If you’d asked me 15 years ago (back when I was deep into my brown/pink eyeshadow phase) if I’d wear a yellow shadow like Sun Blonde, I probably would have said, “OH, HELL NAW!”
I was pretty conservative with my makeup back then and almost never ventured out of my comfort zone. That slowly changed over time. Now, when it comes to wearing bold eye makeup, I’m still not a Rainbow Brite girl, but I am more adventurous than I was.
When I find a color I really like, I’ll try to figure out ways to wear it that I know I’ll feel comfortable in — sometimes it’s a bright pop on the lids, a subtle wash in the crease or a sweep along my lower lash lines.
I also like to balance my brights with neutrals, and for my makeup today I played with the yellow and teal shades from MAC Surf Baby, pairing them with browns and beige.
MAC Surf Baby products used for this look, clockwise from the lipgloss in the lower left: Lipglass in Krazy Kahuna, Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Blue Noon, Studio Careblend Pressed in Gold-Go-Lightly, Eyeshadow in Short Shorts, Eyeshadow in Surf USA and Eyeshadow in Sun Blonde
Hibiscus, one of the Surf Baby makeup looks on the MAC website, gave me the overall idea, and using a mix of limited edition Surf Baby products and MAC permanent collection sweets, I ended up with a look featuring teal, yellow, brown, coral and beige.
I started the eyes with MAC Eyeshadow in Brule, a matte beige from the permanent collection, applying it along my brow bones with a MAC 217 brush.
Then, to define the shape of my eyes and give the look depth, I swept a mix of MAC Eyeshadow in Club (a duochrome brown, teal and gray from the permanent line), MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Gold-Go-Lightly (a matte golden brown) into the crease with a MAC 224 (the 217 would also work great).
Because I almost always look tired (sucks!), I brightened my eyes a bit by patting MAC Eyeshadow in Short Shorts, a frosty white champagne, on my inner lids (the sides closer to the nose) with a MAC 217. Then, with the same brush, I blended in some shimmery yellowish gold Sun Blonde in the middle of my eyelids.
To draw more attention to my eyes, which thankfully didn’t look quite as tired after adding Short Shorts, I lined my upper lash and water lines with MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy (a shimmery golden brown), and my lower lash lines with MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Blue Noon (a shimmery golden pearl), both of which I topped with MAC Eyeshadow in Surf USA (a frosty teal).
The cheeks and lips only took a minute or two. That’s MAC Surf Baby Cheek Powder in My Paradise, a shimmery golden coral, on the apples of my cheeks and creamy brown Lipglass in Krazy Kahuna on my lips. 🙂
Other things I used for this look… MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC40, MAC Careblend Pressed In Medium Dark, Urban Decay Cannonball Waterproof Mascara atop Buxom Amplified Lash and Benefit Instant Brow.
Have you brought home anything from MAC Surf Baby yet? I’d love to hear if you have.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Wow, I lost track of time. It’s 8:45, and I’m only now eating dinner (something cheesy with spinach from Trader Joe’s). Hmm…what should we have for desert?
larie says
May 26th, 2011 at 8:57 pmI love the yellow shadow on you! I love that lip color, too.
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:13 amThanks, Larie. Did you end up getting anything from Surf Baby?
Vijaya says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:03 pmHibiscus is a beautiful color on you!
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:11 amI’m actually wearing Krazy Kahuna Lipglass. 🙂
Caitie says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:04 pmI love your eyes here…so pretty! My paradise looks nice too 🙂
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:11 amThanks, Caitie. 🙂 What do you think of MAC Surf Baby?
dani@callitbeauty says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:05 pmlawd have mercy, this look is so SO pretty! surf usa looks UH-MAY-ZING on you :).
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:10 amHi Dani,
Didja pick up anything from Surf Baby?
vonnie says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:06 pmvery conservative and pretty way to rock it, i’d say. still work appropriate and gorgeous!
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:59 amThanks, Vonnie! 🙂 Hope you’re doing well!
Britany B. says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:09 pmOMG, this is my usual weekend look! But I use Bronze instead of yellow. I will try the yellow. 😀 Can you show us your pretty handwriting again? 🙁 Pwease.
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:58 amLOL, Britany! You’re so cute. Okay, soon…
Megan says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:10 pmYeah, Karen, that’s fabulous on you. A great pop of color, really nice!
