Got 10 Minutes?

It never fails. I set my alarm at 5:30 AM and I hit snooze at least 2 or even 3 times before I even get up. So I rush myself in the shower but while I'm sudsing up I think about what kind of makeup mood I'm in and how much time do I have. I know this sounds a little crazy but that's just the kind of girl I am. Some people base their outfits around their shoes, I do it around an eyeshadow theme. I didn't want to spend a whole lot of time blending so this is my 10 minute smokey eye. Sidenote: a brown/taupe smokey eye is a lot easier to do and it's great for the office.

Here are the ingredients:



Left to right:

MAC Sweetjoy Limited Edition/LE (highlight) - $15.50

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow Rosewood (contour) - $29

MAC Greasestick French Quarter - $17.50

Edward Bess Dusk - $30

(also available at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC or Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills)

I use to hate the MAC Greasestick but after using it steadily it is my new BFF. I lined my eyes pretty thick with it and using my ring finger I softly diffuse that line - making it fade a bit while leaving the color dark along the lash line. I find doing this eliminates the need for eyeliner (for me). After I soften that line I took the Dusk shadow and patted that on top of my lid (w/MAC #239 brush). Then using a MAC #217 brush I softly apply the Rosewood as my contour. Close your eye - place a finger right above your eye socket - feel that hard area immediately meeting your eyeball? Yup, place the contour shade there. Blending harsh lines is the key! I then placed Sweetjoy right underneath my eyebrow. I use a Stila #9 All Over Blending brush to smooth out any harsh lines I may have. Instead of directly using the Greasestick to line my bottom lashes I draw a think line with the Greasestick on the side of my hand and take a densely packed brush (MAC #219) to pick up a small amount of color. I find this method works for me so I can build up the intensity. With that same brush I pick up a little of the Dusk eyeshadow and layer that on top of the French Quarter used as a liner. I finish with MAC's Haute and Naughty mascara in black and fill in my brows with MAC's Espresso e/s with a #266 brush.

Ta Da! My daughter has been saying that a lot lately. It's the best when she says it at random times.

I usually pair this type of eye with glossy neutral lips. I was feeling a little sassy and decided to bust out my Dolce and Gabanna gloss in Amethyst.

I love how pigmented this gloss is. You really don't need a lipliner (unless you have issues with feathering). It's moisturizing and doesn't have any shimmer. It's a true deep plum on me. Yes, it's love! When it's stains it's just as lovely. It's a sheer raisin/plum on my lips - then again I have naturally dark pigmented lips so it helps. If you have issues with scented glossed this may not be for you. Aside from the steep price tag ($29) it has a heavy rose scent but I find that it fades quickly - the scent not the pigment.

Dolce and Gabbana cosmetics are available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Final result:

I have no idea what I'm looking at but at least I'm happy.
Other products used:
Dior Pro Youth Skin tint - #2/$32
Edward Bess ultra luminous bronzer (contour)/$48
MAC Powder Blush - Prim and Proper LE/$18.50

All other products mentioned are a Permanent Colors unless stated Limited Edition or LE

Disclaimer: Only the eye makeup took 10mns - the rest like blush/gloss/mascara adds another 10mns.