As easy as 1, 2, 3!

If I had to start with just three brushes, these would be my picks. With this group of brushes you can achieve a variety of different eye looks.

1). M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush.

The lowdown!

This soft, fluffy dome-shaped brush is perfect for blending cream and powder formulations. Because the bristles are so flexible and soft, it is very comfortable against the skin and the color payoff is sheer and controlled.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Blend using back-and-forth strokes.

Use the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush to:

a). Dust loose powder over the eyelid. (Prepping the eye area with powder prior to applying a matte eyeshadow not only helps the shadow last longer, but also makes it easier to blend.)

b). Apply a neutral-colored eyeshadow base from the top lash line to the brow bone.

c). Sweep a translucent wash of color over the eyelid.

d). Blend dark shadows through the socket to create a smoky effect.

On-trend eyes! Monochrome eyes in muted tones are ultramodern. Pick up a pastel or nude hue on the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush and blend it over the eye from eyelash to eyebrow. Then, to finish the look, flick some mascara over the lashes and smear a light-colored balm onto the lip. Simple yet chic!

Buy the M·A·C Tapered Blending Brush 224 online at: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.

2). M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush.

The lowdown!

This is a firm and flat shading brush with dense bristles. It can be used with powder, cream or emollient-based products to create depth. Because the bristles are fine and closely packed, with little pressure you can build up a solid layer of color.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Repetitive patting motion.

Ever wondered how makeup artists get eyeshadow colors to appear so strong? To achieve an opaque block of color over the eyelid, makeup artists use the flat side of a firm-bristled brush (think M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush) and repeatedly press on the eyeshadow.

Catwalk chat! At this season’s fashion shows, blocked eye color was a key feature. A rainbow of shades rocked the runway (including blood orange and jet black). To translate this trend for street wear, use the M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush to block the color over the eyelid–but don’t extend it beyond the socket and up to the brow.

With the right tools of the trade, smoky eyes are effortless! To smoke up your eye makeup, pat a dark-colored shadow onto the outer third of the eyelid with the M·A·C 239 Eye Shading Brush, and then blend it through the crease with the M·A·C 224 Tapered Blending Brush. Keep adding more shadow and blending it out until you achieve the desired intensity.

Buy the M·A·C Eye Shader Brush 239 online at: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.

3). M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush.

The lowdown!

This is a small, firm brush, which is fabulous for lining the eyes. The angled bristles are specially arranged so you can create sharp, precise lines with powder or emollient-based products.

Hot hints: How to use it!

Key action: Short strokes.

Define the lash line! Take a matte powder eyeshadow on the tip of the M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush, and using a series of short, overlapping strokes, work it across the roots of the top and bottom lashes (and if you wish, along the upper and lower inner rims). To achieve a line with a more fluid appearance, dampen the brush with water before you pick up the eyeshadow.

Prefer pencil? To get a pro-style finish from an eyeliner pencil, draw your line and then use the M·A·C 266 Small Angle Brush to smudge and smooth it to perfection.

Want edgy eyeliner? Extend it at both the inner and outer corners of the eye so the top and bottom lash lines meet. Sexy and sleek!

Buy the M·A·C Small Angle Brush 266 online at: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.

Happy eye makeup application!

The three eye makeup brushes you should own! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Choose a cream-textured eyeshadow with a fleck of shimmer. For a sheer veil of color, blend it over your eyelid with your fingertip. The warmth in the pad of your finger will melt it seamlessly onto the skin. To create drama, build intensity by pressing the shadow on with a dense-bristled eyeshadow brush.

Cool trick! Want a wet-look? Prime your eyelid with a satin-finish concealer first. Alternatively, for a flatter effect, begin by preparing the lid with a layer of loose, matte powder.

Hot tip! To make your peepers pop, take the cream shadow beneath your eyes and sweep it along the lower lashes. Then, line your upper and lower inner rims with eye pencil. To finish, curl your lashes and slick on some mascara. To elongate and widen your eyes, liberally coat the lashes at the outer corners (both top and bottom).

