I hate going to work completely tow’ up, but it seems like I’m always running late. What I need are makeup tools and tips to help me save time when I’m getting ready for work, and I think I found one: Stila Convertible Eye Color ($20).
Part Transformer, part James Bond gadget, it delivers three great tools in one — a twist-up eye pencil, a smudging sponge, and, when you twist the middle of the pen, a coordinating eye shadow.
Stila Convertible Eye Color in Violet made quick work of this smokey purple eye.
The Violet shade’s pencil is a shimmery, dark plum; the coordinating shadow is a shimmery lavender.
Isn’t she cute?
For the eye look pictured up top, I started by applying a thin layer of primer on my lids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
I used the eye pencil end of the Stila Convertible pen to draw a thick line on each lid, starting at the outer side of the lash line and working my way inward. I took care to apply as close to the base of the lashes as possible, right along the roots.
To diffuse the color into the crease, I gently rubbed the smudging sponge along the top of the liner, taking care to make the liner darkest near the lash line.
Next, I patted the violet eye shadow shade on top of the liner, onto the lid and into the crease.
The goal was to have the darkest shades of purple closest to the lash line, and then have the color fade as it moved into the crease. With my fingers, I softened away any edges from the eye shadow.
Here’s what I had so far…
To make the eyes pop a little bit more, I ran the pencil liner along the top lash line one more time, starting from the outer side and moving in. Then, I lined the upper water line.
I also ran the liner along the lower lash line, stopping at about a fingernail’s width from the inside corner of the eye.
Almost done…
To emphasize the smokiness of the look, I patted the violet shade onto the lower lash line, directly on top of the liner.
With the smudging sponge, I softened away any harsh lines on the lower lash line one more time.
Et voila! One quick and easy purple smokey eye.
At the time I took these pics a few days ago I was wearing a raggedy UC Davis workout t-shirt (complete with lots of holes), and my hair was uncombed and sticking out at weird angles, so I skipped the full face shot (it was frightening!).
Stila pushed the envelope with their Convertible Eye pen. I love the idea of getting multiple products in one. It kinda reminds me of those four-color ball-point pens (you know the ones).
What do you think? Is Stila on the right track?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
cloudburst says
September 30th, 2008 at 11:04 amI like that colour alot – I will check this out at Sephora.
Tammy says
September 30th, 2008 at 11:24 amThis is a great color and having everything all together seems convenient.
Tammys last blog post..Driving Mrs. Tammy
Elena says
September 30th, 2008 at 11:36 amHow’s the lasting power on the liner and shadow? $20 is a great price if it works well and lasts long. A great find, thanks Karen!
Dao says
September 30th, 2008 at 11:41 amThis product worth the money, look at you! I think you’re one of the few who can rock the purple e/s without looking like clubbing in the A.M 😀 4-color ball point pens, I remember those. In fact, one of my friends had a version that has a bazillion of colors. He was so popular with the girls 😉
Daos last blog post..Lippie Week: Sally Hansen Line Smoothing Mineral Lip Treatment
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pmHi Cloudburst,
It’s very pretty in real life. There are 12 other shades, too… I think you might find more than one that you’d like!
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:22 pmHi Tammy,
It is totally convenient. I find myself reaching for it more and more when I’m rushed, and when I don’t want to go too crazy with the makeup when I’m running errands on the weekend. 🙂
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:24 pmHi Elena,
If you put a primer underneath then it lasts all day. I always wear primer, but once tried it without a primer just to see what would happen, and the lasting time was only 5 hours. Do you have a good primer around?
Glosslizard says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:24 pmPretty purple! I love the subtle reflect!
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pmHi Dao,
Aren’t those pens great? I remember in my science classes how you could always hear the pens furiously clicking away during lecture. Ahhh, the days before laptops…
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pmHi Glosslizard,
Thanks! You can totally turn it up a notch, too by layering a something like a Stila Smudge Pot (or a MAC Paint Pot) underneath the liner. I love finding products with lots of flexibility. It’s really nice on my side of the bay today. I want to play hooky!
Glosslizard says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:27 pmHa! I’m somewhat playing hooky, I’m totally immersed in Twilight… and it’s all your fault! 😉
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 12:32 pmGirrrrlll… I won’t hold it against you if you’re Team Edward (blech).
TEAM JACOB!!!
Sorry, I had a moment.