All your raving about the Studio Careblend powders is inspiring me to go try one. 🙂 I’ve been using Ben Nye setting powder, and it’s just not doing it for me. I’m not usually a MAC girl, but I’m super excited–everyone seems to really love the Careblends!
And–I don’t think you look tired. 🙂 If you’re up for trying another high-powered concealer, try Kevyn Aucoin’s “The Sensual Skin Enhancer.” (not making the name up, I swear.) It’s the only thing that covers up my deep circles on pale skin…if you feel like deviating from concealer routine, I’d say give that a try.
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:57 amHi Megan,
I hope you try the Careblends and like them. They’re fantastic powders!
Oh, I remember that product from Kevyn Aucoin — they used to sell it at the Sephora near my house. Do you use it and like it?
Megan says
May 27th, 2011 at 12:20 pmI can’t wait to go hit up my MAC store–just waiting for the baby to wake up so we can get outta here!
I do like the concealer (I just can’t refer to it as a “skin enhancer” without giggling) a whole lot. There’s a learning curve to it–it’s ridiculously thick and concentrated, so if you put it on as you would your usual concealer, it will be cakey. It’s also 45 dollars (!) for a pot, but I’ve been told it lasts for about 2 years. So far, I think that’s probably correct–I use a little more than a pinhead’s worth for each eye. Having ridiculously pale (NW15) skin and deep blue circles/veins under the eyes, I was pretty much resigned to always looking sleepy until I found this stuff. I know Sephora doesn’t carry KA anymore, but if you’re really battling the circles, you may want to hunt it down.
Heidi says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:25 pmWhat a great look! I’ll be down in Marin tomorrow (a friend has the day off and he asked me if I want to go to The Village – twist my arm, why don’t you?), so I’ll definitely be taking a look at this collection.
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:54 amAhh, I love The Village! The Nordstrom is like my home away from home, LOL! Have fun with your friend today, and happy Friday!
Christina says
May 26th, 2011 at 9:36 pmOooh Karen this is such a gorgeous look! I have a quick question, I wear the MAC STudioSculpt, do you prefer topping it with the Careblend over any other powder?
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:51 amHi Christina,
I think it looks great with all the MAC powders, but I think Careblends lends it really natural look!
Tavi says
May 26th, 2011 at 10:16 pmyour eyes look gorgeous!
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:49 amThanks, Tavi!
Tammy says
May 26th, 2011 at 11:05 pmGorgeous!
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:49 amDid you get anything from Surf Baby, Tammy?
Anna says
May 26th, 2011 at 11:09 pmWow, I LOVE this look on you. Yellow’s not my thing but the teal looks so fresh, I just might have to try that one of these days. Your complexion and invisible dark circles are also oh-so-fresh 🙂
I picked up the Surf Baby lipstick in Hibiscus – I actually bought one at the launch party and loved it so much I bought a backup… I also got the GORGEOUS My Paradise and the careblend powder in Gold-Go-Lightly. I saw your post that compares the latter to NARS Laguna but less shimmery- since I’ve hit the pan on that one I thought I’d try it.
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:49 amSeriously… I owe it all to MAC Prolongwear. If it weren’t for that tiny little tube o’ miracles I’d look 1,000 more exhausted! 🙂
How are you liking Hibiscus lipstick? I don’t have it, but now I’m lemming it!
Anna says
May 27th, 2011 at 9:48 amI luuuuuurve Hibiscus. It can look anywhere from pink to coral to orangey-red on me depending on how much I use. For everyday I just dab a little bit on for that fresh-bitten stained lip look – also less maintenance. I love wearing it with a neutral, bronzey face (hello, Gold-Go-Lightly) for an everyday summery look 🙂
ps. my MAC girls tell me it’s one of the products from the line that are selling the fastest so nab one before they’re all gone!!
gio says
May 26th, 2011 at 11:12 pmLove this look! Yellow eyeshadow looks great on you!
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:48 amDo you plan on picking anything up from Surf Baby, Gio?
Eesha says
May 27th, 2011 at 12:07 amLoved the yellow/ golden shadow and how beautifully you have used the teal shadow as eye-liner. Loved it 🙂
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:47 amThanks, Eesha!
nidhi says
May 27th, 2011 at 12:20 amlovely…you did full justic with Hibiscus look..
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:47 amThanks, Nidhi!
