What I Wore: Daytime Smoky Eye for Fall

sweater | skirt | boots | watch | bag | bandana

Sweater: Halogen (XLP, plus size option) | Skirt: LOFT (14) | Boots: old Ros Hommerson (similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Watch: c/o Larsson & Jennings | Bandana: old (similar)

In the summer, makeup slides with sweat and humidity so I focus on a bold lip for my beauty.  But when the temps drop, I can have more fun with eye makeup.  This fall one trend is the soft smoky eye, one that works even for daytime. When I lost my backpack in September, in it was two of my shadow palettes.  Those two palettes I used almost daily, but only small portions of them because the other colors were too sparkly, too strong, too wild for everyday.  I saw the loss as an opportunity to find a palette of eye shadows that is more of what I actually want and use.  Searching, I found the Urban Decay ‘Naked Ultimate Basics' palette at Nordstrom.

This palette is fabulous for those of us over 40 who don't want shimmer and shine emphasizing fine lines and those of us who need a more subtle collection of colors for everyday wear.  This compact has 12 matte shadows that can go on sheer or build nicely for an intense look.  The compact is sturdy; no crumbled shadows when it's tossed in a weekender bag for a getaway.  Big mirror, and even a brush that is useful!

The day I had these pictures taken, I primed my lids with MAC's Paint Pot in Camel Coat, used my Trish McEvoy Sheer Application brush to apply Commando from this palette, then used my Trish McEvoy #29 Tapered Blending brush dipped in Faith from the palette to swish like windshield wiper blades in the crease.  Then with the short end of the brush with the palette, I used Lethal from the palette like a liner.  I made dots along my top lash line and then used short strokes to blend into a soft line, and then tapped a bit in the outer corners of my lower lash line.  On my cheeks is NARS blush in Sex Appeal; on my lips is NARS lipstick in Pigalle with Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Tenderheart.

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That night I went out, and instead of having to redo my whole face, I just amped up the eyes using Lockout from the Urban Decay palette not just in the crease but a bit above and in the outer corners and Trish McEvoy's ‘Intense' Gel Liner in Deep Aubergine along my waterline (plum makes brown eyes pop).  I made my lips a bit stronger by putting on the same Clinique gloss on first, then NARS lipstick in Banned Red over it (a way to keep the shine but have more pigment).

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.  You continue to be one of my favorite places to shop for beauty. The extensive customer reviews online that include age, your knowledgeable staff in stores that understand not every woman wishes to contour or strobe or wear false lashes; and your free shipping and return policy make you an enjoyable beauty destination.