A Week in Eye Makeup

This week I thought I’d set myself up as the subject of an experiment that consisted of two parts. One – take a picture every day. Simples. Two – wear five different eyeshadow looks throughout the week. No repeats. Now that second brief is a little tougher. Here are the results; take a peek into my eyeshadow diary for the past week…

MONDAY – a tint of taupe using Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe and MaxFactor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara.

I plumped for the easy choice on Monday and a look I reach for often in time-strapped episodes. A scrawling of the Rimmel Pencil all over the lid and under the eyes, blended out with the fingers and paired with a good dose of MaxFactor’s Mascara. Easy peasy. Once set this pencil doesn’t move and provides a light nod of definition without looking like there’s even anything there.

TUESDAY – testing a trio of new additions; MAC Eyeshadow in Sable, MAC Eyeshadow in Texture and Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara.

A trio of first times occurred on Tuesday. My first time using Sable – a purple laced taupe. Love. The first time I tried Texture in the crease. Love again. The first time I finally got round to using Tarte’s Mascara. It was alright, but too wet for my tastes. In a month, I’m sure it will be love too. That eyeshadow combo though is a good’un; a nice mix of cool and warm with just the right level of shimmer.

WEDNESDAY – bringing the black coffee edit with Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow in Shimmering Bronze, Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner in Black Coffee and Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara.

I mentioned on Wednesday that this was my favourite look of week so far and it’s remained in that top spot. Yes it’s way bolder than my usual eye attire but I enjoyed sporting a heavy wash of colour loud and proud. The Tarte Shadow is so ridiculously opaque I was able to build it up to this with just one dip of a fingertip in the tub. I finished off with a bit of tight lining from the Bobbi Brown Pencil and a coat (or three) of Charlotte Tilbury’s Mascara which I have to say I wasn’t a huge fan of. The formula was thin and nice and dry which meant you can build it up easily, but by the end of the day I resembled a made-up panda. Back to the waterproof formulas I go.

THURSDAY – parring it back for a bold lip look from Burberry using MAC Eyeshadow in Era and L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Waterproof Mascara.

As I went all out on the lips, I kept things über simple in the eye area. Era was called into action – a colour I commented on in my October Favourites – to neutralise my peepers with its creamy greyish tones. All taken care of by a MAC 217 Brush of course. For lashes I brushed on this L’Oreal Mascara that I picked up when I was in the U.S and it’s awesome – anyone know of the UK equivalent? I’ve worn one very light handed layer above, but it can be worked up to a fluttering effect that builds my lashes up with some serious ‘woah these look fake‘ length.

FRIDAY – Going smokey on the top and bottom with MAC Eyeshadow in Soba, By Terry Ombré Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow in Brown Perfection, L’oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara.

Today I’m rocking a look that I must admit I’ve road tested before. Soba is a great mid-toned golden brown that I dig out when I want a natural shadow washed across the lids and blended with some of the By Terry on the outer upper and lower lashlines gives it some extra smoke. I’ll skip the raves on the L’Oreal Mascara, but I’ll touch on the awesomeness of the Clinique one. There is seriously no better option for coating your lower lashes. It doesn’t smudge, flake or budge and your lashes don’t feel like they’re sticking together when you close your eyes and will never allow them open again. Phew.

I deem the results of this experiment a success. There is a causal correlation between eyeshadow application and eyeshadow adoration; the more I wear it, the more I want it. Bring. It. On.