Beauty Pick of the Month

September 2016

  • Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip

    Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip

  • Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip, close up

    Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip, close up

  • Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip, swatches

    Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip, swatches

For those of you who are new to Tom Ford Beauty products, you should definitely look into incorporating some pieces from his collections. One product I seem to reach for time and time again is the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in the shade Nude Dip ($80). What makes this item a must-have is “each eye color quad is designed with four opulent complementing shades that achieve multiple looks, from a bold, smokey eye, to a sexy slash of color and everything in between. Formulated with advanced color processes, the four luxurious finishes — sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer and matte — offer a spectrum of intensity and effects and deliver incredible shade fidelity and outstanding adhesion” (Selfridges.com). The Nude Dip quad is my go-to shade because of its combination of nude, beige and cream colors tend to be universally flattering and can be layered over any paint pot or eye shadow cream stick to elevate the look.

This product is enjoyable to work with because of the consistency of the texture. The Tom Ford Eyeshadows apply smoothly and are highly blendable, making it almost impossible for even a novice to mess up. Furthermore, the shimmer shadows have a sheen to them that does not look cheap or glittery, which I can certainly appreciate given I’m closer to the being 40 than 20. As we age, many makeup artists tend to lead women away from any eye shadows with satin, frosts or pearl sheens. And yet, with the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quads, there is no reason to feel afraid of using such textures because the quality is that good. This eye shadow will not emphasize fine lines or exaggerate the eyelid shape.

Lastly, the packaging is absolutely divine. The high gloss plum/bronze color with Tom Ford’s signature name in gold speaks to the sleekness of the product both inside and out.

Insider Tip

The following cream shadows, used as a base in conjunction with the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip, will bring your look to another level.

  1. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige, Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe ($6.99)

 

 

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Benefit High Brow Glow
May 2016
Benefit High Brow Highlighter Pencil ($22) is the one product I keep on my summer makeup rotation because for me its all about looking luminous and fresh faced.  This product can be used in a myriad of ways starting with what it states on the box. Highlight the under brow area to give your eyes an automatic “eye-lift”.  However, because the pencil comes in [two] naturally flattering shades—in addition to highlighting the brow—it can be used on the cupids bow, inner corners of the eyes, and on the bridge of the nose.  So, get your summer glow-on with the Benefit High Brow Highlighter Pencil.

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April 2016

  • theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette

    theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette

  • theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette

    theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette

  • theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette - swatches

    theBalm theManizer Sisters "the luminizers" palette - swatches

Ever since I saw my favorite YouTube make-up artist, Monika Blunder, recreate a spectacular Kendall Jenner look using theBalm’s theManizer Sisters ($28), I quickly resurrected this little gem from my makeup kit. Why you ask? Well, I always loved theBalm products and when they decided to combine three of there top sellers (Mary-Lou Manizer, Cindy-Lou Manizer, and Betty-Lou Manizer) in one package, I was sold. However, rather than looking at the trio as a one-stop shop, I found myself using them individually on any given makeup look. And so, when Monika Blunder used all three of theBalm’s the Manizer Sisters for this one particular, I too decided to make better use of this multi-tasker.

For those not familiar with TheBalm’s theManizer Sisters, it is a finely milled powder product that comes in several universally flattering shades such as rose, champagne and golden bronze. These shades are normally used on the face, but its fine texture makes it an easy option to use as eye shadow as well. The other big plus is that the theBalm’s theManizer Sister is compact, which makes it very easy to travel with. If you’re wondering how to make better use of theBalm’s theManizer Sisters, here is a quick breakdown:

 Face:

  1. Betty-Lou Manizer: I use this as a bronzer.
  2. Cindy-Lou Manizer: Even though it’s touted as “The Con-tour Artist”, it clearly is not given the color and embedded shimmer. Therefore, I use this shade as a blush.
  3. Mary-Lou Manizer: With my favorite Smashbox Cosmetics fan brush #22 ($18), I apply this product above the cheekbone as a highlighter.

 Eyes:

  1. Betty-Lou Manizer and Cindy-Lou Manizer: These shades are great to apply all over the eyelid individually or as a combo (Cindy-Lou Manizer: all over the lid and Betty-Lou: outer corner).
  2. Mary-Lou Manizer: This color is beautiful under the brow as a soft highlight.
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