My product picks: For a reflective wash of color, smudge on Dior Eye Show. Work Undressed Beige 622 in the daytime, and rock Glitz & Glam Black 092 at night. If you like a matte texture, wear Shu Uemura’s Cream Eye Shadow in M Sand Brown during daylight hours, and M Black after dark. Prefer pastel hues? Check out Dior Eye Show in Pink Wannabe 832 and Shu Uemura’s Cream Eye Shadow in P Light Green and P Light Blue.

Want luminous lids? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Day-to-night makeup.

Are you heading out for a few drinks or going on a dinner date straight after work? In a few simple steps … take your office-look into the evening. Grab a portable mirror and do it at your desk!

Makeup artist tip: This look is perfect for Valentine’s Day. You will totally rock his socks!

THE DAYTIME LOOK.

A wash of light-beige metallic eyeshadow⁽¹⁾ over the eyelid, a slick of liquid liner⁽²⁾ across the top lashes, paired with a pink lip⁽³⁾ and cheek⁽⁴⁾. To take this look into the night, watch the video tutorial and follow the steps below:

THE NIGHTTIME LOOK.

1. Ramp up your eyes!

a). Highlight the inner corner. This will brighten your eyes, make them appear further apart, and give them a mysterious glimmer.

Take a small amount of light-colored, shimmery eyeshadow^(a) on the tip of a pencil brush^(b), tap off any excess; then, using a patting motion, apply it to the inner corner of the eye. Also, blend it along the innermost part of the top and bottom lash lines.

Which color should I choose? For a cool edge, pick a sheer silver or pearlized white pigment. If you prefer a gilded glow, go for a frosted gold or bronze hue. Both color options work well on light and dark complexions.

b). Add depth to the eyelid. To take your eyeshadow from day to night, apply a deeper shade.

To achieve a good color pay-off, pat a mid-toned shadow^(c) over the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(d). Then, to soften the edges, take a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), and using a combination of back and forth strokes and circular motions, work the eyeshadow through the crease and blend it upward onto the lower section of the brow bone. For extra oomph, take the shadow beneath the eye and feather it along the lower lash line with a medium angled brush^(f).

Next, to add more intensity, press a deep-toned eyeshadow^(g) over the outer half of the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(d). Then, using a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), blend it backwards and forwards over the outer corner of the lid and up through the socket line.

What color eyeshadow suits me? Earthy shades suit most eye colors and skin tones. Matte or metallic beige shadows work well on blue eyes and white complexions, while yellow or orangey-peach shades suit brown eyes and Asian or yellow-based black skins. If your skin is black with a red undertone, use an orange, reddish-brown or burgundy eyeshadow.

c). Define the lower lash line. To give the eye definition, work a dark-colored eyeshadow^(h) in between the bottom lashes with a small angled brush⁽ⁱ⁾.

What color eyeliner is best? Use a dark-brown or gray powder eyeshadow to create a more natural under-eye contour; or for a stronger, sharper line, opt for jet black.

d). Liven up your lashes! To open up the eye, apply a lick of mascara^(j) to both the top and bottom lashes. Wiggle the wand from root to tip for maximum coverage.

Makeup artist tip: Don’t forget to coat the top side of the upper lashes. This will give extra length and volume, and camouflage any fall-out from your eyeshadow application.

2. Freshen up the rest of your face!

Lips.

For an even application of color, touch-up your lippy^(k) with a lip brush^(l).

Lipstick picks! For a full and plump-looking pout, choose a lipstick or gloss in a light shade. Nudes and pale pinks are perfect choices for white skins, while browns and caramels flatter olive complexions. If you have large lips and want them to appear smaller and thinner, opt for darker tones and matte textures.

Complexion.

For radiant skin, sweep on a luminizing bronzing powder^(m) with a large, fluffy powder brush⁽ⁿ⁾.

Bronzing basics! Swirl the brush in bronzing powder and tap off any excess. Then, using short up-and-down and side-to-side strokes, blend it over the areas of the face that would naturally catch the sun (i.e. cheekbones, temples, forehead, nose and chin).

3. Want to add some serious va va voom to your look?

Adorn your eyelids with a set of full-strip false lashes^(o). For step-by-step instructions on how to apply them, watch my Wink and Flutter video tutorial.

Lastly, put on your party outfit and spray on some fragrance. You’re ready to roll!

