Hiya, ladies. I had fun with this week’s Benefit 4-Step Eye Look, so I decided to try another one — this time using products from the UK’s rising makeup star, Illamasqua.
More on the Illamasqua brand…
It’s a shimmery and smokey black, gray and bronze eye, and it makes heavy use of Liquid Metal in Enrapture (a shimmery bronze cream) and Powder Eye Shadow in Lestat (a matte black).
Blend till you can’t blend no more!
Like the Benefit look from a few days ago, this look involves just four steps, but it can still take a while to complete, thanks to the amount of blending required. Seamlessly transitioning the black matte into the bronze cream shadow isn’t something I’d try if I only had a couple minutes to get ready, so if you’re gonna give this one a try, consider budgeting a few extra minutes to blend.
I had to restart this look twice, wiping everything off each time, and had to remind myself not to get frustrated. If you end up with black eyeshadow all over your face, no worries! Wipe it off and start over again. That’s the beauty of makeup, right? You can always start with a clean slate.
Illamasqua 4-Step Eye Makeup Look
- I start the look with Liquid Metal in Enrapture applied over my entire eyelid and along the lower lash line with a MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush. I take care to concentrate most of the color on the lid, gradually decreasing the saturation of color as it moves toward the brow bone.
- Next, I use a MAC 217 Blending Brush to apply a light layer of Lestat into the crease, diffusing the edges and blending into the the bronze shadow.
- For a smokey effect, I pat several layers of Lestat onto the outer half of the eye, concentrating most of the color in the outer corner (the side closest to my ear), and blend away any harsh lines with my trusty MAC 217 brush.
- To finish the eye portion of the look, I load a MAC 219 Pencil Brush with Lestat, smudge it along the outer half of my lower lash line, and use my MAC 217 to gently diffuse the edge.
Illamasqua Sirens for Lips and Cheeks
For the rest of my makeup, I went with a hot pink and gold lip with shimmery golden peach cheeks. Illamasqua’s new Sirens collection helped. 🙂
That’s the light peachy gold shade from the Bronzing Duo in Glint & Burnish on the apples of my cheeks and the shimmery golden brown from the Bronzing Duo across my forehead, down my nose and along my jaw line.
On my lips, I applied a thin layer of Lipstick in Resist (a creamy hot pink) directly from the tube, and to add a little extra dimension and shimmer, I used a finger to apply a pop of Liquid Metal in Enrapture directly in the center of both my top and bottom lips.
You might not always be in the mood for bright pink lips, right? If you’d prefer something more subdued, try a shimmery golden nude like Sonia Kashuk’s Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss in Whisper.
Have a good one today.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
ines says
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:50 amI LIKE!
… i can’t pull off straight-up bronze though 🙁 makes me look sleepy/dirty. my skin is too fair.
i did try some self tanner – did a review of it on my blog, but i had to scrub it off because i had a “rice farmer” moment when it started fading. i guess i’m just stuck being an NC15/20.
.-= ines’s last blog post… Top 5 – Office Beauty Emergency Kit =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:09 amHi Ines,
Thank you!
You could also do this with a peachy gold. How about with Rubenesque?
Amy says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 amI love this look! Gorgeous <3
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 amHi Amy,
Thank you. 🙂 What makeup are you rockin’ today? Did you go simple or complicated?
Maggie says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 amwow, this looks beeee-you-tee-fullll! :]
the hot pink lips go great with this look. (on you, at least) 😉
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… Mermaids Under the Sea + Japan? =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 amHi Maggie,
Thanks! Yah, at first I thought the pink lips might be to over the top, but when it’s applied thinly it’s wearable for day.
How’s your day going?
Christina says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 amThese are fabulous pictures of you, Karen. And I think you should definitely go with the hot pink lip more this summer… so fun!
.-= Christina’s last blog post… Matt Damon’s Latest =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:27 amHi Christina,
Thank you. 🙂 Have you been rocking the hot pink lip lately? What are your favorite shades?
marmar says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 amLOVELY. Seriously- that feisty pink is kickin. I don’t think I have the guts for pink but I did grab MAC’s super vibrant orange. 😀
.-= marmar’s last blog post… why I (heart) Girls Generation =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 amHi Marmar,
You could do it! How about the pink applied as a light stain? I like to dab the tube against my lips to apply a hint of color. If it’s still too bright then I’ll blot.
I have to try an bright orange soon! What do you usually wear it with?
gio says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:05 amThis look is beautiful! I love the hot pink lips!
.-= gio’s last blog post… DIY Beauty: 4 Homemade Eggs Recipes =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 amHi Gio,
Thanks!
redhead says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:05 amThis is so gawgeous, darlin! OMG. I love bronzy.. well, everything! 😀 The hot pink lips look fab as well. 🙂
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 amHi Redhead,
I love bronzy too. I am thinking this would also be fun with a hint or teal or purple on the lower lash line. Oh la lah!
