Shop With Style

As women, we like choices (we pretty much demand them). And in terms of makeup choices, there are literally thousands of makeup products on the market. One of the most popular today is cream eyeshadow. I’m sure you’re more than familiar with its predecessor, powder eyeshadow, and cream shadow is not meant as a replacement for it. But they are obviously very different formulations, and best suited for different individuals and occasions. So what is it and how is it different?

Not only is cream shadow obviously a different formulation from powder eye shadow, it is more versatile. Cream shadow can actually sometimes double as a shadow base or lid primer, as long as you check the label (it will specify use as a base). This is perfect, especially if you are attempting makeup for hooded eyes. Since the hooded eye has a slight overlap of skin onto the lid, ordinary powder shadow and regular kohl liner can often be rubbed off within a matter of minutes after applying. Talk about frustrating! The best way to utilize cream shadow as a base is to pick a color complimentary to the powder shade you will be using. For instance, if you’re going for a simple smokey eye in browns, start with a shimmery taupe cream eye shadow (some excellent picks would be Clinique Touch Base for Eyes in Uplighting, Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 15 Taupe, and Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe. But if you really want to pop your eyeshadow color, choose a white cream base for the lid. Any color will look bold and vibrant over that.

Cream shadows also come in very matte colors that mimic various skin tones (such as Laura Mercier Eye Canvas, Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base, and L’Oreal Magic De-Crease Eyelid Primer). Such creams are mainly used as eyelid “primers,” which act to smooth out the eye area, and provide an even canvas on which to create your eye makeup masterpiece. These matte skin tone finishes can be used to anchor any color powder eyeshadow to make the powder shadow “read true,” as opposed to the bolder or vibrant examples with colored primer bases above.

Cream eye shadow in a darker color can also be used alone to create wonderful smokey eye looks. They are easy to blend, easy to drag down under the lower lash line, and easy to smudge, for the ultimate in smoked-out sexiness. And as long as the formulation is long-wear, your smoky eye should last all night!

Powder eye shadow, on the other hand, is like a comfy pair of jeans. The ones you could never do without. You know just how they will fit, and just how to work them. You also know their limitations. Matte, shimmer, glitter, holographic, baked, loose, and pigment…powder eye shadow has come a long way, in the past 10 years alone. But basically, it is what it is. You know how you can use it, and you also know how long it usually lasts on your lids (All through the work day? What about a humid summer afternoon? A party night of dancing?). So yes, powder shadow, when worn alone, does have its limits. But one thing powder shadow can do is double as some of the best brow powder around! MAC shadows, in particular, have dozens of suitable “brow shades” of eye shadow (such as MAC Charcoal Brown, MAC Omega, and MAC Brun).

Basically, what you’ll find is that it’s impossible to say that one is better than the other when comparing powder to cream eye shadow. They are both amazing and useful in their own ways. And when used together…they create an unstoppable, unyielding, undeniable eye makeup tour de force! In the end, you’re the one who wins, since you get to use them both!

You have never been afraid of trying new styles and trends. After all, you know better than to judge any outfit from how it looks on the hanger. The only problem is, once you’ve tried on that fierce top and you’ve fallen in love with it, how do you know what type of jewelry will compliment it, not distract from it? Matching a necklace to a neckline is all about creating a visually similar line. Fashion is a balancing act, with all the little individual pieces coming together to bring out the best in you, so let’s take a look at winning top/jewelry combos that will be guaranteed to hit all the right notes!

First, consider the occasion. You need to figure out if your chosen jewelry is not only appropriate for the neckline of your top, but also for where you plan on going. You may find that your great Grandma’s pearl and diamond necklace looks amazing with that top…but is it really practical for a weekend trip to the zoo with your 3 year old nephew who loves to grab things and pull them until they break? Probably not.

Once you decide the occasion, you can move on to the fun stuff…accessorizing!

Type of top: Turtleneck

Perfect jewelry for it: A longer chain or pendant, or layers of those

Reason: If you wear a shorter necklace it will tend to make your neck look shorter and thicker.

Type of top: Crew

Perfect jewelry for it: Bib or collar necklace

Reason: The length will hit right at the neckline of the shirt and mimic its shape, making it look aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Type of top: Scoop

Perfect jewelry for it: Shorter chains and pendants with some bulk and width to them, like a chandelier bib necklace

Reason: The scoop will expose a little more skin, providing a blank canvas for your necklace. A necklace with more bulk to it will also help to keep you from appearing over exposed.

