Ever since ColourPop burst onto the scene with its Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks many felt were Kylie Lip Kit dupes, the brand has been a mainstay in any beauty lovers bag. It doesn’t matter if the rest of the makeup is luxury or drugstore. ColourPop fans love the quality and price but also the on-trend shades and formulas. The best ColourPop products run the gamut from eyeshadow, highlighter, foundation and of course, lipstick. And it has come a long way since those liquid lips.

ColourPop is an interesting brand in that it doesn’t really have a founder story. Siblings Laura and John Nelson are behind Seed Beauty, a company that continues to launch brands such as SOL and Fourth Ray Beauty. The key to ColourPop’s success is social media with major influencers telling their millions of fans how much they love the products. Now, with an established fan base, the brand is all about speed. It’s like fast fashion for beauty without the negative connotations.

It’s hard to keep up with all of ColourPop’s buzzy launches but you’re not really supposed to. Even the most beauty obsessed can’t possibly purchase and use every single product drop. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t tempting. Between the RawBeautyKristi, Animal Crossing and Bambi collabs, the fun quick literally never ends.

With all those never-ending products, how do you possibly choose favorites? Well, there are core ColourPop items that aren’t going anywhere and work for beauty obsessives of any skill level. Here are some of the ones we’ll continue to use over and over again.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

ColourPop.

BFF Liquid Liner

Sure, you can get classic black. But there’s also bright pink, blue and more fun colors.

ColourPop.

Lippie Stix

There are more than 50 shades of this full-coverage with a soft matte finish.

ColourPop.

Nude Mood Eyeshadow Palette

It’s hard to choose one eyeshadow palette from dozens but you can’t go wrong with these warm matte and shimmer shades.

ColourPop.

Pretty Fresh Foundation

With coconut water and hyaluronic acid, this medium-coverage foundation makes skin feel nourished in 41 shades.

ColourPop.

Super Shock Highlighter

This long-wearing crème powder highlighter has a unique bouncy texture.

ColourPop.

Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Creamy Concealer

This natural-finish concealer has skin-loving hyaluronic acid in 25+ shades.

ColourPop.

Super Shock Shadow

This bouncy, crème-powder shadow is how many people fell in love with the brand.

ColourPop.

Lippie Pencil

Wear this super pigmented liner under your Lippie Stix.

Colourpop.

BFF Mascara

A volumizing mascara that also comes in bright hues.

ColourPop.

Brow Boss Pencil

This retractable pencil comes in nine natural-looking shades.

Eye shadow can do wonders to highlight our eyes and help us look our best. Yet I’ve heard from a number of you that eyeshadow application can be a bit challenging – and, frankly, just too time consuming and difficult.

I’m excited to share with you today a really quick and easy eyeshadow look using products that work especially well for those of us with mature eyes: cream and liquid eyeshadows.

Cream and liquid eyeshadow products can help us create a one-step out-the-door beautiful eye look. And, they can be especially wonderful for those of us who are over 50 because these formulations glide over – and often disguise – texture. In addition, they blend out easily and because of their creamy texture, they can also be hydrating.

The Tools and Products We Need

Fortunately, this is easy! You can just use your finger to apply the cream or liquid shadow because the warmth of our finger helps the creams or liquid really meld into the skin.

For those of us who prefer brushes, there are two different types of synthetic brushes that can help with the application. Usually, a flat brush (like a concealer brush) works very well.

The other brush type that can be helpful is a fluffy synthetic brush in a size that works well for the size of your particular crease area. This fluffier brush can help blur and diffuse the color at the top of the crease area so the shadow has no harsh edges.

Synthetic brushes don’t absorb as much product as natural bristle brushes, so it’s possible to get better coverage and color payoff when we use them. The synthetic brush also allows us to get more coverage with just one layer of product. (Note: If you have oily eyelids, you may also want to apply an eyeshadow primer first to prevent creasing and to help the eyeshadow stay in place even longer).

As far as types of products, there are creams that come in a stick form and creams that come in pots. Liquids come in several different varieties as well. Some liquids come with an applicator, others come in a squeeze tube, and cream-to-powder formulations, such as Colourpop’s Super Shock eye shadows, come in a small pot.

All of these different products can come in matte, shimmer or metallic formulations.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

How to Blend and Apply the Products

It’s important to completely finish one eye before moving on to the other one since cream eyeshadow can dry down quickly. It’s always a good idea to test the product first so you know how much time you will have to work with it.

Note that once these products dry, it’s impossible to move or diffuse them. The only exception is cream-to-powder formulas which can sometimes be diffused.

