MAC Eyeshadow Collection & Favorite Combinations

My devotion to makeup brands is a fickle one. For weeks I will live for anything from NARS before switching to Benefit or tarte Cosmetics. But recently my un-dying love belongs to MAC Cosmetics. Something about the formula and colors of their eyeshadows, blushes and bronzers have really been tickling my fancy. So, it seemed only appropriate to share with you all the shadows I have been enjoying lately. 

I realize my MAC eyeshadow collection is a humble one when compared to those of many beauty bloggers, and as you can see it is made up entirely of neutrals (not terribly exciting). But as a neutral-lover, these are all colors I use and love on a regular basis. Also, keep reading for a breakdown of my favorite looks to create with these shadows!

 Nylon + All That Glitters + Wedge + Black Tied = Everyday Peachy-Bronze Eye

Without fail a few days of the week (especially during Summer) this is my go-to combination. I dust All That Glitters, one of my all-time favorite MAC eyeshadows, across the lid and add a small amount of Wedge in the outer corner, blended slightly into the crease with a MAC 217. For soft, smokey definition, I  line my upper lash line with Black Tied using a MAC 266 slightly dampened with Urban Decay's All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. To finish the look off, I apply Nylon to my inner corners for a wide-awake effect. For those of you who watch Tanya Burr (pixi2woo) on youtube, you may recognize this combination from one of her videos, which is where I originally got the inspiration.

Nylon + Naked Lunch + Sable + Black Tied = Soft Plum Perfection

When I am not wearing my Peachy-Bronze Eye look (above) I generally opt for a soft, plum-toned eye combination. For ladies with green or hazel eyes, this is one you must try out! The contrast of golden plum tones in Sable make green eyes glow beautifully. I simply apply MAC's Naked Lunch to the first half of my eye lid with a MAC 239, then flip the brush over and use the opposite side to apply Sable to the outer half of my eye lid. Using my MAC 217 I gently blur the line between the two shadows to create a soft haze of color. I also apply a small amount of Sable to the lower lash line. MAC Nylon and Black Tied are used in the same way as the previous look.

Nylon + Sable + Quarry + Black Tied = A Flirty Night- Out Look

On the rare occasion that I do feel like a smokey eye, I like to pair Sable with Quarry. This look is easily created by taking my daytime Soft Plum look from above,  and adding more drama and definition to the outer V and crease with Quarry eyeshadow, blended with a MAC 217. A touch more Black Tied to the lash line finishes off the look.

What are you favorite MAC Eyeshadow combinations?

Lots of Love,

Louise

Instagram: louise_carolin / hellocotton / Bloglovin / twitter / facebook

Nail Fall's Jewel-Toned Mani Trend with Essie Go Overboard

Ever since I saw the promo pictures for the new Andy Warhol collection from NARS, I knew I had to get my mitts on the gorgeous dark teal cream nail polish named Superstar. I generally go for vampy red nails in the fall, but I felt teal would be low-commitment way to test the waters of jewel-toned Fall nails. So off to my nearest Sephora I ran, only to be disappointed when I arrived and discovered they were sold out. Not a big deal I thought. So the next day I went to the other Sephora a town over. Sold out as well. Ok, I'll order it from Sephora online. Nope, "not in stock" it said on the website above the color. Thinking my love affair with this dark teal cream nail polish was fated to never happen, I gave in and figured if it ever came back in stock I would pick it up.

This was all until this past weekend when I was perusing the ails of my local Target (needed to pick up another Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer) and came across this little gem. Essie's Go Overboard nail polish, in my humble opinion, is a pretty near dupe for the gorgeous NARS Superstar. I honestly was shocked by how similar it looked on my nails compared to photos I have seen of the NARS version online. So ladies, if you are makeup obsessed like me and were saddened to have missed out on Superstar, pick up Go Overboard! Not only is the color almost identical, but it is half the price! And as always, the formula and wear of the polish is tried and true Essie quality. 

It makes me so happy to look down at my fingers and see this color. Depending on the lighting it sometimes can appear more navy or deep jewel-toned teal. Go Overboard is a fun color, but it is still subdued and appropriate enough to wear to the office. Also, it gives a little flair to my standard Fall wardrobe of cozy knits, black leggings and boots. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. I love it when you follow me xx

Instagram: louise_carolin / hellocotton / Bloglovin / twitter / facebook

My Everyday Fall Face: A Minimal Makeup Look

I have a confession to make. I have a bit of a beauty girl crush on the adorable beauty blogger/ youtube guru Vivianna of Vivianna Does Makeup fame. Not only does she seem like such a sweet and genuine girl, but her makeup is spot on! I love that she concentrates more on great skincare and minimal yet effective makeup. So, lately I have been feeling particularly inspired by the lovely Ms. Vivianna and have been embracing a more minimal makeup routine on myself as well. And I have to say I am really enjoying the look!