Stuck in a color rut!

[NicksWifey]

HELP!!! I seriously am ready to start getting rid of my MAC collection, I have been so agitated with all of my colors lately. I'm a total skank when it comes to neturals, you guys know how I roll in my FOTDs. I love neutrals and I love smokey colors.
I really wish I could pull off colors, like blues/teals/greens/purples, but something is seriously going on. Today, I tried to do something different. Shimmermoss all over my lid, Smoke & Diamonds in the crease & outer v with Blue Peep f/l. Honestly, it looks HORRID

I'd like to think my blending has improved quite a bit since I'm inspired by so many people on here and on You Tube, but it's like when I try and wear colors like that, I just can't blend worth a damn. I just hauled online and bought some stuff I really needed, like new foundation and new concealer. Just a small haul. I was afraid to buy any colorful eye colors without seeking advice on here first.

Can someone help me? I really want to take the plunge and be daring with colors! Also, my #266 brush must have a demon inside of it. For the last couple of days, it has been giving me such a hard time with fluidline, it's crazy. I'm thinking about chucking it for a new hard angle brush, after all, I've had this brush for nearly 2 years and I do try and take care of it by washing it 1-2x a week.

 

[Shaquille]

have you ever checked the MAC colors combo site?

MAC Eyeshadow Combinations - Updated 08/19/08

 

[NicksWifey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaquille have you ever checked the MAC colors combo site? MAC Eyeshadow Combinations - Updated 08/19/08

I have, thank you! It has been nearly a year since I was last on there. I just need to do some researchin' I guess

 

[MACATTAK]

What are you using as your base? When I use shadows, I always use a creamier base to make it easier to blend. How about you try those colors you mentioned: blues/teals/greens/purples, and then make them into a smokey look, by using a darker color in the crease (darker teal, darker green etc). That way you are still rockin' new looks, but also incorporate your signature style

 

[Simply Elegant]

I would try adding small bits of colour in with your neutrals until you feel more comfortable. I also find non neutral colours harder to blend since they're not muddy in the first place.

I think that darker greens and purples are easier to pull off for most people instead of going with something like electric eel or passionate to start off with. That way it can still look smoky too. Humid and nocturnelle are gorgeous colours worth having.

 

[janwa09]

Get the colors that complement your skintone and eye color and I think it will always look good. Some colors really don't go well with a lot of skintones that's why they always look harsh.

 

[NicksWifey]

Thanks everyone for all the help so far!

I currently use Painterly or Bare Study paintpots as bases. Also Base Light paint or Shimmersand & Beige-ing shadesticks. I always put on some Ulta eyeshadow base first and then top it off with one of the above colors. I even have Delft paintpot for when I want to wear teal/blue colors.

 

[frocher]

Mixing up neutrals and colors is a good idea. You can also try combos on the back of your hand first to see if they will go well together.

 

[nunu]

I agree with the above, do your normal natural look and then add your brighter colours such as shimmermoss on your lower lashline and from then on you'll find yourself wearing shimermoss (or any other colour) with colours from the same family or even smoking them out with a dark eyeshadow like carbon.

Also, you might've not liked the look maybe because you are not used to seeing it on you so you don't like it and wipe it off, although i am sure it was fine (i'm guilty of that).

hth

 

[Dani California]

Ohh I'm so glad you posted that, I am exactly the same. I just do neutrals all the time

I fancy trying the different colours but haven't a clue where to start!! I do sometimes wear sumptous olive for a green, a couple stila shadows for a purple etc, but still its neutral with a twist.

Someone also reccomended me to try different coloured eyeliners with my neutrals? That may be an idea for you too, I think because we aren't used to colours, its a great place to start!!

I too look awful in teals/blues bleurrgh!!

 

[FiestyFemme]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nunu Also, you might've not liked the look maybe because you are not used to seeing it on you so you don't like it and wipe it off, although i am sure it was fine (i'm guilty of that).

ITA.
That happens to me a lot when I wear brighter colors because I'm not used to it. I'll think it looks crappy when in reality I'm sure it looks fine.
I'm just not used to seeing that much color when I look in the mirror.
I think the suggestions to ease into color are best. Darker colors, colored liners, etc. are good things to try. I used to be afraid of color too, but I'm a lot better about it now.

