Today I got all science fair on my MAC Fresh Green Mix Eye Shadow Duo, swirling the two shades together and working with a combination of wet and dry brushes to create this look.
Get up in Fresh Green’s Mix
For this look, I thought it would help to prime my lids with a color close to my natural skin tone. I chose MAC Paint Pot in Layin’ Low.
The final color I wanted was a combination of both shades in the Fresh Green Mix duo, so I mixed them together with Sonia Kashuk’s Large Eye Shadow Brush.
Then, I swiped the brush against the back of my hand to unload some excess shadow before using it to apply the new color to my lid area and just into the crease.
With a bottle of MAC Fix+ to make the shadow color more radiant, I wet a MAC 239 brush and swirled it around in the pan to load it with shadow. I applied the color to the area closest to my lash line. I wanted the green to look like it’s fading as it travels from the lash line up into the crease.
Next, I added MAC Alum, a shade of grey, into the crease using a MAC 217 — a soft, fluffy blending brush fabulous for both applying and blending color.
Following MAC Alum, I dusted the pink from Dior’s Earth Tones palette onto the brow bone to contrast with the grey.
I don’t always get enough sleep and didn’t last night, so I added MAC Vex in the inner corners of my eyes. It’s a good brightener. If you don’t already own it, then hustle your booty to the MAC counter ASAP. It’s a super pretty shade and seems to change colors in the light, flashing from pink to grey to green.
To further define my eyes, I lined the lower lash line with a grey pencil liner, in this case MAC Dig It Eye Kohl.
I wrapped it up with two coats of shadow and was out the door!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
*Jen* says
July 24th, 2008 at 8:39 pmI love this look! I’ve been debating whether or not I need this since its release and I’m still not sure but it looks great on you 🙂
Karen says
July 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pmHi Jen,
Thanks! Hmm, if you already have a gold-ish green you probably won’t need it. It sure is pretty, though. What do you think of the other Mineralize products?
Marisol says
July 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pmWhat a pretty combo! I gotta check out Vex.
I used that green e/s today. I used the lighter green on the lid (used Sharkskin shadestick as a base) and then I used the purple on the Odd Couple e/s as a crease/outer V color. I really like these mineralized shadows and definitely pays to add a bit of Fix+ to the brush to get more of a color payoff.
Roxy says
July 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pmI looove fresh green mix! I think it’s my favorite from the e/s duos. I went to MAC today and they showed me how to apply it wet (lol I’m so clueless) I love it. Is vex a frost or a lustre?
Fia says
July 24th, 2008 at 11:12 pmYay, thanks for doing this look and tutorial Karen, very pretty!
Laura B says
July 25th, 2008 at 2:26 amI’ve hit the pan in my Vex becuase it’s so versatile. It’s marvellous!
I haven’t got any Mineralize shadows as I’ve heard the colour payoff isn’t that great, but the Fresh Green mix always looks lovely and vibrant on you. Do you think that a base is essential for Mineralize shadows? I may have to take the plunge…
ps Thanks for introducing me to Specktra – boring workdays pass so much quicker!
Anna says
July 25th, 2008 at 6:39 amVery pretty Karen 🙂
That green looks great on you, I’m itching to get it now 🙂
Elle says
July 25th, 2008 at 7:42 amOK, you’ve sold me on Fresh Green Mix, Karen. 😉 I love this look on you!
Also, have you noticed that the single eyeshadows at MAC have jumped $0.50? Goodbye, $14 eye shadows!! 🙁 They gotta hit us where it hurts, eh? Have a great day!
Brittany says
July 25th, 2008 at 7:55 amLoving the green eye. What kind of blush are you wearing? It’s such a pretty color.
Jennifer says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:06 ami love how you are always so detailed in everything. love reading your blog. i like how u mixed up the green and grey. very pretty .. im goin to try it at home tomorrow!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:20 amHi Marisol,
A nice MAC mua introduced me to it four years ago. It’s a great duochrome — my second favorite right after club.
I also have Odd Couple so I think I will try your look today. Speaking of Shadesticks, I’m thinking of picking up Shimmersand today. Do you have it?
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:21 amHi Roxy,
It’s a frost. It looks great with Sable, Trax or Club.
