Makeup

As a Taurus, I’m a creature of comfort.  I like my sheets with a high thread count; my cappuccino with extra foam; and my fat jeans with extra stretch in the hips for the times when the likelihood of heading to the gym is about as likely as the possibility of me saying ‘no thanks’ to the tiramisu that followed the filet mignon, foie gras and three glasses of pinot noir.  Likewise, my eye makeup routine is somewhat predictable, with some variable shimmery brown shade on the lids and gobs of DiorShow mascara on my lashes. 

When presented with the opportunity to test a host of products that were anything but predictable – and blue – I was tempted to run back to my vanilla-flavored corner.  Sure, Gucci’s models can rock a major aqua eye and get away with it:  they have genetics – and master makeup artist Pat McGrath – on their side.  Could a real, grown woman get away with such a feat – while looking fabulous?  I invite The Vogue City readers to throw caution to the wind and find out.

Sue Devitt’s Microquatic mineral eye palette in Blue Waters, $37.50, blends hydrating marine substances with vitamins and minerals in a cobalt, cerulean, turquoise and cream-colored quad. 

I was impressed with how effortlessly the powder shadow – almost creamy to the touch – swept onto my lids with nary a tug or pull, and with how well the richly pigmented formula lasted throughout a particularly tipsy Saturday night. 

Elf’s waterproof liquid liner in Midnight, $1 (yes, you read that correctly), is the newest product in Elf’s ultra-wallet friendly line of cosmetics. 

The formula is a bit inky and can smudge easily if not applied with a steady hand, but does the job as well as any of its drugstore counterparts.  To perk up tired eyes for less than the cost of a morning cup of coffee is simply divine.

Laura Geller offers a one-two punch with her Eye Rimz baked shadow liner in Crystal Cobalt, $23, and Marble shadow duo in Moonstone/Blue Heaven, $25. 

Both shades are formulated from a liquid base that is quite literally “baked” into a hard shadow.  I found both products worked best when applied with a wet liner brush, though wasn’t particularly fond of the accompanying glitter that was a bit too Material Girl for my tastes. 

  100% Pure Ultra Lengthening mascara in Blueberry, $25, smells as delicious as it sounds thanks to natural fruit pigments.  My skepticism admittedly swirled around a QVC-endorsed product, but after two coats (try a primer for extra staying power) and irises that popped against the subtle navy tint, I was hooked. 

The verdict is in:  blue-hued eye makeup is fun, fresh and most importantly, wearable.  And if the thought it has you seeing red, take it all off with L’Oreal’s eye makeup remover, $8. 

-Karyn Polewaczyk
 

Mascara:  the most quintessential item in many women’s makeup collections is the one that tends to be consumed at a pace comparable to an oil change at a NASCAR rally.  Whether you prefer a full, flirty fringe or one that subtly hints at the diva within, mascara can dramatically change your look with a single (or several) swipe.  Keep your lashes – and wallet – full with these Vogue City favorites.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Black, $4.99 at Duane Reade A secret weapon of the world’s most renowned makeup artists, the eponymous pink-and-green wonder tube has been prevalent in the beauty industry since its debut in the ‘70s.  Its compact brush is pliable and helpful in reaching ultrafine lashes without clumping.  Steer clear of its waterproof counterpart (and most waterproof mascaras in general), which can cause lashes to dry out and – eek – snap at the base (trust us when we say that regrowth is a painful, tenuous process).  A tube typically lasts between two and three months; for under $5, we’ll gladly take it.

CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara in Black Brown, $8.49 at Walgreen’s CoverGirl boosts its biggest brush with its newest lash contender.  Lash Blast promises a traffic-stopping stare with its patented brush and volume-boosting formula.  The brush, akin to a miniature plastic hair brush, separates, coats and sets lashes into eye batting goodness.  We recommend two coats – three if you’re daring – and extra drying time before causing an ocular commotion.  