 

[gigglegirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicksWifey HELP!!! I seriously am ready to start getting rid of my MAC collection, I have been so agitated with all of my colors lately. I'm a total skank when it comes to neturals, you guys know how I roll in my FOTDs. I love neutrals and I love smokey colors. I really wish I could pull off colors, like blues/teals/greens/purples, but something is seriously going on. Today, I tried to do something different. Shimmermoss all over my lid, Smoke & Diamonds in the crease & outer v with Blue Peep f/l. Honestly, it looks HORRID I'd like to think my blending has improved quite a bit since I'm inspired by so many people on here and on You Tube, but it's like when I try and wear colors like that, I just can't blend worth a damn. I just hauled online and bought some stuff I really needed, like new foundation and new concealer. Just a small haul. I was afraid to buy any colorful eye colors without seeking advice on here first. Can someone help me? I really want to take the plunge and be daring with colors! Also, my #266 brush must have a demon inside of it. For the last couple of days, it has been giving me such a hard time with fluidline, it's crazy. I'm thinking about chucking it for a new hard angle brush, after all, I've had this brush for nearly 2 years and I do try and take care of it by washing it 1-2x a week.

oh.my.goodness. are we twins? I am LITERALLY going through the same!

Love the 266 but esp this week, its been utter crap. Could be my macroviolet but I couldn't get a straight line, thick in some areas, plus kinda spotty. *sigh*

Of course I've been trying to use some purples this week, (like the shadowy lady quad) and it pretty much looked like a purple mess. ugh yea.

Let's enter some support group! I think it will get much better, perhaps we are just going through a shitty phase.

Chin up, good luck, lets hope next week is better!!!

Totally try and branch out though with different colours, perhaps on the lid, then go with the neutral or smokey colour in the crease. so you kinda ease into colours without going BAM here it is

 

[0037sammie]

Hmm... maybe you could try using black liner and then colour on top of it? Like a line of blacktrack and then blue peep above it?
Or try blue peep above the lashes on its own for now, until you start to feel more comfy wearing brights. Experiment- you can always get rid of it if you don't like it in the end! =D

 

[elektra513]

Haha just breathe, chica! Start of slow and glue the 224 or 217 brush to your hand. Wear your neutrals, but lightly blend a pop of color into the crease with your contour color. Start out slow and build/blend as you go. Each day you practice it, it'll get better. Each day is a new day to practice. Chin up, girlie! And definitely revisit the macmakeup.net. I consult it all the time when I feel like I've forgotten out to choose e/s, which lately has felt like every damn day.

And don't forget to take pics, even if you think it looks like crap. You may look back at it on another day and like it, or you may just look back at it and realize what was missing or what to do differently next time.

hth

 

[iluvmac]

As for your problems with the 266 and fluidlines, my advice is to try the 208: much smaller and quite stiff, perfect for the fluidlines AND for filling in your brows!

 

[tiramisu]

Girl, first things first, I have noticed the past few weeks or so of your posts and it really sounds like you've got a lot on your mind, on your plate-- stresses and such, so to speak.

That being said, you're beautiful, sweet and a fun addition to the forum.

So... don't sweat it!! Just put away the m/up and back away slowly... take a deep breath sister!!

You do rock neutrals! And that's okay. I am the same way... I worked for the courts for years and years, and am in law school... so sometimes, I feel a tad "much" rocking the colors... but I still pull 'em out for the weekends of course!

*I use the 209 brush for my fluidlines... it's got the perfect mix of "give" and tightness? to give me a solid, tight line, or a thicker line with a little flick out on the corner. I love my 266, don't get me wrong, but it works well for powder shadows for me to line with better. 209 takes practice, but worth it

*Also, try to use your neutrals but ease back into some color by maybe lining the lower line (or even upper) with a pop of aqua/teal/green before the hot weather ends? I love to use goldmine wet even (that awesome gold/green thing happens) with mixing medium.
I think your eyes would look hot with some cranberry/purply shades too!

*glitter makes me happy when I am feeling crappy. I don't care if I am over 30!!

So, just lay out your MAC goodies and re-organize your traincase, look at the "shop your stash" thread on the forum. You'll feel better soon.

Take care of yourself girl!

 

[NicksWifey]

Thank you everyone! I'm going to wear my usual netural colors tomorrow and incorporate Shimmermoss in there somewhere since I plan on wearing blue to work tomorrow...wish me luck sweeties!

 

[nunu]

^Good luck! I am sure you're going to rock shimmermoss!!

 

[Heiaken]

Try some pretty warm browns wiht teals/turquoises, they look fab together

 

[kimmy]

have you tried looking outside of the eye region to use colours?

i mean, sometimes when i get into a really bad rut, i stick with my neutral eyes and then do something totally outlandish with my lips. like all those dark reds i've been using hah. or even focusing on your cheeks, trying different blush colours or shapes (ie. contouring, highlighting.)

i think once i start playing around with neutral eyes and bold lip/cheeks, i get more comfortable with makeup again...like we get back in touch. and then i can usually do something a little more bold with my eyes after that.