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Smashbox Eye Illusion in Action: Taking a Smokey Purple Eye to the Next Level

June 4th, 2010 by Karen 31 Comments

smashbox eye illusion review

Haaay, homeskillet. How goes it? I’m a little stunned that it’s actually Friday. This week flew by so fast, didn’t it? No complaints here, though. 🙂

I’m excited because I have a pre-birthday spa appointment scheduled for tomorrow in which I hope to take/have my very first mud bath. Yup, we’ll see how it goes…whether it turns out to be gross or cool (because there’s a fine line, right?). Wish me luck!

This morning I wanted to experiment a little more with Smashbox’s Eye Illusion.

What is Smashbox Eye Illusion?

It’s a compact with a trio of sheer, iridescent eyeshadows in blue, gold and pink. When layered on top of other eyeshadows and liners, the colors alter the original hues and impart a subtle sheen/shine. Price: $28.

Today I gave it a try with what would have been a plain jane daytime smokey purple eye, shooting for something a little more exciting and special.

I started by priming my lids with a base of Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden (a matte nude), following it up with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar (a deep plummy purple) applied to the waterlines, lid and just barely into the crease.

Where’s the waterline?

The waterline is the small 2mm (or thereabouts) strip of skin that extends from where the eyelashes sprout from the eyelid toward the eye itself, and it exists on both the top and bottom eyelids.

Then, with the MAC 217 (or any other fluffy domed eyeshadow brush), I smudged out the edges, drawing the liner into the crease and feathering out in a gradient of color.

smashbox eye illusion review

Now here’s where it gets cool

With the blue and gold shades from Eye Illusion, I took Rockstar to the next level. Using the same eyeshadow brush, I swept the blue iridescent shade from the trio directly on top of the purple liner, all the way up to the brow bone.

Then, with the MAC 219 pencil brush, I smudged the gold along the lower lash line.

There it is! An easy look with just enough drama for a lunch date. 🙂

smashbox eye illusion review

smashbox eye illusion review

smashbox eye illusion review
Colors used in this look from left: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar, Smashbox Eye Illusion in blue sheen, Smashbox Eye Illusion in gold sheen, Urban Decay Blush in Hookup (from the Face Case palette), Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Sweet, Smashbox Lip Enhancing gloss in Protege

You absolutely wouldn’t have to use the same products I did here to get the same basic effect. You could even dupe it with a drugstore liner like deep purple Hard Candy Geisha, or you could go with MAC and try something like a MAC Greasepaint Stick or a MAC Pearl Glide Liner. I bet there are quite a few purple cream shadows that would also work, too.

One more thing for the bargain huntresses — MBB readers Natasha, Beth and Vonvon (thanks, ladies!) suggested a dupe for Eye Illusion itself, a budget alternative by E.L. F. called Eye Transformer, and instead of three shades it comes with four! For a mere $3!

Hope your Friday’s chugging along. Let me know what you’re up to!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Smashbox Eye Illusion in Action: Taking a Smokey Purple Eye to the Next Level / Originally published June 4th, 2010

There are 31 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), Makeup Keywords: smashbox

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ewa Linsey says

    June 4th, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Karen, That’s a nice and quick idea. I personally don’t like to use gold (or shimmer) under bottom lashline- I find it can make fine lines appear deeper than they are.
    ewa@LoveSmokeyEyes
    ps. Enjoy your spa!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 4th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Ewa,

      I guess it really depends on the person. I loooove gold along the lower lash line — I feel like it opens up my eyes and adds definition without looking too over the top.

      Reply
  2. Rachel says

    June 4th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Good luck with that mud bath. I did it once…hmmmm…
    I love the eye transformer, but I like the idea of $3. I may have to try that out. Dag-nab-it…and I was JUST at Target…

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 4th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

      Really? How was it? Gross or cool?

      Reply
  3. Tiffany says

    June 4th, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    OMG, good luck at the spa! I can’t wait to hear your report!

    This seems like such a cute and easy look! I kinda want that ELF palette simply because it’s so cheap, lol 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 4th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

      Um, it just occurred to me that they BETTER use fresh mud. ‘Cause that would be gross if they recycled the mud. Hmmm…

      I’ve never used ELF before, have you? You can’t be that price, for sure.

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        June 4th, 2010 at 3:59 pm

        Nah, surely it’ll be fresh!? I have only bought their eyeshadow quads (empty ones) and the vanilla coconut hand cream (which was pretty good for 4 bucks!). My Target has a few of their things – I’ll have to check and see if they have the Eye Transformer.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          June 5th, 2010 at 7:43 am

          I hope it is!! The thought of it is kinda funny… “Fresh Mud.”

