My Top Three Favorite Eyeshadow Bases!

The only thing I'm loving about this cold weather is that I can use it as an excuse to take frequent coffee breaks (in an attempt to "warm up") (; 

Coffee Bean's new "English Toffee Latte" is SO YUMMY! Super great find if you have a sweet tooth.

So I love eyeshadow primers as much as the next makeup addict, but I tend to reach over to my paint pots a lot more than my primers when working with my eyes. A big reason why I prefer eyeshadow bases over eyeshadow primers is that I see more of a color pay off when I apply my shadow over the base. It not only helps bring out the vibrancy of the eyeshadow but it creates a smooth surface for the eyeshadow to lay on. I love my paint pots! I've recently been loving these three little guys:

Top: MAC's PP in "Bare Study"; Left Bottom: Maybelline's "Tough as Taupe" + Right Bottom "Bad to the Bronze"

 
1.) Maybelline's Color Tattoo in "Tough as Taupe"

Maybelline's Color Tattoos have been receiving a lot of hype and for good reason! These color tattoos are SO FREAKIN' PIGMENTED! The formula is SUPER creamy and the color stays true to the pot. "Tough as Taupe" is a gorgeous muddy-smoggy color. It's a little darker than your average taupe but the gray mixed in is probably what makes it so "tough." Don't let it's tough exterior fool you, though! This is the MOST AMAZING BASE for ANY type of smokey eye. If you're doing a dark gray, mauvey purple, or using any type of black shadow, THIS is what you need! It applies SO smoothly on the lid and makes any dark shadow appear even deeper with this under. 

2.) Maybelline's Color Tattoo in "Bad to the Bronze" 

THE SAME AMOUNT AS AMAZING AS ABOVE. Except in a BEAUTIFUL shade of dark gold. I would say this leans more towards a Bronzey Taupe. If you have any of the Naked palettes, I REALLY recommend you to pick this up. It has the perfect amount of bronze that's not too overwhelming. It brings out shimmery neutrals like a dream! Like the one above, the application is flawless. It applies so smooth. It helps my eyeshadow last FOR HOURS, and it doesn't crease on me one bit! This not only doubles as a base but this color in particular is also an amazing "lazy girl" product. When I don't feel like doing too much to my eyes, I just sweep this on and go! 

3. MAC's Paint Pot in "Bare Study" 

Such a great little paint pot! I use this as a base for more nude looks. It's the perfect shimmery champagne color for light pink to gold shadows.You can seriously apply any neutral eyeshadow on top of this and I promise you this will intensify the color. This does not crease on me AT ALL, btw. I've worn this under my eyeshadow during a night out and my eyeshadow still stayed looking great in the wee hours of the morning! Even though "Bare Study" has your decent amount of shimmer, you can definitely apply a matte shadow over this without worrying that the two will clash. This helps matte shadows glide on without making them shimmery. I only use this as a base because it looks a little odd as a plain shadow against my tan skin but I'd think it would also make a great cream shadow for lighter skin tones.

Swatches!