Type of top: Strapless

Perfect jewelry for it: Choker or short pendant

Reason: Adds visual interest and splits the attention so all the focus won’t be on your cleavage.

Type of top: One shoulder/Asymmetrical

Perfect jewelry for it: There are two camps of opinions here. Some say avoid a necklace altogether and go with long, dangling earrings, while some say wear a necklace that is asymmetrical in design itself.

Reason: Most tend to let the top speak for itself and opt for earrings.  Reason being, the neckline of an asymmetrical top is visually interesting enough, and not overly revealing, so it can stand on its own.

Type of top: Collard button-up

Perfect jewelry for it: Short pendant

Reason: If you keep the necklace above the area where the buttons meet, you can avoid a messy look. The shorter, dangling pendant can still be seen, and mimics the shape created by the top, which is visually appealing.

Type of top: V-neck

Perfect jewelry for it: V-shaped dangling pendants or chandelier necklaces

Reason: You can safely add a v-shaped necklace that falls about an inch above the neckline of the top. This will mimic the shape of the neckline and elongate the look of your torso.

Type of top: Square

Perfect jewelry for it: Square or angular pendants

Reason: The straight lines of angular pendants will compliment the neckline of the top, adding even more visual interest.

Type of top: Cowl

Perfect jewelry for it: A short pendant or opt for earrings instead

Reason: A cowl neckline already has a lot going on with the folds of material, so a necklace might make it look too messy. It’s safer to stick with longer earrings.

Type of top: Sweetheart

Perfect jewelry for it: Longer drop pendant, Y-shape, lariat, or delicate v-shaped bib

Reason: The sweetheart neckline is one of the most popular shapes for wedding dresses. While you can pull off a shorter, simple necklace (like a single strand of pearls), you might instead want a necklace with a drop pendant…something to mimic the downward point of the neckline.

Winter opens up a whole new world of amazing and exhilarating outdoor activities for you to enjoy, with snowboarding and skiing being two of the most popular. But, if you’re underdressed or unprepared, you’ll do anything but enjoy your time in the cold…instead, you’ll be spending every shivering minute wishing for the warmth of the indoors and cursing whosever idea it was to invite you to the slopes to begin with! Luckily, we have a list of the essentials you’ll need to enjoy every schuss, slalom, and snowplough in style!

• Base layers – Your parents or grandparents might have called them “long johns” or “long underwear,” but modern day base layers are made from more advanced synthetic fabric. Base layers are designed to be form-fitting, worn close to the body, and made from non-cotton material that wicks moisture and retains heat.
• Ski socks – If you’ve ever spent time in the snow or extreme cold, you know how quickly your toes can start to feel that burning numbness. Ideally, think of snow socks as a base layer for your feet. They should be thin, but made of a moisture-wicking material that will keep your feet warm and dry.
• Ski/snow jacket – Unlike jackets made for ordinary cold weather, ski/snow jackets also need to be breathable and waterproof. Look for ones that provide good insulation and are semi form-fitting but still allow for good mobility. A bonus here is that snow jackets come in all kinds of beautiful and amazing colors and patterns…so you can really find one that is fun and perfect for you!
• Ski/snow pants – These are a must for safety and warmth on the slopes. Proper snow/ski pants need to be waterproof and insulated with a contoured fit, but they also need to be long enough to be pulled down over your ski boots and loose enough to allow mobility in your knees and hips.
• Ski/snow gloves – As with your toes, you will often feel the harsh effects of the cold in your fingers soon after entering the climate, so a good pair of actual ski gloves are best. They are waterproof and offer durability and dexterity. If you find your hands are very sensitive to the cold, you can also add glove liners that will basically act as a base layer for your hands.
• Ski goggles – These will be important for a couple of reasons. Despite the chill in the air, the sun’s rays will be amplified by reflecting off the snow, so your eyes will need protection. Also, skiing and snowboarding create a great deal of wind that blasts your eyes, causing extreme dryness. Goggles will help eliminate both of these…not to mention you’ll look really cool wearing them!
• Snow boots – The uppers of good snow boots should be made from padded or quilted nylon, textile, suede, or leather. The midsoles and insoles should be extra cushioned with good arch support and be well-padded for shock absorption. Finally, the soles need to be lightweight and waterproof, with the whole boot being waterproof overall. If your feet stay comfy and warm, you’ll be able to frolic in the snow for hours!