The day the movie is coming out I will be traveling to Florida. *tears* I was really hoping to go to the midnight show, too!
gio says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:00 pmThat color is gorgeous and I love that the pen has three products in one, it is very convenient.
gios last blog post..New Product: Philosophy The Haunted House
jessica says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:18 pmGorgeous! ^.^
p. potter says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pmi love the purples, karen! tres chic!
i also have a convertible eyeliner/smudger/eyeshadow from Stila–only i didn’t realize the eyeshadow was hidden. you rock! (mine’s Onyx)
p. potters last blog post..If I were a rich man
Anastasia says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pmI’m totally TEAM EDWARD and it’s all your fault Karen LOL
Luuuurve the Stila on you – so pretty with your big brown eyes! Wonder how that would look on hazel/green eyes? May warrant a trip to Sephora (a.k.a. – the Promised Land)… yay!!!
Milan says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:38 pmVery nice! I’m becoming more and more smitten with Stila cosmetics. Its quickly becoming a new fav of mine.
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:43 pmHi Gio,
It is! You can do several different types of looks (simpler ones, with just either of the product), but this one is my favorite.
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmHi Jessica,
Thanks, girl! Have a good day. 🙂
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmHi P. Potter,
OoOoO! Don’t you love when you find surprises? Are you gonna bust it out tonight?
BTW, did you ever go back to the sephora where the Stila counter was MIA? I hope it’s still there.
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmHi Anastasia,
LOL, I guess the cold ol’ vampire’s gotta have a fan club of his own, too. 😉
I think Violet would provide a really pretty contrast to your eyes (my hubby has the same exact color eyes as you do… I’m so jealous). There are 11 other colors so if this one doesn’t work out then you might find something you like a lil’ bit more.
I am *itching* to go to The Promised Land. LOLOL!
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pmHi Milan,
Thanks, me too! The fact that they’re on sale on the Beauty Crunch website is not helping me, either, LOL.
What are your faves from the line so far?
yadiQ says
September 30th, 2008 at 2:51 pmi love this concept i will have to check out the other colors
i am alittle not into purple as this is my companys corporate color blahhhhh
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 2:56 pmHi YadiQ,
There’s also a blue that’s very pretty… I have that one, too, and like it a lot.
Hope you’re having a good day! Are you on the train riding home?
lexi says
September 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pmi’ve been wanting this FOREVER! I’m going to have to break down and buy the navy blue one!
Karen says
September 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pmHi Lexi,
That one is *really* pretty! It’s probably my second fave.
Ugh, I think I want all of them. 🙂
Elena says
September 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pmHey Karen,
No, not yet. 🙁 I need to invest in a good one soon though, I’m so tired of my eyeliner vanishing within the hour of application. What kind do you normally use? I was thinking of a MAC Paint Pot, maybe…
BeautyTalk says
September 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pmOh wow, I LOVE THIS! I’m definitely going to check it out.
BeautyTalks last blog post..Biore Enliven Eye Gel: Soothing To The Max
Tiera says
September 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pmHey Karen, great find! Definitely on my wishlist (as I’m ALWAYS running late and horrified of leaving the house without something on my face!).
yadiq says
September 30th, 2008 at 5:58 pmyour to cute Karen LOL I went to the
Gym tonight street fighting class I just now
An getting. Of the train home it’s 8:55 pm
Here on NYC right now 🙁
I will check out the blue on thursday as a
Reward for working out tomorrow too
Sad I know but I bribe myself with makeup to force myself to work out LOL
Marisol says
September 30th, 2008 at 6:32 pmHow pretty! I really like the concept of this product.
Marisols last blog post..Drugstore Haul
Rae says
September 30th, 2008 at 10:01 pmOoh! I’ll definitely be looking at this one the next time I hit Sephora – a gorgeous purple (my favourite colour) that’s a 3-in-1 for only $20? Want.
Thanks for posting this, hon!! I’m excited ^^
Raes last blog post..The Norwegians are coming! The Norwegians are coming!
Beth says
October 1st, 2008 at 12:06 amI have one of those 4 colour pens in my bag! I use it at work, I write my tasks in blue and tick them off in red.
Thats a really pretty look and I love the fact that you can get it from one product, anything that makes life easy is good for me, because I’m lazy as sin!
The tattoo is all done and I’m really pleased with it. It really did hurt, but it wasn’t the worst pain I’ve ever felt. The hardest part is going to be not getting it wet for the next two/three weeks while it heals. I’m not allowed showers or baths until its healed properly and so I’m going to be sponge-bathing. I’ll hopefully have a picture up later on today so you can take a peek!
Bx
Beths last blog post..Frightening the Nurse
ParisB says
October 1st, 2008 at 12:42 amI have the Stila convertible eye in Clove. I found the liner smudged but now I”m going to try for a bronze smokey eye based on your post! 🙂
ParisBs last blog post..Guerlain Holiday 2008 Midnight Butterfly Collection
Karen too says
October 1st, 2008 at 4:22 amHi Karen!