Karen B says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:16 ambe-you-tiful 🙂 (think in Dick van Dyke’s awful fake Cockney accent). Hehe.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 amHi Karen B.,
LOL! 🙂
smiley says
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:59 amOh, it’s so pretty! I think it’s my favorite look you’ve done! Too bad Illamasqua isn’t sold in stores!
.-= smiley’s last blog post… New Products =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:10 pmHi Smiley,
Aww, thanks! I know, I wish there was a counter nearby to play with the goodies. It’s kinda hard to get an idea of the colors and finishes from the website.
Makeup Minute says
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 amWoww! Such a awesome look! I’ve been looking to get Illamasqua makeup but I’m thinking that the shipping to Canada would be rediculous!!!
P.S. Did you get a new camera/ take pictures in a new spot? Your newer FOTD look fabulous!
.-= Makeup Minute’s last blog post… First EOTD! =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:10 pmHi Makeup Minute,
Thanks! Yah, the shipping is an arm and a let. Hopefully they’ll roll out counters there soon.
Tekoa says
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 amI haven’t seen this brand in Canada yet. Show us snowbirds some love!
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pmHi Tekoa,
LOL! I dunno — maybe they ship to Canada?
Lipstickrules says
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 amSo pretty! I just caved in this week to order some goodies!
.-= Lipstickrules’s last blog post… 20 Questions tag =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pmHi Lipstickrules,
SWEET! What did you get?
Meream says
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 amYou look great! Where were you off to? 😀
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pmHi Meream,
I went to lunch with El Hub. And then I had a TV date with Tabs. 🙂
ines says
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 ampeachy gold kind of works on me although if i’m not careful it looks a bit yellowy. i like bobbi brown champagne quartz for that kind of color.
i will definitely go to the mac counter and try out macroviolet. i have the fluidline in blacktrack and it’s a staple for stage makeup. i also want to get the precision eye liner brush (the 210 i think) – how small is it and is it any good? right now i actually use the eye liner brush that i saved from a container of mark. liquid eyeliner (it’s so tiny and pointed, i can really get close to my lash line with it!)… but i want one with a longer handle….
.-= ines’s last blog post… Top 5 – Office Beauty Emergency Kit =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pmHi Ines,
The 210 isn’t my favorite. I prefer the 209 for the Fluidlines because it’s more precise. If you’re looking for a square-shaped push brush like the 210 Laura Mercier makes a Flat Definer brush that’s AWESOME.
Melissa Street says
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 amHi Karen! Can’t wait to try this makeup line!
.-= Melissa Street’s last blog post… Flaunt Your Face! =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:07 pmHi Melissa,
I am dying for them to set up a counter here already. Gahhh!
Kajal Couture says
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 amI like the look! I have never tried Illamasqua products, where are they available in the US?
.-= Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Empty Bottles =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pmHi Kajal Couture,
They will be soon. For now you can only purchase them online.
Justine says
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 amI did a similar look with one of Visee’s Blackish Forming Eyes palettes this morning. 😀
.-= Justine’s last blog post… Atsui =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:05 pmHi Justine,
Cool! What color did you use on your lips?
Nicole15 says
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm*Cue hair-blowing fan for photo shoot* 🙂
I love this look Karen! You look like a model in your pics & are so incredibly well put together. I’m jealous 😉 These colors are beautiful. Bronzes are just gorgeous come summer (or anytime of the year for that matter) & I am such a huge fan of bright lips. You rocked this girl! Can’t wait for your next FOTD.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:04 pmHi Nicole15,
Thanks! 🙂 I am having a may-jah bright lip moment right now, too. Just got back from the MAC counter and picked up some bright shades from the Euristocrats II release. I can’t wait to bust ’em out. WHEE!
How’s your day going? Do you have tomorrow off?
Basak says
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 pmVery nice look Karen! This gave me some ideas 🙂
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 pmHi Basak!
Thanks. 🙂 Do you have similar dupes that could sub for these products in your makeup collection?
Marina says
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pmnice look!I really like eye makeup. and I love the color of your hair! 🙂
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Nars “Lolita†Collection for Fall 2009 =-.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 pmHi Marina,
Thank you! 🙂 How’s your day going?
Kate & Zena says
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 pmThis looks pretty! I can do a bronzey-smokey eye and a peachy lip but that’s about it. I have no clue how to apply bronzer and even the lightest shade I’ve bronzer I’ve seen is too dark for my vampire pale skin.
How’s Tibby Tabs doing today? I woke up today from fear of falling off the bed. Terrier Zena decided to commandeer 8/9ths of MY bed today. She had stretched her entire body over her stolen property as well. I couldn’t just get out of bed and go to the other side that was Zena-free like I normally do. I realized when I got to the other side of the bed that it was 1:50 in the afternoon!!! Yikes. That’s what I get for going to bed really late last night. I was enthralled in my book and didn’t realize I had stayed up until 4:45 in the morning. Oops. I didn’t really get out of bed until 2:00 though as I was giving Zena her daily belly rub. Definitely have to go to bed earlier today.
Karen says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 pmHi Kate & Zena,
Tabs is doing great — I just played with him and gave him some Pounce treats. Now he’s hiding in the closet (weirdo!).
I love staying up late and reading, but I pay for it the next day. What are you reading? It sounds like a page turner. 🙂
Nicole15 says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pmYes, I do have tomorrow off. Can’t wait 🙂 I cannot believe the boss man is giving us the day. Let’s just say he’s pretty well known for making work his #1 priority & would like if everyone else did the same. Guess he didn’t become the mogul he is just sitting around taking holidays off. HA!
Ahhhhh, I am so envious you got to go do your Euristocrats haul. Please tell me you got Cockney & Cost Chic?!?! Those seemed to be the most pigmented of the collection so am dying to see them in person. Can’t wait to your swatches of whatever you got :):)
Faye says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pmI know this post is about your eyes, but can I just say how I love your sweater? That blue color is so beautiful and summer-y.
And I love your lips, but then I am a fuschia whore. It’s funny because I have about 10 fuschia lipsticks and 14 fuschia glosses, but I won’t wear them at work since it feels too bright on my pale face.
Justine says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pmI just used the Dior Addict Lip glow… since my eyes ended up a bit darker than I thought they would!
.-= Justine’s last blog post… Atsui =-.
Kate & Zena says
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pmKaren,
I’m actually a big manga nerd and I was reading Vol. 6 and 7 of After School Nightmare by Setona Mizushiro last night . I go to manga when I don’t really feel like reading pages filled with nothing but words and want to see pictures. The story of After School Nightmare is very addicting and slightly scary which make me turn it page after page. It’s a series that centers around a hermaphrodite (his top half is XY but his bottom half is XX) named Mashiro. In order to graduate from his high school, he has to take a class that transports him to a dreamworld and the students show their true selves. Their goal is to find a key hidden in another student while trying to resolve their true selves with the selves they show to the world on a daily basis. Mashiro–being 1/2 male and 1/2 female–is trying to resolve which gender he wishes to be. He was raised a male but in the dream world, you can see which side he’s struggling with by which uniform he’s wearing. The artwork is beyond beautiful and the dialogue and story lines are very addicting.
The day before I had been crying reading a really sweet and poignant Korean manga called Deja Vu by Youn In-wan. There’s four stories centering on different seasons–spring, summer, fall and winter. It’s about a subject many authors try to execute but usually fail–two lovers destined to be together but meet a tragic end and that that love transcends time and knows no boundaries. Each “story” focuses on that theme but the times are different (spring takes place in Korea in 673 AD, summer is 1944 Korea, fall is 1995 and winter takes place in the 23rd century) and so are the lovers but they feel as if they’ve met before. I’ve never cried before reading something in comic/manga format but the stories are so sweet and poignant yet tragic I sat there and cried. It’s executed so beautifully.
Lori says
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:03 pmDude! You’re a superFOX in the Illamasqua Sirens look! Or is it a superSIREN! Either way, you;re smokin’ !!!!
marmar says
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pmA stain would probably be best- I never thought I could rock pink though. lol I might go out on the prowl tomorrow for the perfect shade to wear this weekend.
I love my orange colours to death: strangely, they really, really compliment my skin colour. Lucky! MAC’s “morange” is shade-worthy vibrant. To tone it down for a work day I usually layer it with a light coat of a shimmery, tawny gold or bronze gloss then a top coat to keep it in all neat. I always exfoliate extra well- crinkles + orange = disaster.
.-= marmar’s last blog post… why I (heart) Girls Generation =-.
Sakura says
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 pmWow you look AMAZING Karen!(not a surprise) And I always love the blending. I love your eyeshadow looks. So cool.
Tiffany says
July 4th, 2009 at 7:42 amPretty look, Karen! Bronze eyes are my favorite!
Karen says
July 4th, 2009 at 9:40 amHi Tiffany,
Thank you! 🙂 What are your favorite bronze shades?
Hope you’re having a good 4th!
Tiffany says
July 4th, 2009 at 11:06 amHope you are having a great 4th as well! I just got back from the pool, and we are gonna grill out some dinner tonight 🙂
My fave bronze eyeshadows are actually a bronzer – it’s by physicians formula and it’s the kind that has stripes of color and it’s very shimmery. So you get 5 colors in one! They make great eyeshadows!