I went for ’80s today… Don’t know if I quite got there, but it’s all good. 🙂 I still like how this look turned out.
So, plums and purples today. And I found this top that I’ve had forever. It’s by Halogen, and I got it at Nordstrom a zillion years ago.
I wanted my makeup to complement the top, which is something I don’t do very often — coordinate my makeup with my clothes — especially lately. Lately my clothes have basically been an afterthought (although I’m working diligently to change that), but today I thought I’d coordinate. Plus, big hair. I was going for ’80s hair…or a modified version, but I’ll get to that in a sec.
First, the two key ingredients in this look… LOL! Ingredients. 🙂 What, are we making brownies? OK, the two key “elements” are a purple eyeshadow called Slow As You Go, and a plummy golden bronzed cheek/face powder called Mother o’ Pearl.
Both are from the new MAC Mirage Noir summer collection available now.
MAC Slow as You Go Eye Shadow ($17)
You’re gonna dig this if you’re a fan of MAC Trax. Slow as You Go is similar, but I actually think I like it more than Trax because it’s shinier (in a good way) and more richer. Like Trax two point oh. It’s also silky soft and blends like a dream. And — this is important — it doesn’t make my eyes water like so many other purples do.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 out of 5 hearts.
Did you know? Golden purples like Slow as You Go pair very well with MAC Powersurge and MAC Prunella eyeliners. 😉
MAC Mother o’ Pearl Pearlmatte Powder ($34)
This plummy gold has a slightly warm bronze undercurrent. It’s like a combo bronzer, blush and highlighter. Normally I just mix it all together and sweep that on my cheeks and blend.
Technically, it’s a powder, but it feels almost like a cream, and the opalescent finish is pure purr-fection.
It’s like a bronzier MAC Plum Foolery, but not as shiny.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 out of 5 hearts.
Did you know? You can also use Mother o’ Pearl as an eyeshadow. Yup, it’s also approved for lids.
Big ’80s hair via R+Co
I was going for big ’80s hair (well, an updated version of it) with lots of shine, curls and volume, and I prepped and pre-styled with a few R+Co products. Last night I washed with R+Co Analog (which is still my jam, but I can’t wait to try this co-wash by Joico, which is supposed to be just as good but less $$$), towel-dried, then worked in R+Co Twister Curl Primer before spraying my mop all over with Freeway Defining Spray Gel. Then I scrunched that like CRAY and let it dry overnight. The next morning I used my ghd curling iron for lots of curly bounce.
Did you know? If you’re curling your hair with a curling iron, wait for the curls to completely cool down before you run your fingers or a brush through them to break them up… Letting the curls reach room temperature will lock the wave pattern into place.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
sarahc says
This is a really pretty look Karen. I like everything about it. Mother o pearl is calling to me but it’s so beautiful I couldn’t bring myself to use it. :/
Karen says
I totally get that! I think you should dive right in… It’s so versatile and beautiful!
kelly says
You look like a rock star! This is such a beautiful collection and you wear it so well! Love the blouse print! So fun!
Karen says
Thanks, Kelly! Do you ever wear purples/plums? I can see these colors working well for you.
Kelly says
Yes, I do. Trax used to be my go to. I’ve kind of switched more to neutrals lately. My current fave is KVD shadownand light rust palette with black fluid line. It’s quick and easy.
Karen says
I totally get it! Sometimes neutrals just hit the spot (well for me it’s like neutrals ALWAYS hit the spot, haha).
Linda Libra Loca says
A very pretty version of the 80s.
Karen says
Thanks!
Nadia Antwan Ryan says
Omg, you look GORGEOUS! That is all.
Tatiana says
Once again, you look gorgeous. I really like you in purple and bronze eye shadow looks. And your hair!! Dang, I am sooo jealous. You have such gorgeous hair.
Karen says
Girl, that’s the power of product! It’s amazing how a little bit of prep with the right products goes a long way. 🙂
Tatiana says
Uh, nope. I have such thin, fine, sparse hair that no amount of product or prep is going to make it look that gorgeous.
Karen says
Hmm, have you tried foam shampoos or conditioners? They’re supposed to be very helpful when it comes to volume.
I also have a friend who is a former big time magazine editor who swears by Viviscal Hair Vitamins. I’v never tried them myself but apparently she’s been using them for years and has had great results.
Tatiana says
Haven’t tried Viviscal. I thought they were only available through doctors offices or something like that. I have been taking Vit D and Biotin, but see no results. Tried another hair/nail supplement and saw great results in my nails, but I swear it made my hair even more sparse. Sigh.
When I look at photos of my grandmother and mom I know I’m going to end up almost bald. Thanks genetics!
Karen says
I’m not sure as I haven’t either. She swears by it though, and she’s now an on-air beauty expert and raves about it all the time. I’m thinking about trying it because a lot of my hair fell out a few months after giving birth to Connor, and even though it looks like I have a decent amount (since it’s long) I still have semi-bald patches in the front near my hairline that are recovering. I’ve been taking my pre-natal vitamins religiously by Rainbow Vitamins and they seem to have helped, but it’s a long way to getting it back to where it was before (if that’s even possible).
Tatiana says
Well, I’m going to have to look into Viviscal now.
When I was pregnant I had the best skin, hair and nails. I even took a photo of my nails because they had never grown that long and strong before. Then six months after Baby Girl was born my hair started falling out. Sigh.
Kim says
You look like a rock star with your big hair don’t care! 🙂 I know you’re aware that it doesn’t count as 80s unless your bangs are teased sky high. HAHA! Purple shadow always looks great on you and this is no exception. Super pretty!
Karen says
Modified 80s? Trust me, I can still do the big hair. It’s one of those non-perishable skills, haha!
Niki says
Oh my that top has me sooo in love!! If you ever choose to sell it, I will buy!! Seriously! Let me know, lol!