NYX eyeshadow base doesn't cut it

Do you use eyeshadow primer?  If you don't, you totally should.  A good eye primer will help eyeshadows be more vibrant and keep them in place all day without creasing.  A bad primer...won't do any of that!  

My HG eyeshadow primer is Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP), which is much loved in the makeup community.  I'll review UDPP eventually because I really am in love with it but today I want to show you a BAD primer.  

NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (ESB03)

NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (ESB03)

Don't get me wrong...many people adore NYX Eyeshadow Base.  My makeup-obsessed friend, Megan, really digs this stuff.  However, I find that it doesn't do ANYTHING to prevent creasing on my eyelids.

 NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (ESB03)

 NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (ESB03)

Also, although this may be "skin tone" for some people, it certainly isn't for me.  I find it makes my eye look unnatural.  

NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone (ESB03) (Swatched heavily)

All in all, this is a "skip" product.  I don't find myself reaching for it unless I'm absolutely OUT of my UDPP.  They also sell this product in White (ESB01) and White Pearl (ESB02).  I'd be interested to know if those are any better.

This product sells for $7 for 0.8 and you can buy it at Ulta or on NYX's website.  (You can find it on Amazon for $5.10!)

-K

P.S.

Feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at OrangeLipstickK

All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

Mad about mattes

Recently I was talking to my dear friend, E, about the beauty of mattes.  I recently purchased a matte lipgloss (review forthcoming) and I’ve been particularly taken with how it looks on me.  E told me that she’s “rapidly swinging into a matte phase” and is “having trouble finding a good matte palette.”  Well, I couldn’t let the poor girl suffer without some good mattes in her life!

My first and most favorite recommendation would be the two mattes from the original Urban Decay Naked Palette.  They’re Buck and Naked and I LOVE them for creating a matte, natural eye.  It’s a simple eye look that allows you to wear bright lips or cheeks.  Me likey.  (Of course, this doesn’t solve her palette problem, but I thought I’d suggest two mattes I love!)  Click HERE to buy ($18 each for 0.05 oz).

 Urban Decay Buck

Urban Decay Naked

(Photos taken from Urban Decay’s website)

A palette with a good mix of matte neutrals and colors is The Balm’s Meet Matt(e) Eye Palette.  I really love the cute theme – The Balm always has such adorable stuff!  You can buy it at The Balm’s website for $34 dollars for 0.33 oz.  Also, you should check out Temptalia for her great review and swatches.

(Photo taken from The Balm’s website)

Another option is always Inglot.  I haven’t bought any of their shadows but I hear nothing but raves for them.  Plus, they have a gajillion matte options in all different colors of the rainbow.  (I mean, c’mon, they have a matte red!  If you can’t find the matte color you want from Inglot, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t exist!)  If you use their Freedom System, you can add in all the colors you want to create a custom palette!  Woo-hoo!  You can purchase from their website HERE.  Shadows range from $4.50 to $7.00 each for 0.09 oz

Inglot #366

(Photo taken from Inglot’s website)

A palette that I think is adorable is the Stila In the Know Eye Shadow Palette.  It’s $39 and comes with 10 matte shadows and one Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner!  That’s a pretty great value!  I really love the colors.  You can nab it HERE.

(Photo taken from Sephora.com)

Another option if you can’t find a matte is to build your own little stash from NYX.  They have 21 mattes to choose from and I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about them.  I’m particularly drawn to Covet and Haywire.  You can always choose to de-pot these and put them in a palette, if that’s your game.  Plus, they’re only $5 each so go crazy HERE!  

NYX Covet

(Photo taken from NYX’s website)

I hope this helps in everyone’s search for some good mattes!  I think matte so often equals neutral, which is why I’m drawn to the Inglot products.  I keep creating palettes on their website and then deleting from my cart because I’m SO indecisive.

How do you feel about mattes?  Love ‘em, leave ‘em?  What are your favorite mattes?

XOXO

-K

Feel free to email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com or tweet me at OrangeLipstickK