Tag Archives: eyeshadow

The Paradox of Choice

The research has been done many times. Too many options can lead to decision paralysis.

The paradox of choice – that well-cited theory that seems to be more true as it ages. The idea that increased choice – while can help us achieve more – also leads to greater anxiety, indecision, paralysis and dissatisfaction.

Been there many times (including on this blog) but also when opening my fridge, deciding what book to read next, what wine to buy from Trader Joe’s, etc, etc. And it’s not just related to what I buy but how I see myself. Have you written your bio lately? Or even updated your Instagram profile?

I’m not trying to eliminate the presence of choice so much as I’m trying to be more decisive and confident in what I want. And there are times, yes, when looking at a palette of 12 eyeshadows, that it feels as though I’m staring at a world of choices and it is just too much.  As a standalone statement that may sound completely ridiculous but when paired with a busy reality it’s not that outlandish.

Sidenote: I also felt this way all weekend. My email was overwhelming and after having so many tabs with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, I had to shut it down.  

Is this a build up to an epic beauty wardrobe love letter? It is.

It seems as though the last two seasons of beauty wardrobe-ing, a NARS duo has shown me the way. I chose Dolomites for this season. This is NARS at its best, creamy eyeshadows that work well alone and even better together. The right side is a rose quartz, almost taupe with a little bit of plum. Layer it with the chocolate side and eyes pop. It’s insane. This color was limited, which is a bummer because you can’t get this anymore. It’s probably the best NARS duo I’ve ever seen. It even beats Kalahari.

This one is really special. For reasons much more than it looks good on me (and probably everyone – the colors are flattering as hell) but because it is filled with memories.

I bought this in summer of 2014.  The summer of my divorce. I think it’s on my mind now because the anniversary of the actual signing is next week. A strange time in hindsight, to think of the unknown but in such a hopeful and liberating way.  I wish I could lock that feeling in a bottle, but perhaps it’s only special in reflection. The dents in this eyeshadow were there before these past few months, though I have deepened them. Bottom line: this eyeshadow makes me feel sexy. It feels made for me. Just two colors but somehow feels like much more.

I’m going to cherish this palette, and also hope that NARS maybe brings it back one day.

Oh, and before I went ahead and shut down all of my tabs and unsubscribed from dozens of email lists, I did order the NARS Wanted Palette on Cyber Monday. Hey, I’m still human! 

Beautycounter Makes Palettes Now (& I’m Giving One Away)

beautycounter holiday

How are you?

After a week where my emotions ranged from full of hope and pride to rage and sadness fueled by uncertainty and fear, I’m tired. There’s a lot to feelings to unpack in all of that and I know this is a shared state by so so many. Whether we’re ready or not, there’s a future unfolding. It’s been near impossible to shift my attention from the world to my own world, I admit.  Next week, I’ll be eating Thanksgiving dinner with people I love. Next week!  I need to be in my world for a bit in order to make sense of anything. Everything. When I was walking Betty yesterday, I also noticed that my neighbor already had a Christmas tree up. Sometimes you’ve also got to accelerate the magic of the holidays. Whatever you need in your world, you do you.

beautycounter lip gloss

The holidays are definitely on my mind. Not in the ‘put up the tree’ way just yet, but in an ‘oogle all the new beauty’ way. It’s what I do. I’m excited today to share something pretty awesome with you — especially with one of you. I’m giving away one of Beautycounter’s holiday face palettes!  I got a peek at all of the beautiful holiday beauty gifts launching from the #betterbeauty brand of the moment and zeroed right in on their palettes. It’s a first for Beautycounter and they’re pretty much all I’ve been using lately.

beautycounter winter warmth palette

beautycounter winter dream palette

There are two: Winter Dream and Winter Warmth. While Winter Dream pulls slightly more cool with icy lavender and navy shadows and Winter Warmth leans more bronze, both appeal to my neutral-loving, owner of every Urban Decay Naked palette, side.

beautycounter holiday palettes

beautycounter holiday 2016 look

Both have six eyeshadows and three cheek colors. The colors are sheer so you can build up but impossible to overdo it with a swipe. The first three shadows in Winter Warmth  – Bronze, Malt and Goldleaf – are the ones I’ve been using most. I combine Bronze and Goldleaf on the lid and crease and smudge Malt on my lower lashline and layer on liquid or cream black liner on the upper lash line.

beautycounter holiday giveaway

beautycounter eyeshadow holiday

beautycounter holiday face palettes

There is also a taupe shade, called Dove, in the Winter Dream palette that is precisely the eyeshadow I’ve been searching for forever. It’s the hero of the palette and the one color that goes with every single shadow. I almost see this as five eyeshadow duos because Dove looks different with every pairing. Taupe is a chameleon that way. I couldn’t pick a favorite but Dove is reason enough to pick up the Winter Dream. (giveway details at the end of the post, p.s.)

beautycounter love and luster lip gloss

beautycounter lip gloss holiday

One of my favorite ways to shop for beauty gifts for my friends and family is to pick up sets and break them apart. Sometimes I keep one shade for myself…maybe… I see the four glosses in the Love & Luster set as four really amazing gifts. Especially since the colors are so different, too, it’s easy to match them up with the people you know who would really rock them.

Now, for the giveaway. I’m REALLY excited to give away one of these gorgeous palettes – I’ll let the winner choose if they want Dream or Warmth. U.S. only winners – hoping that doesn’t exclude too many of you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s to keeping on and leaning on those in your world to help you navigate the world.

For this week, also, I have a shopping page on Beautycounter. Which just means if you buy something through me, I get a hostess reward. It’s like the e-version of the Beautycounter party. No obligation to buy anything at all – I’m just leaving the link here for you to browse.  My friend Ryan was sweet enough to offer up the giveaway palette and I’m grateful to her generosity. Thanks, Ryan!