Out Of My Comfort Zone

You might have noticed by now that I really like neutrals for everyday wear, so much so that I typically don't incorporate a lot of "color" in my makeup looks. You might also notice that this look is so not a neutral, everyday look. It borders on Nightclub, and teeters dangerously on Hooker. It also took approximately 6,783 different products to create. 

I have no idea what prompted this look, but I do know that I feel like Vogue/Gia Carangi circa 1980 right now!

If you want a fun look for going out, or even if you just want something different and eye-catching, then give the following look a shot!

Step 1: Start with the eyes.

*Tip: Before you do the rest of  your makeup, get the eyes out of the way. When you're working with darker eyeshadow colors, you're probably going to see some fallout under the eye. Give a quick dusting of a loose powder so that any fallout lands on the powder and is easily wiped away after application to the lid.*

Using a flat stiff bristle brush, pat your base color onto the lid (I used the deepest shade from L'Oreal's Lavender Smokes quad). Don't worry about precise lines because you're going to be blending the ever loving heck out of this look!

Step 2: Blend!

Using a pencil brush, blend the edges of the shadow into the eye's crease and up and out towards the ends of your brows.

Step 3: Blend a transition color into the crease (I used MAC Shale).

Do not bring the transition color up to the brow; keep it in the crease. Once you've blended your transition color fully, go over it with a lighter color (I used MAC Naked Lunch) and highlight the outer end of your brows with a shimmery nude shadow (I used MAC Shroom).

Step 4: Line the upper and lower lashes.

I used Urban Decay Gunmetal on the upper lash line and applied it with a flat brush.

Using a pencil brush, I used a heavy hand with Urban Decay's Half-Baked shadow on the lower lash line and inner corner of the eye. The contrast is interesting and gives the eye a wide-awake look!

Step 5: Fill in your brows.

My brows are sparse, thanks to years of plucking and trimming. I fill them in with Urban Decay's Buck shadow, which is a warm ashy brown and nearly the same shade as my brows.

Step 6: Apply your under eye concealer and set with powder.

Be sure to wipe away any of the previously mentioned fallout from your shadow application. Apply your concealer to get rid of any dark circles and to give your eyes balance (you don't want your eye area to be too dark!). Set it with a powder. The powder will help against "wear and tear" fallout.

Don't forget to apply mascara.

Step 7: Apply blush to the cheekbones. 

In the winter, I like to use deeper colored blushes, just to give my face some warmth when it's pale. I used Wet N'Wild iconic blush in Heather Silk, a rich mulberry-hued blush.

Step 8: Lipstick up!

I matched my lipgloss to my blush, which I normally don't recommend. However, with such a bold eye, I thought it was better to keep my look well within the same color family as far as everything else was concerned. 

I have no clue what this lipgloss is called, or what the brand is. It was a stocking stuffer and a complete no name brand from China (I can feel the cancer growing as I type this....).

Step 9: Vamp it up!

(Yes, I'm aware my hair is a ridiculous mess. I'm lazy and today is my "break from the brush" day.)

Do you play it safe, or do you go out of your comfort zone with makeup? How far are you willing to push your own envelope?