shaped which is great for smoking out eyeshadows, blending colors in the crease, or feathering colors together.  You can even use it to apply cream products to the lid as it gives a soft application.  This brush is a staple in my everyday kit!

Price: $22.50

219 Brush

This is another favorite brush of mine that I use every day!  It’s the perfect brush for smudging eyeshadow along the lashline, defining the crease, or creating the perfect “outer V”.    I don’t even remember what I used before this brush, but I don’t leave home without it!

Price: $24.50

Expensive Pink Eyeshadow

I realize that MAC has well over 100 eyeshadows, and most all of them are pretty.  But… this one is very unique to me and looks great on just about anyone!  It’s a medium pink color that works well for an everyday look, and since it is a warm pink, it is flattering and doesn’t make you look sick  Plus, I can’t think of any other brands that have this exact color.

Price: $11.00  (for the refill pan)

Amber Lights Eyeshadow

This is another gorgeous color that looks good on everyone, and I mean EVERYONE.  I haven’t found a client yet that this doesn’t look great on.  It’s a warm golden bronze color that can be toned down for an everyday look, or paired with a black shadow for a fantastic date night look.   There are some brands that have colors close to this, but it’s not quite the same texture or richly pigmented like this one!

Price: $11.00

Blacktrack Fluidline

I am a 100% addict to gel or cream eyeliners.  They glide easily, last a long time, are rich in color, and are easy to apply.  I like this MAC one since the gel formula doesn’t dry out and look cakey on my eyes.  I love to dip an eyeliner pencil in it to line my waterline, or use a bent liner brush for that perfect winged liner.  You can choose from 6 colors of fluidlines, but the black one can be used everyday

Price: $15.00

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Total cost for this shopping trip:   $105 (ok, so I was $5 off- give up Starbucks for one day )

But amiss the mass amounts of makeup brushes out there, how do you decide which ones you should have in your kit?   I’ve broken down the types of brushes you should have and what each one is used for, so hopefully this eliminates all those useless brushes sitting in your makeup drawer and saves you some money!

*Now I do compare the MAC brushes to some of the MUG ones- I am completely 100% honest in my reviews of these brushes and am not going to push certain ones just to “make a sell”- I promise!  I have spent many months trying out different brushes to sell in the store that were comparable to some of the MAC ones- my goal is for you to save money while still having decent quality tools.   I will describe each brush so you can choose for yourself whichever brush you feel is best for you

Eyes

There are 4 main brushes you should have for your eye makeup…..

This brush is used to pack on color to the lid.  It needs to be flat so you can pat on the eyeshadow over your eye primer,  and it needs to be stiff so it picks up plenty of color.

The MAC equivalent is the #239- the Eye Shader Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $24.50

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Eye Shader Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $4.29

Both brushes work well in packing on color, and both are stiff.  The MAC one is a bit larger and thicker than the MUG one.  Technically, the MUG one is a concealer brush, but does not work well at all for concealer- it is MUCH better at packing on eyeshadows or pigments…

This brush is used for creating the perfect smoky eye, for feathering in darker eyeshadows, and for applying more color to the crease.  This is my all time favorite eye brush!

The MAC equivalent is the #217- the Blending Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $22.50

A cheaper alternative is the NYX Professional Crease Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $8.89

These brushes are VERY comparable- the only difference I can tell is the NYX one is a smidge shorter

This brush is just like the stiff dome brush but much softer- it creates a much softer blended look.   It is used for blending shadow under the brow, applying a softer amount of color in the crease, and even for applying powder under the eyes to prevent that creasing throughout the day.

The MAC equivalent is the #224- the Tapered Blending Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $28.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Soft Dome Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.49

These brushes are very comparable- the only difference is the MUG one is a little bit smaller, which is actually better as the MAC one can be a bit too large for smaller eyes…

This brush is used for smudging eyeshadow under the lower lashline, for smudging eyeliner, or for creating a very defined crease.  The smaller tip allows for more precise lines.

