September 15, 2017

I gave my eyeliner collection a refresh, Patchology's 5-minute exfoliating mask gets the job done and a makeup mirror made for selfies.

Is it time for an eyeliner update?

From pencils and pens to gels and beyond, the eyeliner options are endless. Essential for adding definition to the eyes or taking your look from day to night—and an easy way to experiment with color, to boot—no makeup collection is complete without at least an eyeliner or two. But could your liner look use an update? These two new offerings are up to the task…

Back in the day, cake liner was the only game in town—and it’s back in an all-natural way thanks to RMS Beauty. The new Vintage Cake Liner is a highly pigmented super-dark powder that can be applied with a wet or dry brush depending on how intense and precise you’d like your line—or used as a matte shadow. Cake liner has a many upsides… First, it lasts for a really long time (I’m sure my mom had more than a few for 10 years or more). You can also create a smudgy, sooty look or a more defined line. Even more, you never have to worry about melting or leakage while traveling or toting it around in your bag.

A decidedly more modern take on this beauty staple is the new Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Smudgy Matte Eyeliner. This loose-powder liner delivers a lived-in, morning-after look without the wait, and the pearlized grey color makes for a sultry smoky eye. The main reason I’d love to try this is because it requires little to no eyeliner-application skill—and I’m definitely down with that.

What’s the latest eyeliner you’ve added to your collection?

A super-gentle exfoliating mask

I’m a big proponent of the “If it hurts, it works” beauty philosophy, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not always necessary to take such as aggressive approach. Case in point: Patchology’s Milk Peel 5 Minute Flashmasque.

Featuring lactic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates without irritation, this sheet mask is fast, easy to use and effective. All you have to do is unfold it, slap it on, sit back and relax for five minutes to get smooth, soft, glowing skin. It is also formulated with hydrating soy and coconut milks to plump up those fine lines—and since there’s no chance you’ll be left seeing red, it’s ideal for a brightening boost anytime, even right before going out! And if you happen to be staying in, it’s easy to incorporate into any DIY spa night. I particularly like doing this mask on a Sunday night so I can start the week with extra-radiant skin…

Don’t let bad lighting lead to bad makeup

My first (and most unfortunate) brush with bad lighting was my high school prom. We didn’t get our makeup done (either at home or at a makeup counter) back in those days, so I painstakingly applied foundation and powder (too heavy-handedly apparently) and my face wound up looking pale and pasty compared to the rest of my fake-baked body (I regret that, too). We’re all lucky that advances like HD makeup, highlighters and luminizing products have helped minimize “flash face,” but we still can’t underestimate the effect that lighting can have on how our makeup looks both in person and in photos.

The best way to ensure makeup looks its best (or at least normal) in any lighting situation is to simulate daylight, but that can be a challenge indoors. However, the right mirror can change everything, and I’m kind of obsessed with the Riki Skinny Bluetooth Selfie Makeup Mirror.

First, it features five dimmer settings so you can tailor your makeup to your anticipated lighting (but if in doubt, crank it all the way up). Even better, it has a magnetic magnifying mirror when you need to get close-up (like if you’re applying false lashes) plus a phone holder and Bluetooth so you can take a selfie and see exactly how you’ll look when you say “cheese.” It’s also rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about plugs and cords cluttering up your vanity.

If you take your makeup (and potential Instagram tags) seriously, don’t even think about picking up a makeup brush without it!