Product list.

^(a) Fardel Loose Iridescent Powder in Gold 602.

^(b) M·A·C Pencil Brush 219.

^(c) Light-brown eyeshadow from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection 609.

^(d) Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10.

^(e) M·A·C Tapered Blender Brush 224.

^(f) M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275.

^(g) Dark-brown eyeshadow from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection 609.

^(h) M·A·C Eyeshadow in Carbon.

⁽ⁱ⁾ Shu Uemura Natural Brush 6ob.

^(j) Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Black-Kohl 099.

^(k) Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Trendy Pink 376 and Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Trenchcoat Beige 137.

^(l) Chanel Small Concealer Brush.

^(m) M·A·C Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden.

⁽ⁿ⁾ M·A·C Large Powder Brush 150.

^(o) 3 Lash by M·A·C  (and Duo Adhesive).

(Daytime look: ⁽¹⁾White and Beige from Dior 5 Couleur Iridescent Eyeshadow in Parisian Lights 559,⁽²⁾M·A·C Fluidline in Blacktrack, ⁽³⁾Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Fuchsia Poplin 677, ⁽⁴⁾Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in P Wine 25.)

Have a hot date? Put on your night eyes! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

SMOKING HOT!

“The secret to creating a smoky eye is layering and blending. Layer dark colors over light and blend well.”

“This look is not only reserved for those with blue eyes. Simply adjust the tone and intensity to suit your eye color and complexion.”

Step-by-step instructions!

1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin.

2). For a natural-looking complexion, blend Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation over the face with your fingertips.

3). To even out the skin tone, apply Benefit Boi-ing concealer where needed (i.e. beneath the eye, over the eyelid, and on any imperfections) with a concealer brush^(a), and then blend by patting it into the skin with your fingertip.

4). Next, to set the foundation and concealer, take a matte translucent powder^(b) on a large, fluffy powder brush^(c) and dust it over the face.

5). To make your lashes appear longer, curl them with eyelash curlers^(d).

6). Use the lightest-colored eyeshadow in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (pink) as a base, and blend it over the eyelid with a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e).

7). Then, to add depth, take the mid-toned eyeshadow from the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (pewter) and press it onto the outer two-thirds of the eyelid with a firm, flat eyeshadow brush^(f). To build up a strong layer of color, use the flat side of the brush and repeatedly pat the shadow onto the lid. Next, to make the eyes smolder, use a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e), and blend the pewter shadow over the eyelid and through the crease, using a combination of back-and-forth strokes and circular motions.

8). It’s time to get smoky! Take the darkest eyeshadow in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit (charcoal) on a flat, dense-bristled eyeshadow brush^(g), and using a patting motion, press it over the outer third of the eyelid; then, blend backward and forward, and round and round, with a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush^(e) until you achieve the desired effect.

9). Now, take the mid-toned shadow (pewter) on a small shading brush^(h) and work it along the lower lash line. To enhance the smoky intensity, smooth the finish by blending over it with an angled blending brush⁽ⁱ⁾.

10). For a sexy shimmer, take the lightest shadow (pink) on a pencil brush^(j) and apply it to the inner corner of the eye (both top and bottom).

11). To define the lash line, feather the black eyeliner pencil from the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit through the roots of the top and bottom lashes. To soften the finish along the upper lash line, smudge the darkest shadow (charcoal) over the eyeliner with the hard angled brush supplied in the Benefit Smokin’ Eyes kit. Lastly, line the inner rim of the lower eyelid with the black pencil.

12). Then, to open up the eyes, coat the top and bottom lashes with Benefit BADgal Lash mascara in black.

13). Finally, for healthy-looking cheeks and lips, brush on Benefit Benetint and blend with your fingertips for a seamless finish. Want a pout with more punch? Slick a brighter lipgloss on top^(k).

14). Pop on your party dress and go have some fun!

Brushes and Accessories.