That sounds like a cool product! I’m mostly intreagued by the stick eye shadow. Have you ever tried Stila’s eye shadow sticks? Maybe not as convenient, but still. I’m sooo looking forward to getting Stila over here (Norway). It’ll probably be expencive though…
K 🙂
Gina says
October 1st, 2008 at 6:42 amooooo i want it! how cool that you can do all that w/ one product!?!
it looks really pretty on you, i love purple too
Ginas last blog post..Mean Kitty Song
Bisi says
October 1st, 2008 at 8:43 amThat looks great, Karen.
Pixi at Target has the same type of convertible pen – I have been eyeing it, but maybe I’ll try out the Stila one instead. Now that I know how to properly use it (thank you!), I think it’s worth purchasing!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:08 amHi Elena,
My favorite all purpose base is Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It’s “clear” so it goes with every color, plus, it really works to anchor the shadows and any other product you wear on the eye. I’ve even started wearing it in my under eye area to keep my concealer in place. I like it much more than Urbay Decay Potion Primer (one of the most popular eye shadow primer on the market), which I find makes shadows incredibly hard to blend.
Here’s a like to the review of Too Faced Shadow Insurance I did a few months ago.
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:08 amHi Beauty Talk,
Great! I hope you like it. Let me know if you pick up any of the shades.
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:09 amHi Tiera,
LOL, so you feel my pain. I hope you get a few colors that you like…
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Yadiq,
Good for you! I ended up going for run even though it was the last thing I wanted to do.
Sadly, I am totally with you on the makeup bribe thing. It’s a prime motivator in most of tasks I must accomplish, LOL!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Marisol,
Me too. I like how you can create a full eye look without any brushes! Makes it so easy.
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Rae,
You’re welcome! I think these are great… be sure to use a primer underneath, though!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:11 amHi Beth,
OMG! How exciting for you. I guess cleansing wipes are going to be your best friend. 🙂 I will check your site… can’t wait to see it!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:11 amHi ParisB,
Wow, Clove is really pretty. I will have to try that one next. Yeah, the liner is smudgy, but you can so make it work for you if you do the smokey eye thing.
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:11 amHi Karen Too,
I haven’t! Now I’ll have to track some down. I am starting to love everything Stila…
One of these days I’ll make it to Norway! It’s on my “places to travel” list!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:11 amHi Bisi,
You’re welcome! It’s a really easy look, too, so it should just take a few quick minutes! 🙂
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:12 amHi Gina,
Thanks! The look itself is pretty easy to do, which is why I like it. 🙂
Charlotte says
October 1st, 2008 at 9:51 amHi Karen,
Can I just say: I love your website! Tons of info and very cool!
This look is awesome and looks very easy to reproduce! (famous last words LOL)
I reckon your website pushed me to have a big Bobbi Brown shopping spree a few days ago. You rocked the mauve collection!
Holly says
October 1st, 2008 at 2:15 pmhi karen! omg i LOVE your blog. and i’m totally into purples and plums for fall right now… i’m gonna have to go buy this. and the dior liquorice if i can find it 🙂 thanks!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 8:26 pmHi Charlotte,
Thanks, girlie! 🙂 That Bobbi Brown collection is fab… one of my favorites of the year. Did you ever get any of her Beach stuff during the summer? I just used the shower gel the other day and it took me instantly back to the tropics.
This purple look is actually really easy! Trust me, if I can do it half awake without any coffee in my system you can too!
Karen says
October 1st, 2008 at 8:26 pmHi Holly,
Thanks! Purple is really hot for fall — I am lovin’ on it big time. 🙂 Let me know if you get it and how your looks turn out!
Vonvon says
June 6th, 2009 at 7:54 pmI know this comment kinda soooo late………but I just got myself like a whole bunch of Stila Convertible Eye Colors (about 10 different colors) from the recent Stila clearance sale in Malaysia(at 50% off each and later a further 20% reduction!). Tried out Stone and Port (Dark purple). Loving them! They are so convenient.
Errrrr…once I was running late to an appointment and there was a huge traffic congestion and I even managed to use Port to apply my eye makeup while stuck in the unmoving traffic for 10 minutes! And voila! When I met my friend later who happened to be a Stila MUA, she complimented my eye makeup and boy…was she shocked when I sheepishly told her I used Port to do it while driving…hehehe!!!
Vonvon´s last blog post..I Was Featured