A Look at the Best Navy Blue Mascaras for 2011

Mascara is not only used as a coating to emphasize the lashes, it is used to create the illusion of fuller lashes that are not only visible and noticeable, but defined and voluminized too. This very popular beauty essential has seniority in the beauty world and has defied the world of modern beauty at it's finest. There are so many navy blue mascaras in the beauty world today, so I have decided to narrow down the numerous navy blue mascaras to only the best of 2011.

Dior is a beauty brand that has a lot of dominance in the cosmetic industry. Although theorists debate the relevance of Dior's beauty line in comparison to it's fashion, many enthusiasts believe that Dior's beauty matches up it's au courant, in vogue couture. I have to agree and if Dior's Diorshow isn't an example, I do not know what is. If you are searching for a great navy blue mascara, I definitely recommend Dior's Diorshow Iconic Mascara in "Navy Blue". The color is a deep navy blue shade, rather than a bright or dark navy blue shade. This mascara is highly pigmented, but produces a color payoff that is highly evident. I also love this mascara because the applicator is fantastic, as the brush is modestly big and coats every lash without catching the skin. This mascara also does not clump or flake. You can purchase Dior's Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Navy Blue for $27 at your nearest Dior retailer or Sephora. If you are looking to use an amazingly paramount mascara, you cannot go wrong with this fabulous Dior addition.

They say the best things in life are free, however; I believe the best things in life are only natural. One of the best natural things is definitely Korres Deep Colour Mascara in "Black Blue 04". The color is stunning, as it is a dark navy blue. It is very natural looking. It is also part of one of the most popular natural cosmetic lines in the world today, so it is relatively good for your lashes too. I love the fact that this mascara is pigmented and produces a color payoff that is phenomenal. After searching, as well as, trying an array of navy blue mascaras, I have come to the conclusion that this wonderful addition by Korres is one of the best navy blue mascaras of 2011. You can purchase Korres Deep Colour Mascara at your nearest Korres retailer or Sephora for just $18. I absolutely love Korres and I guarantee that once you try this mascara in Black Blue 04, you will too.

Yves Saint Laurent was a genius and as a result, he created a brand of prestige that was tasteful, yet classy and high-end. Part of creating some of the most amazing styles of fashion, he also had the opportunity to create a beauty brand that catered to everyone across the globe. Recently, when shopping at the Sephora in New York City, I had the opportunity to try Yves Saint Laurent's Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in "6 Deep" which is a magnificent dark navy blue mascara with a black essence. The color is natural, but very navy blue. One thing about this high-end beauty brand, the product is very close to being remotely pristine and this mascara is no exception. Not only does Yves Saint Laurent's Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara not clump, it doesn't dry out and flake. Yves Saint Laurent's Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in 6 Deep Night can be purchased at your nearest Yves Saint Laurent retailer or at Sephora for $30. Would I use this mascara again? Most definitely.

Sometimes you have to go through several apples before finding one that is just right. After trying an array of mascaras, I finally had the opportunity to discover Lancome's Definicils Mascara in Navy, making it one of the best navy blue mascaras for 2011. The color is more of a bright navy blue, rather than a dark navy blue. Despite being relatively pigmented, you can build color. I love this mascara because it not only defines my lashes, but creates a semblance that is extremely chic. You can purchase Lancome's Definicils Mascara in Navy at your nearest Lancome retailer or at Sephora for $24.50. I will admit, I love Lancome and am a huge aficionado and I think after trying this incredible navy blue mascara, you just may question your stance too. Haha.

How important is quality vs. quantity? What if I were to tell you that you can purchase an outstanding navy blue mascara for under $10? If you are looking for a mascara that has defined the odds of mixing affordable, yet inexpensive with modestly pricey, high-end, NYX in "Navy" is it. Navy is more of a vibrant navy blue that stands out, yet is subtle. It is pigmented, so you can build color. It does not smear, as it does not crease. It also does not clump. The fact that it is $5 not only makes it incredibly worth it, but incredible for the quality. You can purchase NYX's Mascara in Navy at your nearest NYX retailer or Cherry Culture. You can also purchase it through your NYX distributor. Whether you are a makeup enthusiast or just someone looking for a wonderful navy blue mascara, this one should be in your beauty bag right now.

Sarah's Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup

Sarah Afshar's Classic Intense
Smoky Eye Makeup.
(Photo by Sarah Afshar/Yahoo!
Contributor
Network)

When it comes to creating the ultimate smoky eye, there are a lot of qualities to look at. You want to create something that is clean, yet dramatic and visible. You don't want your smoky eye to look theatrical or robust. You also want to pair your smoky eye with a neat face and lighter lip because your goal is to draw attention to your eyes and no other features.

Recently, I had the opportunity to create the "Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look" which is an incredible makeup look that I randomly produced before going out with friends. Although this look is very much wearable during any time of day (and if you want to wear this during the day, you are more than welcome to do so), it is better to wear during the evening hours.

You want to begin by priming your face with a foundation primer. Primer works as a sealer, which allows your makeup to last relatively long. It also prevents your makeup from fading or creasing. I also love primer because it prevents breakouts. Although I tend to use Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer, for this particular makeup look, I am going to use Boscia's Skin Perfecting Primer. It is my first time using this primer, so expect a review of it soon. You want to apply the primer all over your face and let it set for about a minute or two.

As you continue, you want to apply your foundation, as well as, concealer. Most of the time, I don't wear foundation, however; when I create any kind of stand-alone inspired makeup look, I always apply it. I tend to apply concealer before my foundation and then reapply if necessary. Although I tend to use MAC's Select Cover Concealer in NC42, for this particular look, I am going to try a new concealer I recently discovered from Tarte. It is called Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer. I am going to use the Tan shade. Using the 195 MAC brush, I am going to apply the concealer on my face. Concealer is much thicker than foundation, so you don't need to use a lot.

