Lookbook: Caribbean Cool

inspiration

This eyeshadow look was inspired directly by a photograph of the Caribbean Sea. Tropical sea’s typically have white caps where the waves break closer to the shore, with the really vibrant, bright blue next, and the darker waters farther out to sea. When I saw the natural gradient of the sea, I was inspired to do an eyeshadow look that mimics this exactly. This eyeshadow look is playful and fun, and should be paired with demure cheeks and lips, as you really want your gorgeous gleaming blue eyeshadow to stand through. To see how to get this easy look,

Makeup Brushes 101

First, be sure you are using the correct brushes. Your makeup brushes will make or break your makeup look, and are worth investing in. I typically use Sigma Makeup Brushes, as I absolutely love them, and they are very similar to MAC brushes, without the high price tag. If you are going to invest in eye makeup brushes and you are on a budget, you want to invest in the following four brushes, and you can do pretty much any single eyeshadow look you will ever see:

The four necessary eye brushes

Pencil Brush – This is a small, dome shaped brush that is perfect for applying your crease color. The small size allows you to apply more intricately, and it also helps to blend while applying.
Shader Brush – This brush is perfect for applying color to your eyelids. It can be used for the inner corners, as well as a brow highlight. This is a very versatile brush.
Short Shader Brush – This brush has the same use as the shader brush, but is shorter and more dense, which makes it ideal for packing on eye color for a more pigmented finish. It is also typically a good idea to have two shader brushes in your collection so you can apply more than one color at once, without having to wash your brushes.
Fluffy Blending Brush – Quite possibly your most important brush. This is a fluffy, long dome shaped brush that blends out your crease color, your eyeshadow color, or any other eyeshadow on your upper or lower lash-line. Blending is key!

Second, gather the eyeshadow colors you are going to use. I am using Coastal Scents 78 Piece Makeup Palette. I have circled and identified which colors I am using, and for what purpose. You can use absolutely any shades in your collection that are similar to these — this palette is just a suggestion!

Coastal Scents 78 Piece Makeup Palette

Third, apply your eyeshadow in the following order: Using your shader brush, apply the lightest blue to the inner corners of your eyes and the inner corners of your bottom lash line. Blend up and outwards. Using your short shader brush, apply the eyelid color over your entire eyelid, up to the crease, really focusing the color on the center of your eyelid. Using your fluffy blending brush, blend out the color near the crease so there are no harsh lines. Using your pencil brush, apply the crease color to the outer corner of your eye, and slightly into the crease. Blend out well with your fluffy blending brush.

Last, apply a liquid or gel black eyeliner to your top lash line (optional), curl your lashes, and apply your favorite mascara. I used L’oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner, and L’oreal Voluminous Mascara.

You want to keep your lips and your cheeks understated since your eyes are so dramatic. They need to be the star of the show! I simply applied a clear lip balm, and contoured underneath my cheekbones lightly with a matte bronzer. Voila! Caribbean inspiration…perfect for spring and summer.