^(a)Concealer brush: Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10. ^(b)Powder: Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte in Colorless. ^(c)Powder brush: M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134. ^(d)Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. ^(e)Soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush: M·A·C Tapered Blender Brush 224. ^(f)Firm, flat eyeshadow brush: Chanel Eyeshadow Brush #2. ^(g)Flat, dense-bristled eyeshadow brush: M·A·C Eye Shading Brush 239. ^(h)Small shading brush: M·A·C Mini Shader Brush 228. ⁽ⁱ⁾Angled blending brush: M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275. ^(j)Pencil brush: M·A·C Pencil Brush 219. ^(k)Lipgloss: Clarins Gloss Appeal in 06 Orchyd.

Buy Benefit Cosmetics online at: BenefitCosmetics.com, BenefitCosmetics.co.uk and AdoreBeauty.com.au.

Smoky Eyeshadow: Forever Fashionable is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Before.	Eyes.	Lips & Cheeks.	Daytime Chic!

To recreate this look, watch the video tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions below:

PRE-MAKEUP APPLICATION.

Begin by plucking your eyebrows, and cleansing, toning and moisturizing the skin.

Makeup artist tip! Always wipe over the eyelids with a cotton pad dampened with cleansing water prior to applying makeup. This will remove any oil from the surface of the skin and help your eye makeup adhere better.

EYES.

Makeup artist tip! When I am using a dark-colored eyeshadow, I like to apply the eye makeup first. This way, if there is any fallout, it won’t ruin the foundation.

Prep and prime.

Brush on the base!

1.    Apply a light layer of Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation to the eye area with a firm, flat brush^(a), and blend it with your fingertips.

Makeup artist tip! Foundation will help to even out the skin tone in the eye area; however, it will only mask minor imperfections. For heavy duty help . . .

Call up the concealer!

2.    Apply a creamy concealer^(b) to the eyelid and underneath the eye with a firm, flat brush^(a), and then use the warmth of your fingertip to blend it onto the skin. For optimal coverage, pat the concealer into the skin with the pad of your finger; don’t rub, because this will wipe the concealer away.

Why conceal? Concealing the eye area is important because it allows you to create a blank canvas to work on. To get a true color pay-off from your eyeshadow, you need to block the unwanted undertones in the eyelid (i.e. red and/or blue hues caused by small veins). When concealing around the eye socket, the aim is to mask the pink or gray tones so the skin in this area matches the rest of the face.

Powder those lids!

Makeup artist tip! To make blending “matte” eyeshadows easier, always prepare the eyelid with powder first.

3.    To create a powder base, blend Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder over the eyelid with a small powder brush^(c).

Eyelashes.

For lengthy-looking top lashes, curl them with eyelash curlers^(d).

Eyeshadow.

Makeup artist tip! For the perfect eyeshadow application, keep your eyes open, tilt your head slightly backwards (to stretch the skin on your eyelid taut) and look into a mirror.

Lightest shade.

1.    To create the illusion of wider-set eyes, press the lightest color in the Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro (a light yellow/gold frost) into the inner corner of the eye (both top and bottom) with a firm, flat brush^(a); then blend it outward over the eyelid and upward over the brow bone with a soft, fluffy brush^(e). For this look, the color should be lightest at the inner corner of the eye and graduate upward and outwards.

Makeup artist tip! Initially pressing the shadow onto the inner corner of the eye, as opposed to blending back and forth, allows you to build up a more intense layer of color.

Middle shade.

2.    Using a soft, fluffy brush^(e), blend Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo over the center of the eyelid, into the crease and onto the outer corner of the eye.

Darkest shade.

Makeup artist tip! To achieve an initial strong application of color and reduce fallout, use the flat side of the brush to stipple on the shadow. If flakes of eyeshadow do fall beneath the eyes and onto the cheeks, remove them with a Q-Tip (cotton bud) dipped in cleansing water.

3.    Take Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown on a small, flat brush^(f), and using a patting motion, block the color over the outer edge of the eyelid and through the socket line; then, following the natural contour of the eye, blend back and forth with a soft, fluffy brush^(e) to shape and soften the color. To create a modern smoky eye, wing the eyeshadow out slightly at the outer corner and blend using circular motions. To achieve the desired depth and dimension, add more Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown to the outer corner of the lid and blend it through the crease. Next, sweep Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo onto the ball of the eyelid and blend with a soft, fluffy brush^(e).

Highlight.