Rimmel London Eye Magnifier mascara in Extreme Black, $7.29 at Ulta We give Kate Moss’s genetics credit for her success as an international supermodel, and give Rimmel’s latest lash superhero credit for her preternaturally wide-eyed look.  The Eye Magnifier plastic wand lifts lashes up, up and away, creating a virtual eye lift for even the sleepiest doe-eyed ladies; the rich formula pigments darken lashes to a state of noir, causing irises to pop.  Try a second coat feathered along the tips for a total KO.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

As winter’s dark lipstick kisses its way out, sparkling eyes are back in the spotlight this spring.  With a variety of colors and styles popping up from Paris to Milan, you can change your look with a few swipes and a steady hand. 

Rainbow bright

Shades of aqua, fuchsia and lime can add a refreshing twist to even the most timid of peepers.  Use a crayon liner or a Q-tip edged in shadow to line the top or lower lid – but not both.  With your eyes making such a statement, keep the rest of your skin bare by avoiding bronzer or blush and sticking with a simple clear gloss over lipstick.  Top with lots of mascara. 

Fashionista pick:  Urban Decay matte eyeshadow in Purple Haze, $16

Recessionista pick:  CoverGirl eye enhancer in Tempest Turquoise, $5

Peachy keen

Tastier than your grocer’s produce section, peach reemerged as a favorite shade for eyes of all colors.  Use a sheer, cream based shadow to cover from lash to brow, followed by a single coat of brown mascara on top lashes only.  For a triple knockout, add a light dusting of peach blush to the apples of the cheeks and top lips with a creamy peach lipstick. 

Fashionista pick:  NARS powder blush in Orgasm, $25

Recessionista pick:  Revlon powder blush in Perfectly Peach, $8

The cat’s meow

A classic cat eye is one that never goes out of style.  Skip the liquid liner and opt for a lightweight pencil in navy, grey or plum, lining the top lids from inner corner to outer edge.  Wing the ends with a slanted makeup brush, and top with mascara on top and bottom lashes.  Try a berry stain or tinted gloss on the lips to complete your look.

Fashionista pick:  Tarte EmphasEYES self sharpening eye pencil in Plum, $18

Recessionista pick:  L’Oreal Pencil Perfect self sharpening eyeliner in Paris Blue, $9

As any great artist knows, practice makes perfect.  The best canvas starts with radiant inner beauty.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Mineral makeup has swept the beauty scene, with department stores and drugstores alike vying for a customer’s every last pore.  Put down your stick concealer and walk slowly away – The Vogue City will make a believer out of even the most diehard liquid (foundation) lady.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals powder foundation, $25, takes the cake on quality, price and coverage. 

Originally a QVC late-night special, specialty stores took note when sales skyrocketed.  Available at almost every Sephora and some full service salons, this venerable fairy dust comes in over ten shades and is miraculously free of all of those bad things – parabens, synthetic dyes and other harsh chemicals – that can irritate skin.  While Sephora offers great online shopping specials, this is one you’ll want to test for yourself in store, in person, as the color tends to deposit darker on the skin than in the jar.

Mineral Fusion’s loose base, $33 at Whole Foods, is a hearty contender in this battle of the beautiful.  

Also free of nasty additives, this powder sweeps on easily and gently.  However, at nearly $10 more per container, we expected more of a color selection and better packaging.  Nonetheless, a little goes a long way.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, $8, wins in the price department, and also comes in a convenient, travel-friendly shape with added brush. 

With only four colors to choose from and availability in drugstores only (most of which don’t let you test product before you buy), it may seem like a bit of a drawback; one option is to buy two shades closest to you and mix to the perfect tone.  At $8 a pop, you can certainly afford to.

Janet Jackson is the only Nasty Girl we respect.  Keep your brushes clean by washing them once a week with gentle cleanser (baby shampoo works wonders) and air drying between use.  Your newfound glowing skin will thank you!

-Karyn Polewaczyk