Use a very small amount of product and start on the inner part of the eyes at the base of the eyelid close to the lashes. Apply the product with a finger or a brush and work upward using a short, patting motion.

If applying just one color, it can sometimes be easier to use our finger. It’s really just a matter of personal preference. Then carry the color up into the crease. And if you have hooded eyes, you’ll want to go above the crease as far as you need to in order for the eyeshadow to be visible.

If using more than one color, start with the darker shade since it’s easier to diffuse lighter colors into darker ones. And to diffuse the color at the edges, use the fluffy synthetic brush and move it in tight circles. We can also use the edge of our fingers to gently move the eyeshadow in the direction we want it to go.

Since cream and liquid eyeshadow cannot only vary from formula to formula but also from shade to shade within a brand’s formula, it’s always a good idea to experiment with our application method when trying a new product.

This very quick and easy application of a cream or liquid eyeshadow may very well be all you want to do to create a gorgeous out-the-door beautiful look.

Some Ideas on How to Amp Up the Look (If You Want to Do So)

If you wish, it’s possible to amp up the look in several ways. First, make sure the cream or liquid eyeshadow is thoroughly dry – which usually doesn’t take long – and then you can take your favorite mid-tone powder eyeshadow or a bronzer and apply it in your crease and slightly above. Then feather out the top of the powder shadow.

To amp it up a little further, you can also apply a deeper powder shadow in the “outer V” area of the eye and on the outer one-third of the bottom lash line area and connect it to the “outer V.” If using cream eyeshadow on the bottom lash line, it’s sometimes helpful to apply a little powder over it because the cream can sometimes smear the mascara underneath.

How to Easily Avoid or Fix Common Mistakes

The wetter the product formula, the longer it will take to dry. And how wet it is depends on its density and the pigment saturation. So, if the eyeshadow has creased, just take a fluffy brush or fingertip and pat it down. Make sure you keep your eyes closed until it’s thoroughly dried.

You can always apply a very small amount of translucent powder over the cream or liquid product to make sure it doesn’t crease.

Something else that may cause a problem is that sometimes the applicator on a liquid eyeshadow can be quite large and deposit too much product. In those cases it can be helpful to apply some product to the back of your hand and then apply the product with your fingertip.

Some Recommended Products

Just about every brand makes a liquid or cream eyeshadow formula. Some drugstore products that can work well are ones from Elf, Revlon, Maybelline, and Colourpop’s Supershock cream to powder formulas. Some wonderful higher-end products include ones from Hourglass, Tom Ford, Stila, Charlotte Tilbury, and Kosas.

Cream and liquid eyeshadows can be very versatile. It’s possible to create a lovely one-and-done quick and easy eye shadow look with cream or liquid products, a subtle touch of glamour, or use them in combination with powder eyeshadow for a more “amped up” look.

So if you don’t feel confident applying powder eyeshadow or you just want a very quick and easy eyeshadow look, consider giving cream and liquid eyeshadows a try.

Have you tried using any cream or liquid eyeshadow products? If so, how did these products work for you? And please also share any brands you really liked. If you haven’t tried them, are you interested in giving them a whirl?

Jackie Goldschneider’s Blue Romper

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 4 Fashion

While Jackie Goldschneider probably isn’t starting out season 11 as she hoped, she’s certainly still going strong in the fashion department. Case and point? Her super cute blue printed romper with Margaret Josephs’.  Because based on how she looks on the outside, you’d never know anyone was trying to cause trouble in paradise

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to See Her Alice + Olivia Romper

Originally posted at: Jackie Goldschneider’s Blue Romper

By now, you’ve been told at least 3,000 times that retinol is the single most magical skin-care product ever invented and you must use it immediately lest your face shrivels up in a pit of wrinkles and dark spots and sadness. But has anyone really told you how to use retinoids (the umbrella name for all vitamin-A derivatives, like retinol) correctly? We’re not talkin’ “use as directed,” or “use until irritation occurs, then stop using,” but rather, easy-to-follow directions for how to use retinoids without your skin peeling off? Probably not.

So we’re fixing that today with step-by-step instructions so even the most scared and confused of retinoid beginners can hop on the anti-aging bandwagon without fearing that their faces will flake off. Keep reading to find out exactly how to dab on your favorite Benjamin Button product tonight.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

STEP 1: Start with a ridiculously gentle formula.

“But I want these wrinkles gone NOW,” you whine. We know, but trust us when we say that starting with a milder formula will still give you the same results over time. “You absolutely do not need prescription-strength retinoids to get the same effects in collagen production and cell turnover,” says dermatologist and badass Mona Gohara, noting that yes, you’ll probably see results from using an intense, high-dose prescription product a little faster, but, in the process, you could also irritate your skin to pieces (literally).