Do you own any duochromes yet? Gotta get on that train, girl!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:22 amYou’re welcome, Fia. 🙂
Oh, I was just thinking this morning you can replace the grey with other neutral colors like brown or black. You can do lots of looks with this basic format!
Happy Friday!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:26 amHi Laura B.,
Oh! Another Vex girl. What do you like to pair it with?
Yeah, I think you need base with the mineralize shadows! I’ve used both Paint Pots, MAC Pearl, and Too Faced Shadow Insurance so far. If you want more payoff you can always wet your brush with Fix+ or a mixing medium. 🙂
Isn’t Specktra amazing? Lots of really nice women who are so passionate about makeup hang out there!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:29 amHi Anna,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 Do you think you might get it?
Dao says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:39 amHi Karen,
You looked pretty in the picture! It seems like you like to match your eyeshadows with your shirt? I used to wear green a lot, my first quad was green but now I don’t feel it anymore, don’t know why.
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:45 amHi Elle,
Yay! You won’t be disappointed. It’s so pretty when you apply it wet… the gold really comes out and it’s like having a completely different shadow.
How’s your Friday been so far?
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:45 amHi Brittany,
That’s MAC Sunbasque! I also have a light dusting of the dark side from “Dark” Mineralize Skinfinish on my cheeks too.
What’s your fave blush?
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:46 amHi Jennifer,
Aww, thanks, girlie! Grey and green is a good stand by combo. Have fun playing with it and lemme know how it goes.
Happy Friday!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 8:48 amHi Dao,
Hmm, I go through phases like that too, when I’m lovin’ on a certain quad or color and then I fall out of love with it for a few months. Maybe when you revisit it in a few you’ll feel it a bit more…
How is your day going so far? I’m still in my pajamas and drinking coffee. 🙂
Amanda says
July 25th, 2008 at 9:03 amgreat combo Karen! I love green eyeshadow. Again, you took two colors I wouldn’t have used (green and grey) and made them look so fab! love the eye maps as always too. 🙂 happy Friday!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 9:07 amHi Amanda,
Happy Friday to you, too! 🙂 When you try this combo let me know how it turns out.
Got any exciting plans for the weekend?
Elle says
July 25th, 2008 at 9:08 amHey Karen!
I haven’t tried any of the duos wet, yet. I actually don’t think I’ve tried to apply any shadow wet in a while…but these duos have so many options, it’s crazy!
My Friday’s been OK so far–debating whether or not I want to head out to my friend’s concert tonight. The friend I want to go with doesn’t really want to go (she says 9:30’s a bit late for a concert…but for me that’s still pretty early ;)) so we’ll see. All of my friends have gotten all “Oh that’s too late!” on me–and yet they complain about never meeting anyone! Hello! Sometimes you just gotta get OUT there! I’m also trying to plan a trip to NYC for my birthday in December, which would involve my best friend meeting me there (from Canada) and a Michael Buble show…sooo…we’ll see if it’s in my budget. What about you? Fun weekend plans?
gio says
July 25th, 2008 at 9:19 amThis look is so beautiful, love the combo! Thanks for the tutorial
gios last blog post..Looks: Pink and green
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 9:20 amHi Elle,
I know! Who knew one lil’ pan could create so many possibilities. 🙂
LOL, tell your friend to take a disco nap, and then drag her booty out. A birthday trip to NY would be so much fun! Any time you can travel on your birthday is special, methinks. 🙂 I went to NY a few years ago in November and it was seriously the coldest I’ve ever been (I grew up in California, so I’m a total weather wimp).
*Jen* says
July 25th, 2008 at 10:08 amHey Karen!
Unfortunately I haven’t had much of a chance to play with everything from Mineralize because I’ve been busy studying for the upcoming bar. But once it’s over I’ll be on it! I really loved the mineralize blush in pleasantry, and of course i need a mineralize skinfinish duo =)
*Jen*s last blog post..A Quick Update and a Look at Things to Come (plus a FOTD)
Laura B says
July 25th, 2008 at 10:16 amHey Karen,
I’m a total Specktraite now! I’ve learnt so much in just a few weeks.
I love Vex with Club and Embark for a smokey eye. I also wear it alone quite a lot when I’m pressed for time – it’s got so much going on that it doesn’t look flat.