Touch up the inner corner of the eye with the lightest color in the Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro. Take it beneath the eye, and using a pointed blending brush^(g), blend it from the inner corner to the middle of the lower lash line. This will open up the eye and give it a sexy sheen.

Hot tip! Yellow and gold tones work well on olive skin and make brown eyes fizz!

Intensify the eye!

To enhance the smoky intensity, take a small, flat blending brush^(h) and work Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown along the lower lash line. Using a medium angled brush⁽ⁱ⁾, blend the eyeshadow to smooth and soften the finish.

Eyeliner.

To give the eye definition, take Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx, and using a series of short, overlapping strokes, apply it to the top and bottom lash lines. The lines should be thicker at the outer corner of the eye, tapering inwards. Also, apply Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx to the upper and lower inner rims. For a professional finish, blend along the lash lines with a small angled brush^(j) and create a wing at the outer corner of the eye, so the bottom and top lash lines meet in a smooth point. Finally, for added smoulder, soften the lower lash line with a small, flat blending brush^(h).

Eyelashes.

Coat the top and bottom eyelashes with Thevi Lush Mascara in Black.

Makeup artist tip! Do you have trouble applying mascara to the lower lashes? Yes? Apply it when there is only a small amount of product on the brush. Paint your top lashes first, and without re-dipping the wand, hold the brush horizontally and wiggle it over and through the bottom lashes, coating them from base to tip.

FACE.

Foundation.

For fresh and flawless skin, apply Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation to the face with a foundation brush^(k) and then work it in with your fingertips. Test the color along the jawline first, and once you have selected the right shade, start in the middle of the face, and using outward and downward strokes, blend it onto the skin. To avoid obvious lines of demarcation, apply foundation sparingly near the hairline, jawline and eyebrows, and BLEND, BLEND, BLEND!

Makeup artist tip! Check your foundation regularly to ensure you have the perfect shade for your skin tone. Seasonal changes (and other factors) can alter the color of your complexion.

Concealer.

What spot?

Take a full-coverage concealer^(b) on a firm, flat brush^(a) and apply it to any imperfections and blemishes; then, for a faultless finish, pat it into the skin with your fingertip so it blends seamlessly with your foundation.

Bright eyes.

Makeup artist tip! To create a perfectly textured product for the skin beneath the eye, I mix a concealer with the contents of a highlighter pen. This combination gives coverage as well as light reflective luminosity.

It’s time to touch up! Mix a concealer^(b) and highlighter pen^(l) together on the back of your hand and apply it under the eye with a firm, flat brush^(a). To blend, press it into the skin with your fingertips.

Powder.

To set your foundation and minimize shine, dust Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder over the face with a large, fluffy powder brush^(m).

LIPS.

For a glossy nude lip, apply Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Sequin with a lip brush⁽ⁿ⁾.

CHEEKS.

Lastly, apply Thevi Sheer Matte Blush in Whisper Apricot to the cheekbones with a large, fluffy powder brush^(m).

You are ready to take the day on. Très chic!

SHOPPING LIST.

Foundation: Thevi Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation.

Powder: Thevi Mineral Pressed Powder.

Eyeshadow:     Thevi Triple Split Shadow in Bistro.

Thevi Matte Shadow in Cameo.

Thevi Matte Shadow in Dark Brown.

Eyeliner: Thevi Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner in Onyx.

Mascara: Thevi Lush Mascara in Black.

Lipstick: Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Sequin.

Blush: Thevi Sheer Matte Blush in Whisper Apricot.

^(a)Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 10, ^(b)M·A·C Studio Finish, ^(c)Shu Uemura Synthetic Brush 14, ^(d)Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, ^(e)M·A·C Tapered Blender Brush 224, ^(f)M·A·C Eye Shading Brush 239, ^(g)M·A·C Pencil Brush 219, ^(h)M·A·C Mini Shader Brush 228, ⁽ⁱ⁾M·A·C Medium Angled Shading Brush 275, ^(j)M·A·C Small Angle Brush 266, ^(k)Les Pinceaux De Chanel Foundation Brush 6, ^(l)Dior SkinFlash, ^(m)M·A·C Large Powder Brush 134, ⁽ⁿ⁾M·A·C Concealer Brush 194.

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How to do smoky eyes for daytime is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog