What’s that saying about peeling back the layers of an onion?
Wait — is there a saying about peeling back the layers of an onion? I could have sworn…
Doesn’t matter. All I’m trying to say is that I love layers. 🙂 Layered hair (the only way I can handle my thick, wavy mop), layered clothing (a habit I picked up living in San Francisco) and layer cake (the food, not the film, although I did think Daniel Craig was wicked hot in it).
I also love layering my eye makeup, and I’ve been doing it a lot lately using these MAC Metal-X Eyeshadows ($20 each).
The nine soft, limited edition cream shadows, which recently launched at MAC stores, on counters and online, intensify the color of powder shadows worn on top of them and create a high-shine metallic effect.
I’ve also noticed that they seem to make powder shadows a little easier to blend…
Now, I think these work just fine by themselves, without powder shadows, but they might need some extra babysitting when worn that way. I tried several of colors a couple of different ways, both on bare lids and atop NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, and every time I wore them alone, without shadow, I kept having to reapply. After about 2 hours on my lids, they begin to crease.
And that’s where the powder shadow comes in.
When I apply them on top of eye primer and then pat a great powder shadow on top, the resulting look stays rich and shiny all day long. There may be a tiny bit of creasing after a few hours, but I don’t think it’s bad.
When I apply a Metal-X shadow with my fingers or a firm eyeshadow brush like the MAC 239, I seem to get my best results and the richest, most intense pigments.
Cyber
Virgin Silver
Fusion Gold
Palladium
Rusty
Red Hot Copper
Venetian Tarnish
Vintage Coin
Gold Carbon
Swatches from the left: Cyber, Virgin Silver, Fusion Gold and Palladium
Rusty (left) and Red Hot Copper (right)
From the left: Venetian Tarnish, Vintage Coin and Gold Carbon
Here are a few combinations featuring the Metal-Xs that I’ve been loving lately…
- Metal-X in Venetian Tarnish beneath MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Sweet Satisfaction
- Metal-X in Vintage Coin beneath MAC Sumptuous Olive
- Metal-X in Gold Carbon beneath MAC Eye Shadow in Club
Swatches from the left: Venetian Tarnish, Vintage Coin, Gold Carbon, Venetian Tarnish layered beneath MAC Sweet Satisfaction, Vintage Coin layered MAC Sumptuous Olive and Gold Carbon layered beneath MAC Club
PRICE: $20 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at MAC counters, stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Do you hear that?
It sounds like…
FREEDOM!
Honestly, I don’t have any plans for tonight or this weekend, although I’d love to do some hiking tomorrow. It’s supposed to be nice.
Mostly, I’m just glad that we made it through the week!
Got any plans this weekend? What should we do? 🙂 First thing tomorrow, I’m going to try to maintain one of those stiff upper lips I hear so much about and power my way through a few chores — some housecleaning, getting the groceries and tending to Tabs’ every whim — but after that, who knows? Sky’s the limit. Maybe a hike and hopefully even a yoga class or two.
OH! You know what movie I can’t wait to see? Chronicle. It starts next Friday, a week from today, and it’s the one with the three teenage boys who can move things with their minds (telekinesis).
Looks pretty intense!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Heidi says
January 27th, 2012 at 6:41 pmOoh, I’m thinking the Metal-X shadows underneath my beloved Mega Metal shadows would be awesome!
Karen says
January 27th, 2012 at 7:15 pmGood, great idea! The shine should look ah-may-zing!
Chelsea says
January 27th, 2012 at 6:53 pmI kind of love that song. And Fusion gold is my kind of color.
My weekend plans should hopefully mostly be sitting around the house, but definitely a workout tomorrow. I need to get some research done too.
Karen says
January 27th, 2012 at 7:09 pmWhat kind of workout are you doing? I’m gonna try to make it to a 9am Vinyasa flow class.
Chelsea says
January 27th, 2012 at 7:13 pmI did intervals, and a body weight strength workout yesterday – just getting back into exercise! Yesterday was the first time I’ve run for a reason other than being late for something in a long time, haha. I’m sore, but in a good way. 9AM is early, but good luck!
Karen says
January 27th, 2012 at 7:14 pmNice! I love interval training. So fast and effective.
I’m a morning person, so it won’t be an issue getting there on time. 🙂 I just hope I’m not too sore afterwards!
Jasmine says
January 27th, 2012 at 7:26 pmRight when I read about the onion layers it popped into my head.. oh she’s talking about shrek! lol
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:52 pmNot gonna lie, I could watch that movie over and over again!
Nina says
January 27th, 2012 at 8:19 pmfinally friday. im so happy! it looks like i wont have to work this weekend, which is a relief.
we had dinner at a cuban place and i watched Fringe. thats about it … im about to lay in bed and read!
red hot copper is gorgeous! 🙂
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:52 pmSo, I love that color but the red kinda scares me! I have a feeling it would make me look zombie-esque, haha!
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
January 27th, 2012 at 11:45 pmI was thinking the 3 in the last swatch picture look way nice, and then I saw your pairing suggestions. I practically started zooming around the room! I love olive greens, so Vintage Coin + Sumptuous Olive is JUST MY THING!
Happy weekend Karen!
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:52 pmDo you have Sumptuous Olive, Sunny? It’ll change your life!
Naomi says
January 28th, 2012 at 7:50 amI had the same problem with creasing when worn along or even with primer but after trying with a powder on top I got way better results! They are too pretty to not work so in the words of Tim Gunn I had to make it work!
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:51 pmHave you found any good combos, Naomi? I’d love to hear about ’em.
Happy weekend!
Nicole says
January 28th, 2012 at 9:35 amYou are beautiful and look exceptionally gorgeous in these photos. Your skin particularly looks amazing. Love reading your blog!
Karen says
January 28th, 2012 at 4:50 pmYou’re so sweet, Nicole!
I hope you’re having a lovely Saturday!
Aimey says
January 28th, 2012 at 11:12 pmThe only dislike-factor is how the shimmer of the original Metal-X is somewhat diminished when used beneath a powder eye shadow. But then again, I guess you can just use a shimmery eye shadow above it or just use the Metal-X to add a hint of fun to non-shimmery colors for day looks without looking to party-time! 😛
Diana says
January 29th, 2012 at 10:02 amI want a shadow that works all on its own for the price of the Metal-X. **sigh**Otherwise, I would have gone out to purchase Venetian Tarnish, Gold Carbon, AND Vintage Coin. By the way I am loving your George Michael songs. I have been singing “Careless Whisper” since last week! Lol!
Lorraine ER says
January 30th, 2012 at 6:40 pmI really want to see “Chronicle!”
I love the combo of the metal-x shadows under Club. I love Club and Blue brown pigment.