Kim says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:15 amThis is a great look on you. I really like the pop of yellow! Then again, your smile makes you 10x more beautiful than any eye makeup could. Way to go, Mom & Dad, for that orthodontic work – and the good genes, of course! 🙂
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:46 amLOL! I gotta give my mom BIG UPS when it comes to my smile. My dad was one of those hands off fathers (and not very into dentistry), but my mom was all obsessed with teeth — thank goodness!
Kajal Couture says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:28 amGreat look! I got Sun Blonde and Surf USA shadows, the careblends, and the liners, of course! I usually LOVE the summer beachy collections and this was no different. BTW, I wore club yesterday and I thought of you because I know how much you love it!
Kajal Couture recently posted … MAC Surf Baby Eye Looks
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:44 amYay! Club! 🙂 What did you pair it with?
Liz says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:47 amYour eyelashes look SO GOOD! It’s gunna suck when I have to buy both of those mascaras, haha!
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:44 amLOL… yeah, that combo, while expensive, is kind of the hotness. I can’t get enough of it.
Stef says
May 27th, 2011 at 6:29 amSun Blonde is fab, isn’t it? Love this look on you!
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Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:43 amIt’s kindasorta amazing. What else do you like from Surf Baby?
Nina says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:10 amlovely look! 🙂
i also love sun blond very very much! 🙂
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:43 amI’m totally loving it! Yay for yellow. What are you wearing it with these days? Lemme guess — your favorite gray shadow!
Nina says
May 27th, 2011 at 4:39 pmwelllll … i also got swell baby from this colleciton. its a lovely gray and they look perfect together.
something is telling me i need surf usa in my life too. 😀
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:26 pmI just KNEW you were going to get that color!
Surf USA is a must. It would look great with all the grays in your collection.
Pang says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:42 amWow that looks awesome on you. You have been raving about the careblends so maybe I’ll go back and pick it up. My hauls: surf USA, sun blonde, my paradise, strange potion, krazy kahuna, bust out, and hibiscus. Btw I’m going go tried that look for work today. I hope you have an awesome day
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:15 amHi Pang,
What a great haul! You’ve got a nice mix of products and colors. I’m thinking I have to go to the store to pick up Hibiscus now! Everyone seems to love it.
You have an awesome day too! 🙂
Tiffany says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:39 amKrazy Kahuna looks great on you! I only picked HIbiscus and Strange Potioon but now I think I need Krazy Kahuna… 🙂
Tekoa says
May 27th, 2011 at 9:09 amI think you should have some of those mango-sticks for dessert!
Later today I`m going to MAC to pick up Hibiscus, the grey eyeshadow and both nail polishes.
I`ll try on Krazy Kahuna but as a white-bread Irish lass I`m not sure if it`ll look good on me. Might be too brown for my taste.
kiwikiwidragon says
May 27th, 2011 at 10:16 amI have to say I own nothing from MAC only because I know once I walk down that path, I may never return. I have an entire stand up organizer filled with my stash. I don’t know if DH would survive me splurging on MAC too. LOL!!
Paigest says
May 27th, 2011 at 11:46 amI got everything I wanted yesterday! They were already sold out of some items! My fav is the blue noon pencil r for sure, sun blonde and surf usa shadows! Nice collection …. I guess I should say radical collection 🙂
Noga says
May 27th, 2011 at 11:53 amMan, that looks great! I was thinking I wasn’t going to get anything Surf Baby, but now.. I think I’ll go a Mac store on Sunday (just released the collection over here, so most of the stuff should still be available, I hope). Bad Karen! 😀
Mindy M. says
May 27th, 2011 at 12:35 pmLove this look! Makes me think I should have gotten Sun Blonde. I still may if I drop by a MAC store. I ordered Short Shorts and Gilded White online– can’t wait for them to be delivered today!!
Silk says
May 27th, 2011 at 12:35 pmYou look BELLISIMA!
productdoctor says
May 27th, 2011 at 2:48 pmI love the Sun Blonde!!! I think I have to have Saffron too. I have Parrot, do you think that is similar to Surf USA?
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Audrey says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:55 pmHow does El Hub feel about you wearing makeup? My boyfriend doesn’t mind how much I love it but when we’re alone he prefers minimal or no makeup!
Vonvon says
May 29th, 2011 at 2:01 amMAC Surf Baby has come and go in the UK, and I don’t have a single item from it yet. Waiting to get it from Malaysia, hopefully. Eyeing Sun Blonde, Surf USA and Swell Baby.
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voodoogirl says
May 29th, 2011 at 2:08 pmthe colors look awesome on you… it suits you! great job on this fotd 🙂
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