So 2016 and time being a mermaid, it was a little less than in previous years. I did get to swim, of course, but there were times where it felt like I spent more time in clothes and shoes than necessary. Is there a land locked name that is equivalent to “land muggle”? Sometimes I felt like that, whatever it would be called.
There were great times to recall-swimming in the Mediterranean ocean, on far opposite ends of the coast, like an ethereal fantasy. At Barceloneta Beach, the water was so salty and cloudy and the beach was crowded with people, some families and some unsavory types eyeing our beach bag. To an extent tops were optional, which was freeing. No one cared and that was just fine. It was enjoyable but I had to stay alert.
Oh and Long Boat Key, Florida, so luxurious and glittering saltwater. It felt safe and warm there. Lots of time to contemplate life in the water and time slowed down even for just one day. Probably didn’t need those sunglasses underwater, but it was fun anyway.
In all the times where I was able to get into the water, I still wanted to look good for photos. It’s a skosh of silliness to care about makeup underwater, but it’s my art and self expression medium more than just vanity. It is also where I feel at home, free in the water to look and feel the way that I want. The face makeup I discussed in part 1 of this series looked at my favorite foundation and skin coverage. The eyes though, that’s important and what I am here to discuss. Doesn’t matter if I’m at a steamy, crowded music festival or underwater, but keeping your eyes made up and unsmudged takes planning, the right products and the correct application.
Some of my favorites for heat, humidity, and underwater are MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots, the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette, and (new to me) Senna Cosmetics.
About the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots-My two favorite colors are Clearwater, which is a soft sea form green. A definite staple is Painterly, a nude beige and perfect for a lighter color eyelid base. Suprisingly, these colors can look good on many skin tones especially if you need to make an eyeshadow color “pop”. The other benefit, eyeshadow put on over the Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot will stay put, look unabashedly bright, and remain uncreased. This is a must for under your favorite shadows and long wear in wet and humid conditions.
My favorite shadow kit is currently the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette eyeshadow kit. These can be used dry for a traditional look. This palette works for me very well with the Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot as a primer. These shadows can also be applied wet for a lovely foil sheen on the eye. The cool thing about this kit is that the colors transform to look so unique when applied wet. Love it!
Another company that I learned about at The Makeup Show in Orlando is Senna Cosmetics. Gorgeous eye shadows that look crisp and vivid even without eyelid primer. Love the deep pigment and the colors. If you’re not familiar with their brand, check it out on the linked site.
The last name I’m gonna drop, is NYX. Love that they are opening their own branded makeup boutiques lately. NYX eyeliner pencils are smooth and long lasting, even in water. The NYX Retractable Eye Liner is perfect for the humid life in Florida or underwater.
Next up, Underwater Glam Series, Part III on lips.
XOXO for now.