makeup is fun. products that can be used for multiple purposes are even more fun. whether you want to get creative, maximize your makeup or try a monochromatic look, there are many products that can be used a few different ways. here are some of my favorite multi-purpose products that i reach for when doing client's and my own makeup.
MAC blush in "Warm Soul"
this has been a favorite blush for a while. MAC describes it as a "mid tone beige with gold pearl", but reads a little rosier on fairer skin tones. it's just this gorgeous warm (hence the name), glowy blush that's not too bronzy and not too pink. but recently, i fell in love with this blush as an eye shadow. since this particular blush is part of MAC's mineralize collection, it is sheer and buildable and looks as though it becomes part of the skin. it's great for a no-makeup makeup look by giving just a hint of color and shimmer to brighten especially blue eyes.
Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in "Grey"
this eyeshadow gives the most gorgeous haze of grey when use it all over your lid. it's also a great used in the crease/socket of the eye as a soft contour. but i love this shadow as a brow powder the most. it's kind of crazy how versatile it is, but i use it on about 90% of my clients -- it works so well on fair blondes to redheads to brunettes. for anyone with really dark hair or skin, i might go for a darker grey shadow, like Bobbi Brown's "charcoal," but it's pretty amazing how the "grey" shadow works on nearly everyone. it doesn't contain any warmth (red) in it like some brow powders and pencils which can often look unnatural. it's pretty neutral and gives just the right amount of definition. to apply, use a small, stiff, angled brush like the MAC 208 brush. start at the arch of the brow and work your way outward using short strokes to imitate the look of individual brow hairs.
RMS Living Luminzer
i had heard some buzz about this product for a while, but i was sold on it when my stylist friend Ginny Branch told me she bought it and was receiving non-stop compliments from people on her glowy cheekbones. RMS is a new favorite brand for me because they have some beauuutiful products with gorgeous colors and textures, and BONUS: all products are organic and non-toxic. the Living Luminizer specifically is amazing because unlike many highlighters, it's not glittery or even shimmery really. it just makes your skin look ridiculously glowy. i love to pat in onto the tops of cheekbones or brow bones or down the bridge of the nose. the inner corner of the eyes is another great area to brighten with the Living Luminzer. but my new favorite way to use this cream luminizer is as a lip gloss. you can tap some of the product on bare lips or over a lipstick or stain to to give a little "pop" to your pout. a lot of girls love the look of a gloss but don't love the feeling of something sticky or slippery on their lips, so the Living Luminizer is a great alternative.
Stila Convertible Color in "Lillium"
this nude pink cream that comes in the prettiest little compact has been a favorite product for quite some time. Stila was really the brand that got me hooked on cosmetics years ago because of their fun, playful packaging and wearable colors. their Convertible Colors are a great product for low-maintenance makeup or to pull off a monochromatic look because it is beautiful as both a blush and lip color. there actually isn't a color i don't love in their collection, but "Lillium" is a favorite because it's one of the best nude lip colors and it gives the perfect hint of something to the cheeks with out looking like you're wearing blush.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in "Bronze"
i just drool over Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks. they're just so pretty and feel so special! the multi-color Bronze Shimmer Brick is an amazing way brighten and bronze the face. use a fluffy brush to sweep through all 5 shades and dust on the high points of the face where the sun would naturally hit. The Bronze Shimmer Brick is also one of my favorite products to create a bronzy eye. you can sweep your eyeshadow brush through all the different shades and dust a wash of color on the lids. or you can use specific colors on different parts of the eye to create more dimension. and i looove to use the Rose Shimmer Brick the same way, or as a brightening blush.