Have any plans for the weekend? I’s mine and hub’s first anniversary so I’m going to be doing some Champagne shopping – lucky me!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 11:37 amHi Jen,
Good luck on your upcoming test! Are you ready? I have several friends who’ve taken it and have watched ’em go through the stress!
What kind of law are you thinking of practicing?
Brittany says
July 25th, 2008 at 11:37 amMy all time favorite is Tarte Natural cheek stain. I’m also currently loving Revlon’s A Floral Affair blush in Peachy Keen. They’re both pretty.
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 11:40 amHi Laura B.,
Happy anniversary! I’m so happy for you two! 🙂 Here’s to many more years of joy. *raises coffee cup*
I’m going to have to dig through my stash and try your combo… I swear Embark’s in here somewhere.
Tonight I’m going on a movie date with my friend, Cindy. She’s been waiting to watch Sex and the City with me so we’re going to probably do that and some dinner. Tomorrow I am really excited because I’m taking a Chanel makeup class! I can’t wait, whee!
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 11:41 amHi Brittany,
Those Tarte stains are fantastic… so great for days when you just need a lil’ something! Have you ever tried their mascara (the one in the purple faux-snakeskin tube)? It’s really great.
I will have to check out both of those recommendations. 🙂
Dao says
July 25th, 2008 at 12:56 pmAh, too bad I threw that green quad away already! It was very lovely with khaki green and other deep green hues. I’m wondering if I still can find it. Enjoy your day! It’s been so hot in here, I want some rain!
Daos last blog post..Clinique High Definition Lashes: Hot Lashes 4U!
*Jen* says
July 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pmKaren I’m not ready at all!! Which is why I’m going to stop spending so much time on your blog for the next few days =P
I’m thinking tax, but you never know what the future holds! Off to study some more right now 🙂
*Jen*s last blog post..A Quick Update and a Look at Things to Come (plus a FOTD)
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pmHi Dao,
Aww! Well, I’m sure there’s another green quad out there waiting for you… Khaki green is a wonderful color and so versatile. I almost classify it as a neutral.
I want some hot weater! It’s been quite cool here lately.
Karen says
July 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pmHi Jen,
The future holds lots of great things! 🙂
Study hard and if I don’t talk to you before you take it GOOD LUCK!
Laura B says
July 25th, 2008 at 5:46 pmKaren,
Thank you my dear – I’m very happy for us both too. I coffee salute all us lucky gals!
Get the Embark out girl – it’s AWESOME for us brown eyed chicks. It’s brow colour, crease, eyeliner and outer v colour all in one!
I still haven’t seen the Sex & the City movie (hub and I are allergic to the 12 year olds who fill UK theatres). Hope you have a great night – wish I was there!
Marisol says
July 25th, 2008 at 7:16 pmHey Karen-
I do have several shadesticks. I have sharkskin (with a couple of backups), shimmersand, beige-ing, lucky jade, the blue and purple one (I forget their names).
Did you try the e/s combo I used yesterday?
Marisols last blog post..43 Things
Karen says
July 26th, 2008 at 8:08 pmHi Laura B.,
Aww, if you were nearby I’d go with you! I want to watch it again for a third time, LOL.
Okay, I will now have to do some serious digging for the Embark. Wherefore art thou?!?
Hope you and your sweetie are enjoying your anniversary weekend. 🙂
Karen says
July 26th, 2008 at 8:09 pmHi Marisol,
I actually ended up wearing that combo when I went to the movies with my friend last night! I used Bei-ging all over the lid to prime it all, which really made the gold come out of the lighter shade from Fresh Green Mix. The purple from Odd Couple mixed nicely into the outer V. The Shadestick made a huge difference in the look of the shadow — it added this beautiful, glowy sheen. Loved it!
Marisol says
July 26th, 2008 at 10:32 pmYay! I am glad that you were able to try on that combo. Shadesticks really do make a difference. Do you have Sharkskin? That really made the light green look freaking awesome!
Marisols last blog post..Lazy Saturday
jot says
July 30th, 2008 at 2:30 amI love this and tried it this morning and it rocks! i don’t think i would have paired grey and green esp not with a pink highlight but it works so well. xx