Neutral and Natural

I think every girl needs a neutral eyeshadow in their makeup repertoire. My staple product: MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper. Retailing at $14.50, it is worth every penny. I use it every single day for a neutral, work-look and even on the weekends for my dramatic look for a night out. It's my default and most sought-after color.

MAC's Ricepaper is a shiny, golden color and is light so it's great to throw on as a little something extra. Ricepaper is great as a base and as a highlighter for under the browbone. I've also added Ricepaper over other shadows to give my eyes an extra glow.

Whether you want to be natural, accent your look, or want to blend your shadows, this neutral shade of MAC eyeshadow is perfect for any look!

-A

No Mask Necessary for Eye-POPpin'

If S has an obsession, it certainly is with MAC. But if you want to know my secret, it's definitely within POP. The UK-based company has a plethora of colors to choose from and is certainly excellent with their color combos.

I found it about two-and-a-half years ago, as I walked around a Sephora in Soho. I was just wandering around when I came upon these round palettes. Each "Eye Cake" had five different colors that would be perfect to create the right look, either night dramatic or day subtle. Right there you had your base, your crease, your outside corner, your inner corner, and another light color to use for blending purposes. It was conveniently packaged together and gave great meaning to eyeshadows done right.

POP has since expanded to include larger palettes with 12 different shadows that are perfect for blue eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes. Shadows are really important because they can bring out the color of your eyes. And though some people I know think makeup is really just a mask, I think it's a great way to enhance the features you've already got. It's within moderation, and with the right products that you really can play up your best features.

-A

Photo: popbeauty.co.uk

Black Tied

So I know I write a lot about MAC and there's a reason why...I LOVE IT!! I love the wide variety of colors and textures, I love the quality, and I love that it won't break the bank!! There is one eyeshadow in particular that I thought I should share my thoughts on: Black Tied, a black with gold shimmer. This color is AMAZING!!

I was very skeptical when I first received this MAC shade as a gift. In fact, I only started using it a couple of months ago. Now, don't get me wrong and misinterpret my skepticism. It wasn't my beloved MAC's fault, it was actually my own. At first I just wasn't exactly sure how to use this dark of a shadow. But, to start, I decided to use Amber Lights on the lid (another fab must-have color by MAC). Next, I used Black Tied on the side to blend. In the crease, I added a little bit of black eyeliner. I cannot explain what an amazing nightlook I achieved!

I highly suggest all of you makeup lovers out there visit any major department store carrying MAC or any MAC store and try this color on. After all, it goes with just about any color.

-S

Photo: Black Tied, maccosmetics.com

Prime and Proper

It's all about priming. For any good eye makeup job, you'll want to make sure you're not doing work for nothing. If your eyeshadow is going to crease in an hour or your mascara is going to wear off ASAP, what's the point?

I've used primer ever since high school when I got my makeup done at Sephora for junior prom. It was the best day because it was this day when I was introduced to Benefit's F.Y. Eye. It is the most amazing base because after I apply this to my lids, my eyeshadow will literally not move all day long. I can go to work, go to dinner, and go out afterward without even touching up! My shadow will stay in place all day. It's fantastic. My mom tends to have a little bit more of an issue with her oily skin (though mine is pretty darn oily!) so I got her using Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It works like a charm!

As for my lashes, I just became addicted to Prescriptives' Lash Builder Mascara Basecoat. It really provides a start to lengthening my lashes before I put a few coats of mascara on. I find that my lashes are fuller, longer, and stay put all day long. It may look strange at first, as your lashes look a little white-ish. But once you put on your mascara, your worries are gone, especially since the white coat dries clear. S likes MAC's Prep + Prime Lash for $13.50. Think of this product as a basecoat for your lashes - you wouldn't polish your nails without a basecoat, right! Or would you?!

-A

Photo: F.Y. Eye - Sephora.com; Lash Builder - Prescriptives.com