Guest Author - Kim Ringler
With spring here and summer around the corner, we have more to do than sit in front of our mirrors applying makeup. The warmer weather often leads to going out more, which can make for a miserable morning getting up after only a few hours’ sleep. Luckily, there is a wide selection of products that will perform makeup double duty, allowing you to get the maximum use out of your Snooze button.
For example, my new favorite product is Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil. Instead of applying eyeshadow and liner followed by mascara, I just trace my eyes with the crayon pencil, smudge the top lid color a bit and suddenly I have a shadow and liner. A coat of mascara and my eyes look polished, and it only takes a few minutes. Read on for a few popular combinations, as well as one of the most popular two-in-one cosmetics.
Nars--The Multiple in Orgasm: This product is likely to go down in the Beauty Hall of Fame for all its versatility. It is available at department and beauty stores, and can be used for eyeshadow and blush among other cosmetic uses. It can actually be used as any of the below duos except mascara/eyebrow gel. The color is generally thought of to be universally flattering.
* Eyeshadow/Blush: I would not normally think of using my favorite golden brown eyeshadow as a blush. Some people may be able to pull off that look, but I would look as though I was playing in dirt. However, there are some great duos out for eyeshadow and blush that will compliment both eyes and cheeks. A great pick would be Nars-The Multiple in Orgasm. Although the color differs depending on your skin tone, when used as an eyeshadow it has a pinkish hue, and a deeper pink with a bit of shimmer as blush. As with most cosmetics, apply only a little at first and layer until you achieve the color you want.
You can always opt to use a blusher shimmer block, such as Laura Mercier's Shimmer Bloc. Each Shimmer Bloc contains four shades of colors based on gold and bronzes. The colors can be used individually or mixed to create a golden eyeshadow look. They also work beautifully as not only a blush giving your complexion a lovely glow, but a highlighter. The Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc is available at select counters and Sephora, running more on the pricey side at around $38.00. You can find a similar product for less at drugstores: Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strip Bronzer. I found Laura Mercier’s product to last longer, but the Physician’s Formula looked just as pretty as the eyeshadow and blush.
* Blush/Lip gloss: Nars-The Multiple in Orgasm will give your cheeks a flushed, healthy look. Depending on how pigmented your lips are naturally, it tends to appear as a mid-to vibrant pink moisturizing color.
Benefit Benetint is another option—this sheer rosy color looks almost like a nail polish in its packaging. Add a dab on your cheeks to bringing out a subtle glow, while a dab on your lips will add a rose tint. A tip is to start out with a little bit and build up the color because although sheer, you can accidently build it into a red when using too much. Another positive with Benetint? You won’t need to keep running to the bathroom to check your makeup. It is long-lasting, which keeps the flushed look all day long. Benetint is also found at Benefit counters, beauty stores or online.
One last product I recommend for a blush/lip combination is Stila’s Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek stain. The lip gloss smells wonderful, and is fairly long lasting. The gloss is a beautiful champagne color. I had to use a tiny amount on my cheek and build up the color; this is more of a shimmer than blush (these are also available in Acai Crush and Yumberry stains). So if you are looking for a pink or rose blush, one of the other Stila selections or Benetint is a better choice than the tan Coconut Crush.
* Mascara/ Eyebrow Gel: This works if you use clear mascara. If you haven’t had a chance to tweeze or make it to your salon, this is a great way to tame brows while lengthening lashes! Simply apply mascara as you normally would. When you are done with your lashes, use the wand and make sure you are only using a bit of mascara to groom your brows.You can use the wand or an eyebrow comb to keep them in place.
One well reviewed brand is Maybelline Define-A-Brow Gel Clear Mascara for Eyebrows; you can pick it up at any drug store and it works to bring out lashes and groom brows. Another great bargain is E.L.F. Cosmetics Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara. You will get easy application with long lasting power and a price tag of $1.00. When applying, use just a bit or flaking may occur. You will have long lashes and your brows will stay groomed all day longer!
A friend uses her loose mineral powder to double as a dry shampoo when she gets busy. I use bronzer or a plain brown eye shadow to contour my cheeks sometimes. With just a little creativity, you can find a way to make most any cosmetic work double duty!
