Five Easy Neutral Eye Shadow Looks

I’m sure by now it’s no secret that I love using loud, flamboyant colors in very dramatic ways. However, these looks aren’t always appropriate and sometimes a little subtle, neutral shading can make a much stronger impact and better impression than something bright. The key to keeping the looks from being blah or boring is to use rich shadows that flatter the color of your eyes and lots of shading. For ladies who have never worked much with neutrals before, my recommendation is to pick up a varied palette that contains several shades. The one I'll be using for this tutorial is by NYX and is extremely versatile, as you'll soon see.

 These following looks are as easy and simple to do as they are lovely. They’ll be perfectly wearable for work, school, or any other time when you want to look polished and chic, but not overdone.

Prep:

Start off with a smooth, even canvas. You don’t want any blemishes or flaws drawing attention away from your pretty eyes, so use a high quality foundation. For these looks, an eye make-up base isn't necessary but employing one wouldn't hurt. 

Look#1:

Step 1-

Use a shimmery sepia tone and apply it on your lid, extending it to your brow bone.

Step 2-

Take a shimmery chestnut brown and work it into the crease. You’ll want to make sure that it doesn’t reach the brow bone, so that the sepia can peek out. Follow this by drawing the color to just about half way under your lower lid. 

Step 3-

Line your waterline with black and apply black mascara. The final result is elegant, yet tasteful, perfect for any professional setting. 

Look#2:

Step 1-

Use a fawn color on your lids. Fade the color upwards, so that it doesn’t actually reach your brow.

Step 2-

Using a taupe shadow and a fluffy blending brush, apply it to the outer corner of your eye, blending inwards. 

Step 3-

Line your eyes with a light peachy liner, not black, to keep the final look soft and romantic. Don’t forget mascara!

Look#3:

Step 1-

Dust a shimmery latte over your lids. 

Step 2-

Taking a pale gold or champagne color, use a pointy brush to highlight the inner corner of your eye. 

Step 3-

Use a rust colored pencil to line your top and bottom lash lines, then use black on your waterline, apply mascara, and done!

Look#4:

Step 1-

Take a light shimmery pinky-beige. Apply it to your lids, extending it into the inner corner, a bit down towards the bottom lids.

Step 2-

Take a dark matte chocolate brown and apply it to your outer corners. Don’t worry if it looks harsh now.

Step 3-

Use a blending brush to soften the brown and slowly form a gradient between it and the lighter shade.

Step 4-

Once again, don’t forget mascara and liner!

Look#5:

Step 1-

Take a matte white and apply it on your lids.

Step 2-

Using a thin angled brush, use black eye shadow to line your bottom lash line. Using an eye shadow (like the one included in the palette) will keep the bottom from contrasting too much. Just make sure it isn’t one with a lot of fall-out.

Step 3-

Blend a fawn color into your crease. This will add warmth. And if you haven’t guessed the final step, go ahead and apply mascara and liner. ;)

Enjoy!

The Body Shop’s Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm

The time has come for me to feature another deliciously hydrating and just plain old delicious moisturizer for your lips (in cute packaging, to boot!) Presenting The Body Shop’s newest lip balm line: Born Lippy Stick Balm, at $6 each. These balms are excellent for those who balk at slippery or oily-textured lip products. They apply with the same weight and texture of a conditioning lipstick, but are completely sheer, with a soft hint of shimmer. They come in six flavors: Pomegranate, Plum, Pink Berry, Lychee, Toffee*, and Strawberry*.

*Note: Not included in the review. 

Thoughts on the individual balms-

Pomegranate:

I was a little bit let down by this one. I was expecting the exotic rich taste and smell of the Mediterranean fruit, or at least something that vaguely resembled it. All I smelled was cherry Chapstick. I mean, it’s not terrible and still moisturizing, it was just anti-climactic. Once on there is a tiny hint of something different, but it tastes more like raspberry than anything else.

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Aroma/Flavor (Flavour), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), CI 19140/Yellow 5 Lake (Colour), CI 15850/Red 7 Lake (Colour), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour).

Plum:

Nice, subtle plum-y scent. The color of the balm is so pretty, I wish it weren’t sheer! While wearing it I’m reminded of my favorite plum infused white tea!

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Alumina (Bulking Agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour), CI 45410/Red 28 Lake (Colour), CI 15850/Red 7 Lake (Colour), CI 77499/Iron Oxides (Colour), CI 42090/Blue 1 Lake (Colour).

Lychee:

Yum! One whiff already reminds me of sweet lychee nectar, which is only made richer when actually applied. 

Ingredients: BORN LIPPY STICK LYCHEE (1090767) LS081002 (RP/04/58/A) Total: 100% Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Aroma/Flavor (Flavour), Aqua/Water (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate (Bulking Agent), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Silica (Absorbent), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), Tin Oxide (Opacifier), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour). Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Aroma/Flavor (Flavour), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate (Bulking Agent), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Silica (Absorbent), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), Tin Oxide (Opacifier), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour).

Pink Berry:

My favorite! It has a bit of an odd fruity smell in the tube, not unpleasant, but not especially appealing. While actually wearing it, though, it turns into a yummy mixture of tangy berries and sweet, ripe guava. I absolutely love it!

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (Emollient), Octyldodecanol (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Skin Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil/Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying Agent), Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de candelilla (Stabiliser), Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire d’abeille (Emulsifier/Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Aroma/Flavor (Flavour), Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent/Diluent), Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Mica (Opacifier), Synthetic Wax (Binder/Emollient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Octocrylene (Sunscreen), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (Humectant), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Emollient), Olea Europaea Fruit Extract/Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract/Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent), Homosalate (Sunscreen), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Sunscreen), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate (Emollient), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (Binder), Sodium Citrate (pH Adjuster), Talc (Absorbent/Bulking Agent), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide (Colour), CI 77492/Iron Oxides (Colour), CI 15850/Red 7 Lake (Colour), CI 77491/Iron Oxides (Colour).

These are wonderful little lip balms and are often on special promotion: 2 for $10! Go check them out today!

Final Verdict: Love it!