Trying Out a New Look with Some New (to Me) MAC & Givenchy

I have a confession: despite watching hundreds-if not thousands-of youtube tutorials, I have never before attempted to copy one. Sure, I've adopted a lot of the individual techniques featured in videos (with greater or lesser successes), but I've never tried to copy an entire look. I suppose this is because my skills are quite lacking and--particularly when it comes to my eyes--my features don't often suit different looks. For some reason, though, I was captivated by Sam from Pixiwoo's take on Emma Willis's makeup (from this video here).

The look features a somewhat heavier, more smoky eye than I would normally wear, but otherwise it is nothing too extreme or editorial. It is also designed to be long lasting, which is perfect for me because of two reasons: a) I always forget to touch up my makeup, and b) it is humid as balls right now. I used it as an opportunity to pick up some items from MAC, as it features a lot of classic and popular items from that line. I also incorporated a new Givenchy Le Rouge that I picked up (which based on my previous rave here, I knew I would love).

To tackle the eyelook, I ordered two paintpots from MAC (my first ones!) in Groundwork and Quite Natural. Trying to be diligent in following the tutorial, I applied the paintpots using synthetic eye brushes from the Real Techniques line. I found it a bit hard to blend the paintpots out with the brushes, so I think next time I will just stick to using my fingers (which is my preferred method of blending out cream eyeshadows). The tutorial called for using the Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage quad on top of the paintpots, but since I don't own that one, I just went for colors in my IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Matte Palette. As a side note, I really am in love with this palette....the packaging leaves something to be desired (I can see it getting dirty very quickly), but I am seriously impressed by the quality of the shadows and the color range.

Most of the products I used for this look

Pixiwoo's eyelook also called for a pressed pigment in Day Gleam, which adds a beautiful gold shimmer to the center of the eyelid. I used Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Corrupt to line my waterline, which I normally avoid since I have small eyes, but what the hell! Rules be damned. I used YSL Faux Cils Shocking mascara and my trusty Shu Uemura S curler, along with my Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate. I think this shade is a bit too warm for me, but since I use it sparingly in my brows, I think I can just about get away with it.

On my skin, I used my Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, which offers a good medium to full coverage without feeling too heavy. It is also one of my go to foundations over the warmer months, since I get super shiny super fast. I threw on a bit of Jouer Sunswept bronzer and MAC Well Dressed Blush, another new addition. I used my new Makeup Geek Rounded Blush Brush, which is very small (a good thing in my book) and allows for precise application of blush. I've been very impressed with my Makeup Geek brushes, so I would check them out if you are looking for some affordable options.

Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte in 206 Rose d'Exception

The last step in my look was to apply my new Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte Lipstick in 206 Rose d'Exception. This is from a limited edition Le Rouge collection that offers four different shades, all of which are still available on Sephora. They are supposedly more 'intense' than the normal Le Rouges, but all of the Le Rouges I own seem equally pigmented to me! I don't want to be too redundant, but if you haven't tried the Le Rouge line yet, you need to. Pronto. The Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte Lipstick collection features even more gorgeous packaging than the original line, which (I must admit) is what initially drew me in!

Rose d'Exception is described as a soft rosy pink. To me, it falls more within the nude family (with rosy undertones) than pink. It's exactly what I was looking for and complements a bold eye quite well, if I do say so. I didn't use any lipliner under this, but it had outstanding lasting power and, as per all of the Le Rouges I've tried, felt super comfortable on my lips.

Do you often try to follow tutorials? What are your favorite ones?

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