          Reply
  4. Lindsay says

    June 4th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Sooooooo pretty! I bet your lunch date loved seeing this look. Say hayyyy to Tabs for me!
    .-= Lindsay’s last blog post… Change of Address =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:42 am

      Will do! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  5. Steph B says

    June 4th, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    Enjoy the mud bath! I am trying to choose between spa trip or new suit for work. Spa sounds much more fun but I’ll get continued joy from snappy new suit.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:42 am

      Decisions, decisions. How about a suit for now, and then a mini treat, like a mani-pedi?

      Reply
  6. Nina says

    June 4th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    Oh my god, I want those eyelids right here right now (and I’d happily never take them off). They look sooo beautiful on you Karen. Good luck with your mud bath! I hope you like it and share your after thoughts with us. When is your birthday? We should throw a mini-online-beauty party here for celebration! 🙂 Anywaaay, I’m off to bed. Have a friggin’ good Friday evening =)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:41 am

      It’s next week. I’ve been trying to be less grumpy about it…hopefully the spa will put me in better spirits!

      Reply
  7. Janee says

    June 4th, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Oh my goodness… Karen, smokey purple is your color! Those are some gorgeous peepers. I also have brown eyes and darker skin so I’m definitely going to work this look into my repertoire.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:40 am

      You will love Rockstar!

      If you don’t have it already, then you gotta try UD’s Bourbon, too. It’s so pretty with brown eyes.

      Reply
  8. marisol says

    June 4th, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    Have fun at the spa! And yes this week flew by. Is that what happens as we get older?

    Really like this simple yet classy look.
    .-= marisol’s last blog post… Abandonment issues =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:39 am

      Unfortunately, yes. The time seems to pass by way too quickly.

      I hope you’re enjoying your birthday makeup haul(s)!

      Reply
  9. Nina says

    June 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    Heya there. Thats an awesome look that looks purrfect on you!

    Enjoy the spa…weve had a busy evening running around getting stuff ready for our trip tomorrow.

    Happy happy happy ….

    😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:36 am

      Thanks! As usual I’m running around at the last minute like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get stuff done, LOL!

      Have fun today…

      Reply
      • Nina says

        June 5th, 2010 at 8:00 am

        Were having a lazy morning – Brenham (wedding venue) is 1.5 hours away so were leaving 11ish … 🙂

        I got my makeup and dress packed and ready to roll!

        Happy happy! 🙂

        Reply
  10. makeup morsels says

    June 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    woww I love this! perfect everyday with a pop look. That’s what it’s called! I remembered it was from ELF, but forgot the name. Maybe I should go see if that works as well
    .-= makeup morsels’s last blog post… Ellis Faas: The Coolest Makeup on the Block =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:36 am

      If you do let me know! I am always looking for a good drugstore deal.

      Reply
  11. Agnes says

    June 4th, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    oh wow… with just the purple eyeliner, i was already feeling it! but blue and gold totally made your eyes POP!! haha thanks for the ELF recommendation, will defniately search for this! $3 > $28! 😀
    .-= Agnes’s last blog post… Annabelle Pigments – Karma & Azure + Giveaway comment =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:35 am

      Let me know what you think of the ELF version and if it’s worth tracking down.

      Have a great Saturday!

      Reply
  12. Mariah says

    June 4th, 2010 at 11:48 pm

    Pretty! I love the gold beneath the eye, it’s genius! It really opens your eye! I may have to try this!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:34 am

      The sheen has a very subtle effect! I hope you give it a go.

      Reply
  13. Rica says

    June 4th, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    So pretty on you. But I already got something similar in my collection, which is the E.L.F. eye transformer that you mentioned =P. How do they compare in texture and wear though?

    Btw, love your look, and Rockstar is my favourite UD 24/7 Liner! =D (Two totally random point LOL)

    x
    Rica
    .-= Rica’s last blog post… Sneak Peak: MAC Digi-Pops Collection =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      June 5th, 2010 at 7:34 am

      I don’t know about ELF versus Smashbox…can anybody else weigh in on this?

      Reply
  14. Shannon says

    June 5th, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    love this look! Rockstar is one of my fave UD 24/7 liner colors 🙂

    Reply
  15. Vonvon says

    June 6th, 2010 at 7:45 am

    You are welcome, Karen! 🙂

    The Eye Illusion really does wonders! Will try out mine soon! Love playing with eye makeup! Can’t wait ti experiment with different ways of using them too!
    .-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Recovering On A Sunday Night – The Wife Of A Racer =-.

    Reply

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