I love to use MAC shadows as opposed to minerals when I'm running late. They are very user-friendly, don't spill, blend easily, glide like a dream, and almost fool-proof. That's not to say that I don't like minerals. Minerals are okay as long as you are used to your mineral eyeshadow brand's slip, pigmentation, color pay-off, and texture. If you are not, or if you are trying out a new brand, it is better not to use them for the first time when you're in a hurry to avoid disaster. I usually use my most trusted minerals when I don't have the luxury of time - Valerie Beauty, Lumiere, She Space, and I usually foil the lid color for maximum vibrancy. However, if I am REALLY pressed for time, MAC is the way to go for the above-mentioned reasons. I also love that whatever I do, as long as I use my trusted Beige-ing shadestick underneath, my MAC shadows stay vibrant, crease-free, and gorgeous all day long.
This particular look was done in a hurry, and I don't know exactly what I used, but I will attempt to enumerate them (all MAC unless otherwise noted). I used Beige-ing shadestick as base, Baby Pink Petals from Heatherette Trio 2 to highlight, Gateaux on tearducts and inner corners, Swish on inner to mid-lid, Nocturnelle on outer V, Cassette from Heatherette Trio 2 on crease, Indelible gel liner in Tanzanite to line, MAC and Rimmel mascaras.Also, one of my favorite mineral brands, LaurEss, is having a sale. Take a peek at their fabulous products and even more fabulous prices. I love LaurEss because it never fails to give the illusion of smooth, perfect-looking skin. It has one of the best finishes of mineral foundation that I've tried, and whenever I want to look polished, LaurEss never fails to save the day. I was a fan of their Original formula foundation but it has been discontinued (what is it with cosmetic companies discontinuing your favorite products?). They launched the Elemental formula which is supposed to be a sheerer, softer-focus and less matte than the Original formula, but I found it a little bit too sheer and less matte for my taste. Now, Lauren, bless her heart, has created a new formula that is as close to the Original as can possibly be - the new Minimalist. I compared the ingredients and they are just about the same, and I love the fact that they are having a sale to herald the comeback of the formula that I've loved. I am glad the Minimalist is here, because I know that it is just about the same in terms of finish, staying power and coverage as the Original formula. In this look I am wearing the Original formula in a 50-50 mix of Radiant Gold and Pure Gold.