The MAC equivalent is the #219- the Pencil Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $23.00

A cheaper alternative is the Essence of Beauty Crease Brush Duo     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $9.99

Many companies sell similar brushes, so you can find this one fairly easily. The Essence of Beauty one has 2 sizes, so is great if you have a smaller area to work with and need a smaller brush.  They are also a bit softer than the MAC one.

Face

There are really only a few brushes you need for the face- it really depends on what all you wear.  But these 4 are the ones I use daily…

This brush is used for stippling foundation onto the skin for a more airbrushed finish.  The bristles need to be stiff in order to hold up to the foundation and not streak.

The MAC equivalent is the #130- the Short Duo Fibre Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $38.00

A cheaper (and better) alternative is the MUG Foundation Stippling Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $12.98

I am completely honest on this one- the MUG one works much better for me than the MAC one.  I say this as the MUG one has stiffer bristles which allows for more of a stippling effect and doesn’t streak like the MAC one.  Granted the MAC one is softer against the skin, but it doesn’t give the airbrushed finish as much.  These 2 brushes are quite different, but are used similarly.  I do wish the MUG one was a bit softer, so I wash mine with a bit of olive oil then baby shampoo.

This brush is used for applying darker powder under the cheekbones to create a contoured effect- it makes the cheekbones stand out and your face look slimmer.  This brush isn’t absolutely necessary unless you want to contour your cheekbones, but I recommend having if you are a makeup artist…

The MAC equivalent is the #109- the Small Contour Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $32.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Deluxe Contour Brush (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.89

Now these 2 brushes are VERY different, but they work the same way.  I actually prefer the MAC one as the rounded edge allows me to get under the cheekbones for that more “chiseled” look.  If you are just starting to contour though, you may want the angled brush as it’s a little easier to work with.   If you do find an angled brush, make sure the bristles are stiff as you need enough powder to actually contour your cheeks- don’t use the fluffy blush brush as it will apply color all over the place.  Just my helpful tip for the day

This brush is used for applying powder blush to the cheeks.  It needs to be angled so the blush is easier to blend, and it needs to be soft so it doesn’t pick up too much color.

The MAC equivalent is the #168- the Large Angled Contour Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $32.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Blush Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.49

These brushes are VERY comparable- I honestly cannot tell much difference between the two.  They’re both soft and both apply blush beautifully!

This brush can be used for many things- light application of foundation, applying a small amount of blush to the cheeks, or for highlighting the top of the cheekbones.  My favorite use is for highlighting as the bristles are soft and pick up little color, and it is small enough to not cover the whole face with shimmer.  This isn’t an absolute necessary brush for your kit, but definitely nice to have.

The MAC equivalent is the #188- the Small Duo Fibre Face Brush   (MAC)

• Cost:  $34.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Cheek Highlighter Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $6.98

These brushes are VERY comparable- I honestly cannot tell much difference between the two.  Just like the blush brushes, they’re both soft and both apply shimmer beautifully!

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I hope this was helpful for all of you!  For the lips, you only need a small flat brush to apply lipstick IF you are working on a client- most of us apply lipstick straight from the tube

These items are in order of what to buy first based off of what is the most natural looking and easiest to apply.  Start wearing one product at a time and add others as you like until you create your custom look.

Loreal Voluminous Mascara

Mascara is usually the makeup product that everyone starts with as it is easy to apply and makes a big impact in your look.   This Loreal mascara is my favorite for thickening the lashes and is inexpensive, which I love!

Marlena’s Tip: For the first few times of use, scrape off the excess mascara on the end of the tube- otherwise it may clump as the formula is thick.

Where to buy: Target, Walmart, or any drugstore

Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner

Smudging a pencil eyeliner along the lashline is a fast and easy way to make your lashes look thicker and add a bit of color to your eyes. This eyeliner is super creamy, so glides with little effort and is easy to smudge.

Marlena’s Tip: Start by wearing brown eyeliner- it is the most natural looking and looks good on everyone. Once you feel ready to pump up your look, wear black or purple.

Where to buy: Select drugstores or Ulta

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss

Now that your eyes are glammed up, you can start playing with the lips.  I find that lipgloss is the easiest to apply and adds a nice shine to the lips which makes them look full and sexy!  I like NYX’s lipglosses as they come in a huge array of colors, plus the texture isn’t overly sticky.