Avene.

Buy: Eau Thermale Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream $69

Instead, Gohara recommends starting with retinaldehyde (like Avene Retrinal .1 Intensive Cream), one of the mildest of all the retinoids, or the very gentle retinyl palmitate (like Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum), both of which will still produce noticeable results within two or three months, without burning your skin off. But before you run away to slather it all over your face…

STEP 2: Only use a tiny amount on totally dry skin.

Unlike the way you approach margaritas and bottomless tortilla chips, less really is more when it comes to retinoids. After cleansing and patting down your face at night, wait a few minutes to guarantee that your skin is totally dry—“damp skin can interfere with how much retinol is absorbed, which can result in irritation,” says Gohara—then squeeze a pea-size dab of retinol into your palm. Using your fingers, smooth the retinol over your face, starting first with your forehead (the skin there is less sensitive, so it can take a stronger dose if you accidentally apply too much), then moving on to your nose, cheeks, and chin.

Burt’s Bees.

Buy: Burt’s Bees Daily Face Moisturizing Cream $10.39

After a full 20 minutes has passed, smooth on your usual serums and moisturizers, making sure to avoid any acne-fighting products (a.k.a. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acids, unless you want to play fast and loose with irritation). If you’re already terrified that your sensitive skin will freak out and melt off, you can first apply a moisturizer, wait 20 minutes, and then apply your retinoid to water down its potency.

STEP 3: Now wait an entire week until you use it again.

Hey, you wanted the real, no-bullshit guide to retinoids, right? Unless your skin is made of steel and has never felt sensitive once in its life, err on the side of caution and follow Gohara’s 1-2-3 rule: Use once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, then three times a week for three weeks. If, and this is a big if, your skin has had zero reactions thus far (no burning, itching redness, or irritation), bump up your usage to every other night, and then keep it there for a few months before attempting nightly usage.

If your skin starts feeling overly sensitive at any stage of the 1-2-3 process, take a step back down (i.e. move from three times a week back to two times a week) and chill there for a while. This isn’t a race—you’ll ideally be using retinoids for the next 50+ years of your life, and studies have found that even super low-strength retinoids had the same anti-aging effects on skin as moderate retinoids over the same length of time. So take it slow and listen to your skin.

Clinique.

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster

Guys, we wish we could say there were more steps, but it really is that simple. Just play by the rules, and nobody gets hurt…ideally. And if you’re still leery of using retinoids, a vitamin C serum will help stimulate collagen production while also protecting skin against wrinkle- and dark spot-causing free radicals. It’s nowhere near as powerful as retinoids, but it will still improve your skin tone over time. And with this knowledge, you may now go forth into the world a shining young thing after using any of our current faves below.

Biossance.

Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Consider this squalane-based, bakuchiol serum one of the most hydrating retinol treatments out today.

Buy: Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum $72

CeraVe.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum

In addition to encapsulated retinol that’s gradually released into the skin, this retinol formula also includes three types of ceramides for ample hydration.

Buy: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum $16.66

Kate Somerville.

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

This innovative day or night cream (take your pick) is proof that you can mix vitamin C and retinol for smoother and brighter skin.

Buy: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum $98

Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

This new fragrance-free moisturizer boasts the fastest-working retinol formula of any other drugstore option.

Buy: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream $44.92

Olay.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer Fragrance-Free

In addition to retinol for smoother skin, this night cream’s proprietary blend also holds moisture in the skin for 24 hours.

Buy: Olay Regenerist Retinol Moisturizer $98

philosophy.

philosophy help me retinol night treatment

The Microsponge Technology in this night cream encapsulates retinol to keep it stable and gradually release into the skin.

Urban Skin Rx.

Urban Skin Rx Rapid Repair Retinol Treatment

Formulated specifically for brown skin, this multi-tasking retinol cream is 1.25% Retinol, 2% Kojic Acid and 5% Niacinamide for diminishing dark spots and improving texture.

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Dolores Catania’s Mascara

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 4 Makeup

We’ve gotten a lot of great looks at the makeup worn by the Real Housewives of New Jersey so far during season 4, but spotting Dolores Catania’s mascara is probably the best yet because it’s so damn affordable. While I can’t speak to this exact variation as I haven’t used it, it’s made by my favorite brand of drugstore mascara. But with that $5.99 price tag, I think it’s time for us to start talking.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Before:

After:

Click Here to Shop her L’Oreal Mascara 

Originally posted at: Dolores Catania’s Mascara