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A Primer on The Best Eye Primers
Last week I wrote about my appreciation for drugstore eyeshadow palettes. As long as you’ve got your hands on a good eye primer, you can create some amazing eye looks for a fraction of the price. I received a few questions about my favorite eye primers so today I’m sharing with you my picks. Although, a crease-proof finish definitely trumps my list, there are a few other qualities that I look for in a primer. Check out the best eye primers I rotate on a a frequent basis.
Ever since I tried a sample of the NARS Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base, I was hooked. If you tend to have oily lids, this also does a good job of absorbing it and keeping your shadow looking fresh all day.
Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen has been my go-to for a while. It covers up any redness or discoloration seamlessly. If I don’t have time to put on eyeshadow, this is an easy alternative.
These Urban Decay Primer Potions was one of the many deals I scored back on Black Friday at Ulta. Both are decent eyeshadow primers. Sin has a champagne shimmer finish while Eden has a matte finish. I use these when I’m using my Naked 3 Palette.
Make Up For Ever Eye Prime used to be my favorite primer… until my mom got a hold of it. While the packaging makes the primer look tinted, it’s not. I actually think this enhances the eyeshadow I layer on top. Note to self: take back my eye primer from Mom.
What’s your favorite eye primer?
Link Love: Let’s Get Gifty
‘Tis the season for gift guiding. Flip to page 146 to see my beauty gift picks in the new issue of to&from Magazine!
Check out five drugstore products that offer double duty solutions that will save you time and money.
If you’re listening Santa, I want need this new Naked3 by Urban Decay.
This article makes me think twice about trying knockoff cosmetics.
Thank you Caitlin for breaking down gifts for the ungiftable.
Editor’s Picks: Eyeshadow Palettes
Aside from applying colored liner this season, my eye makeup is pretty minimal—a matte shadow, mascara and liner. If you’re like me and you prefer minimal eye makeup, this edition of Editor’s Picks is dedicated to you! From matte must-haves to metallic finishes, I’ve rounded up six of my favorite eyeshadow palettes.
Stila Cosmetics In The Know Palette ($39)—This is my holy grail of eyeshadow palettes because it combines the best earthy shades and liner for any skin tone. When I first got this palette, I would religiously read the mini booklet of different looks and now I think I’ve memorized… all of them.
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27)—Their Naked and Naked 2 palettes are all-time best sellers but this palette is the perfect combination of both. This palette features six matte shades that won’t leave a chalky finish.
e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Palette ($10)—I’m a fan of this easy to blend formula this drugstore pick offers, making it easy to apply with a brush or your fingers.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Palette ($60)—If you’re looking to splurge on an eye palette, then go with this limited edition silver compact. I love anything Bobbi Brown and this is a good mix of shimmer and metallic hues.
Benefit Cosmetics World Famous Neutrals ($30)—When I’m looking for just a hint of sparkle for my daytime eye look, this is my go-to. I like that it includes four powder shadows and two cream tones. It also includes a fold out tutorial for day and nighttime looks, making the application and reading process so easy.
NYX ‘Love in Paris- Madeleines and Macarons’ Palette ($10)—I’m a fan of this cruelty free and hypoallergenic makeup palette that packs wearable colors for a small price. While I don’t think I’ve used every shade in this palette, I highly recommend this for the beauty girl on a budget.
What’s your favorite eyeshadow palette?
7 Eco-Friendly Beauty Products for Earth Day
Happy Earth Day, my pretties! When I began my hunt for eco-friendly beauty products, I was pleasantly surprised with the overwhelming amount of brands out there that do more than just good for our beauty routines, but good for the environment. From all natural ingredients to recyclable packaging, check out my favorite eco-friendly beauty products for Earth Day.
Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream ($98)—Whether you’re in your late 20s or early 50s, this highly concentrated eye cream fades dark circles and eliminates puffiness all while renewing youthful skin. Pricey, I know, but worth every penny (and 1 percent of profits from all Premier Cru products purchased will be donated to 1% For the Planet movement).
Urban Decay Good Karma Brushes ($20-$39)—Seriously, where were these brushes when I did my “best of” picks? These super-soft brushes are made from recycled PET bottles and the handles are made from recycled aluminum. Not only do these high quality brushes do your makeup justice, but they’re also vegan and cruelty free.
Bond No. 9 I Love New York for Earth Day ($105-$175)—Celebrating the big apple’s environmental smarts, Bond No. 9 puts a fresh new spin its packaging with their popular scent (I’m particular to its cirtrus meets floral fragrance). A percentage of proceeds will be donated toward the State of New York’s “green” initiatives (think park cleanups, preservation programs, etc.).
Alanis Morrisette Limited Edition Ultra Facial Cream (46.50)—“I got one hand in my pocket and the other one is…” applying my long-time skincare staple, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. To celebrate Earth Day, Kiehl’s teamed up with singer/songwriter Alanis Morrisette to design this limited edition label art series. 100 percent of all net profits will benefit Recycle Across America.
Covergirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara ($10)—Swapping out synthetics for more au natural ingredients, I’m a fan of this light-weight mascara that still packs twice the amount of volume, not to mention is easy to remove at night.
Avalon Organics Lavender Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.50)—While all Avalon Organics products are formulated with science-based nutrients and natural botanicals, the results are nothing short of clean, strong and healthy.
BITE Beauty Lush Lip Tint ($24)—When my lips are dry, just one swipe of BITE’s luscious lip tints, made with pure argan oil, vitamin E and fruit butters, cure my cracked lip woes.
