I have to admit, I simple adore how this eye look came out! I need to wear greens more often because they just make my brown eyes look so clear!! Yes, I think I do think highly of myself, why do you ask? Heh…
As per usual, this is an arthritis-friendly look. Keep in mind we are using bright, vibrant colors so we will have to spend a bit more time fussing. However, it’s simple and easy to achieve without too much effort!
This look has been puttering around in my head for a while but I think it’s perfect for this time of year. It’s dark, moody and festive. Winter color schemes are generally very cool which don’t work particularly well with my skin so I am thrilled I have a look that is warm-toned.
My only pet peeve is I had to dig into multiple eye shadow palettes. I can create something extremely similar with the very pigmented and blendable Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette but I didn’t want to feature it again so close to the last makeup (Easy as Pumpkin Pie eye look linked here). Though, I don’t think people would mind too much. After all, it shows I use the palette frequently, right? I’m also getting into a little pickle because my favorite palettes are also limited edition and no longer available. It’s a fine line isn’t it!
Now that I’ve rambled on about random slightly unrelated things let’s get into the video. It is simple, easy and very arthritis-friendly! And hey, if you try out this look let me know send me a Tweet so I can see it (is ‘tweet’ capitalized??).
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
the Balm Nude’tude Palette // Sultry, Sexy
Lorac Mega Pro 3 Palette // Eggplant, Pomegranate
Anastasia of Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette // Cypress Umber
Urban Decay Electric Palette // Slow Burn
Sephora Waterproof 12H Eye Pencil // Cappuccino
Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eye Pencil // M-10
Tom Ford Eye Definer Pen
Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara
Pond’s Makeup Towelettes
Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer
Make Up For Ever Artist’s Palette Vol. 2
Maybelline is one of the large, global makeup brands we all talk about but few people actually use more than one or two cult products from the line. It has just so many products standing in front of the display can be overwhelming but, below, I review a few of my all time favorite Maybelline products. And, of course, because it’s me, this makeup look is arthritis-friendly, fast and easy to apply.
Maybelline is one of the top drugstore/high street brands in the world so it has endless resources to follow trends, create catchy new products and market them properly. It can be overwhelming and confusing but more products mean more chances for everyone to find something they like, at a reasonable price.
I, like so many others, have limited time to get ready in the mornings. I don’t want to use multiple products with lots of brushes. I just want a few that create an easy, chic makeup look that stays put no matter what.
Cue Maybelline.
Its long-lasting products do just that. Once they set, they don’t budge. I don’t worry about shadow fading or mascara flaking, which is one less headache on my list.
For my everyday makeup look, I only use one brush (that comes with the product) to apply my eyeliner; I apply everything else with my fingers and it doesn’t take me more than 10 minutes!
What more can I ask for?
I hope you enjoy this look. It is fast, simple and effortless.
Enjoy!
Maybelline Age Rewind – Dark Circle Eraser is my holy grail concealer. I apply it directly from the applicator and blend it in with my fingers to warm up the product. It does not exaggerate fine lines and hides my genetically dark under eyes.
The 24H Color Tattoo shadows are close to magic. They have a silky texture which makes them easy to work with. I blend them out with my finger but can use a brush to pack on pigment. These shadows don’t set too quickly but, once dry, they won’t budge. They make a great base for powder shadows eliminating the need for primer.
The brown shades are perfect for a subtle wash of color while the brighter shades add intensity to any look.
I am first and foremost a liquid liner girl but when I want a softer look I reach for gel. The 24H Lasting Drama Gel Liner is very similar to its Tattoo counterpart. I go in with a first line, let it dry, apply my shadow and smudge the edge out. I apply one more swipe to darken and set the eyeliner. I have enough time, before it sets, to perfect the line.
The brush is soft but dense and easy to manipulate. Do you like a thicker line, maybe a thinner one? This brush can do both.
We have all heard of the iconic Great Lash, Maybelline’s best-selling mascara. Well, there are a multitude of others and my favorite is the Rocket Volum’ Express. It makes my lashes look naturally thicker. I wiggle the wand through the bottom of my lashes then bring the brush straight up. I look like I’m wearing nothing at all.
Have oily eyelids like me? Don’t worry. Powder your lashes before application, it’ll help the mascara stay on and not flake. Keep in mind Maybelline mascaras have a wet formula so they take a little longer to dry.
Don’t want it to transfer to your upper or lower lids? Look down, eyes open, until the mascara becomes tacky.
Have you tried these products? Would you wear this look? Let me know!
I FINALLY got my hands on the Anastasia of Beverly Hills (ABH) Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette after months of it being sold out online. Initially, I thought there was just a bunch of hype because of ABH’s cult product, Brow Whiz so you may ask “why bother buying it, Monica?”…Well, I had nothing like it in my collection and like every good beauty junkie it was important to flesh it out!
I was actually blown away by this palette. There is a reason why everyone raves about it. It is the best burgundy eye shadow palette I have ever tried. In my experience, red eye shadows are patchy and powder-y and the color is too cool to look good on the eyes but the Anastasia of Beverly Hills pink shadows are a little more warm toned so they pair nicely against the skin. ABH is known for their brow products but you have to give their shadows a try.
This palette is on the more expensive side ($42.00 at Sephora) but this is one of the few where I can use all the colors (even the lighter ones which will make great highlighters). I am really happy I purchased it!
Check out swatches and eye looks below!
I was highly impressed by how pigmented these shadows were, even the warmer, matte shades. I guess now, with so much competition, it’s not an option for brands to put out patchy, powdery ones. The ABH palette is one of the most pigmented palettes I’ve tried and with that, the shadows are so buttery and easy to blend. There is fall out but nothing near to Lorac’s. I would however use a guard under my eyes for easy-clean up.
These shadows held up so well! I generally wear my eye makeup for 8 hours and I did not have to touch up my look at all. The colors stay put, did not fade or crease over that time.
If a full red look is not what you’re after there are plenty of neutral shades to play with (matte and shimmery) so the magentas can be saved for a pretty pop of color.
Top Row
Bottom Row – Note: Red Ochre was the only one I thought was kind of (read, very) patchy.
The above swatches were done over primer and powder (the base of my usual eye looks). Did you know applying powder over primer helps powder shadows blend better?
Have you tried Anastasia of Beverly Hill’s Modern Renaissance Eye Palette? What do you think? Do you rave about it as much as I do or do you have different feelings? Let me know in the comments below!
Ever wonder how I do my every day makeup look? Well, here it is! It is super forgiving, easy and arthritis-friendly which means I can do it even when I am in pain!
I occasionally lose interest when people just chat about their favorite products so I tried a double-time get ready with me video! I don’t generally single out products and consider them my most loved items but I will use the same makeup over and over again. Those count as favorites, right??
I hope you enjoy the video linked below. I’ve also linked all the products I mentioned as well. Apologies on the blurriness. I didn’t sit close enough to the camera and the focus was finicky!
Video here: https://youtu.be/VZFRjZVPO6Y
And, hey, if you place an online order don’t forget about Ebates for some cash-back action! Most sites partner with them now….please sign up through my referral code here. And, before you ask, everyone who has an account gets a referral code!
Check out my easy RA-friendly makeup for mornings when I am tired, painful and less able than usual. This look is simple and quick so I still look put together even when I am not feeling it!
Top Row
Bottom Row – Note: Red Ochre was the only one I thought was kind of (read, very) patchy.
Have you tried Anastasia of Beverly Hill’s Modern Renaissance Eye Palette? What do you think? Do you rave about it as much as I do or do you have different feelings? Let me know in the comments below!
the Rite of Aging...early 