Marlena’s Tip: Keep your favorite shade of lipgloss in your purse or in your locker for touchups throughout the day- lipglosses tend to wear off after a few hours or wipe away when you eat or drink.

Where to buy: Select drugstores or the Makeup Geek Store

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

Applying blush is the scariest step for most people as too much and you look like a clown, too little and why bother…  I like the Maybelline Mousse Blush as it looks natural and is easy to apply without going overboard.

Marlena’s Tip: Using your ring finger, pick up a bit of the mousse, smile, and apply to the apples of your cheeks for a beautiful rosy glow!

Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, and most drugstores

Coastal Scents Camo Quad Concealer

Let’s face it, we all have blemishes or spots on our face that we’d like to hide some.  This concealer comes in 4 shades to match your skin tone, and the texture is creamy enough to where it doesn’t cake on the skin.

Marlena’s Tip: You don’t necessarily need a full face of foundation especially if you are just starting to wear makeup.  Just use a bit of concealer where you feel you need it and apply a very light layer of powder on top to set it.

Where to Buy: Coastal Scents

Neutrals, Neutrals, Neutrals…

• Try to have one full palette of just neutrals as this will be your “go to” palette.
• Top row should be your highlight colors- ones that are close to your skin color.  Have a variety of shimmer and non-shimmer shadows.  Some of my favs:  Brule, Naked Lunch, Shroom, Malt
• Middle row should be your blending colors- ones that are 1-2 shades darker than your skin color that you can put in the crease.  Some of my favs:  Wedge, Cork, Omega
• Bottom row should be your accent colors- ones that you can smudge along the lashline for that smoky look or put in the outer V for that added drama.  Some of my favs:  Espresso, Carbon, Concrete

Bring on the Color!

• We all have our favorite eyeshadow colors that we wear regularly, but try to have a variety of colors to broaden your makeup looks.  Here are the basic color categories I have:  Blues, Greens, Purples, Pinks, Oranges  (teals can go in either the blue or green palette, and yellows or golds can go with the orange)
• Depending on how many eyeshadows you have, reserve a palette for each color or 2-3 colors per palette.  I still keep the lightest colors in the top row, medium colors in the middle row, and the darkest in the bottom row.

Labeling Your Palettes:

• To fit more eyeshadows in each palette, I popped out the plastic divider inside to allow for 21 eyeshadows instead of 15.
• To see what colors I have in each palette, I used 3/4″ round labels (Avery #5408) and printed the names on them.  If you need to move your shadows around, simply place another sticker on top.
• If you have more than one palette, it is good to have them labeled on the outside so you know what palette to pick up. You can either use a silver sharpie and write on the palette (it wipes off with some rubbing alcohol), or print a label and stick it to the front.  If you use a label, place a piece of packing tape on top so you can wipe the palette clean without taking off the label.

I do NOT expect anyone to have this many shadows, but wanted to post pictures so you can see what the colors actually look like and how you can organize them.  So, on to the makeup porn

*Click on the pictures for a larger view

Non-shimmer Neutrals:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Brule
• Kid
• Cork
• Charcoal Brown

Shimmery Neutrals:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• All that Glitters
• Satin Taupe
• Woodwinked

Silvers/Grays:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Knight
• Carbon
• Typographic
• Copperplate

Blues:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Contrast
• Plumage
• Deep Truth

Greens:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Humid
• Bitter
• Steamy
• Parrot (limited edition)
• Sumptuous Olive

Purples:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Indian Ink
• Vibrant Grape  (pro)
• Nocturnelle
• Fertile  (limited edition)

Pinks:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Jest
• Expensive Pink
• Cranberry
• Rose  (pro)

Yellows/Golds:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Goldmine
• Amberlights
• Firespot  (limited edition)
• Rule

Warm Browns/Misc:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Bottle Green
• Femme Noir  (limited)
• Ochre Style  (limited)

Mattes:

My favorite colors in this palette:

• Velvet Moss
• Fig 1
• Passionate
• Orange