Foundation is always key when creating any kind of makeup look. Although I tend to use MAC's Studio Fix Fluid in NC42, for this particular look, I am going to try a new foundation by Bobbi Brown. It is called Skin Foundation SPF 15. I am going to use shade Golden 6. Using a MAC 190 brush, I am going to apply my foundation all over my face. When it comes to foundation, there are no limits because you can blend. I am going to blend any excess foundation using a BeautyBlender.

Applying a setting powder is very important because it prepares your makeup, constructing a canvas. This also allows your makeup to last long. For this particular look, I am going to use a translucent powder. Using a powder that is not translucent can make your skin appear pasty and that is not the look you want to achieve. For the Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look, I am going to use MAC's Blot Pressed Powder in Medium Dark. This inspired makeup look is for every woman with every skin tone, so you don't have to use the exact colors, as I am. Using a MAC 134 brush, I am going to apply the blot powder all over my face.

For this particular inspired makeup look, you want to use a natural looking blush. Today, I am just going to use a subtle, yet natural looking blush. You want to use a blush that is darker than your skin tone, but not too cool or too warm. Although I tend to use NARS blushes, for this look, I am going to use Illamasqua's Powder Blusher in Create. Using a MAC 116 brush, I am going to apply Create on my cheeks, as well as, my nose, forehead, and chin. Keep in mind, you don't have to use this particular brush, as there are a ton of great blush brushes, as well as, dupes.

When it comes to producing the ultimate smoky eye, you need to first and foremost, prime your eye. In fact, priming your eye is an absolute must. What a better way to start by applying an eyeshadow primer all over the lid, as well as, on the crease to the brow bone. Although I love Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, I am going to use a different eyeshadow primer. For this look, I am going to use NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Primer prevents your makeup from making a mess and eyeshadow primer is a very important beauty essential to those looking to create only the hottest smoky eye.

The eyes are the most important feature to enhance and when it comes to this look, there are simply no limits. You definitely want to create a dramatic smoky eye, but you also want to keep it at a minimal if you intend to wear it in public. There is a huge difference between dramatic and theatrical, so keep it dramatic. The last thing you want to be a punch line to a joke. For the Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look, I am going to use three different shades of eye shadow. The darkest shade will be a black matte. The neutral shade, which will be used the most, will be a dark matte brown. The lightest will be the highlight, which is a light gold shimmer. When it comes to any smoky eye, you don't want to use all shimmer shades.

You want to begin simply by applying the neutral shade. It is the default shade in this particular makeup look. For this individual makeup look, I am going to use Lancome's Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow in Couture. Remember, there are so many different types of eyeshadows, as well as, shades, so you are destined to find a dupe. Using a MAC 213 brush, you want to apply this eyeshadow all over the lid, going only slightly past the crease. You can use a modest amount. You don't want to take it past the crease.

The darkest shade is a black matte. There are so many amazing black matte eyeshadows in the beauty world right now, however; my favorite black matte eyeshadow is definitely MAC's eyeshadow in Carbon. It is incredibly pigmented and produces one of the best color payoffs in the beauty world to date. Using a MAC 275 brush, I am going to apply the black matte eyeshadow on the outer edges of my eye. You want to only apply to the edges of the eye. You do not want to apply it all over the lid, like you did with the Couture eyeshadow. You also do not want to take this eyeshadow past the crease.

Using a blending brush, you want to blend the darkest shade Carbon, the black matte eyeshadow towards the middle part of the eye, creating a smoking effect. For this particular look, I am going to use MAC's 224 brush. As you continue, you want to apply more of the Couture shade, but do not blend.

Once you have finished applying the darkest and neutral shade of eyeshadow, you want to apply the highlight. You want something that is a pale golden shimmer. For the Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look, I am going to use MAC's eyeshadow in Nylon. Using a MAC 242 brush, I am going to apply the highlight (the lightest shade) up towards the brow bone. MAC's eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented, so you don't need to use a lot.

You want to line your water line with a Kohl based liner. You also want to tightline and line the upper waterline, as well. For this particular look, I am going to use Afshar Beauty's Kajal liner in Paradise Siyah, which is an intense black. There are numerous Kajal liners in the market. In fact, Sephora recently introduced one called the Smoky Kohl Eyeliner. You want to take the same liner and line your eyes. Remember, you can blend, so if you make any mistakes don't worry about it. You want to apply it generously.

The eyebrows should be a little dramatic, but not over the top. They should still be natural looking. I absolutely love using Benefit Brow zings, however; for this particular makeup look, I am going to use Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Color in Medium. You want to make sure that your brows are colored in, but you want to make them a little refined, yet sharp, giving them a glamour-like appearance.

Mascara primer is optional. If I am going to be gone for a long period of time, I really like to apply it because it prevents my mascara from making a mess. There are numerous mascara primers on the beauty market, however; for today's makeup look, I am going to use Clinique's Lash Building Primer. You don't need to apply a lot, but do apply enough. For mascara, I tend to use Dior relatively often. Whether it's the regular Diorshow mascara or the Iconic mascara, I am an enthusiast. For the Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look, I am going to use Kat Von D's Sin-Full Lash Mascara in Black. You want to apply a modest amount, but you don't want to apply so much that your lashes look dry and/or spider-like.

The lips should be light. You can use nude, as well as, pink, but try to stay in the natural zone. You want the attention to be drawn to your eyes, not your lips, so your goal is to simply use a lighter lip product. For the Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look, I am going to use a natural lip lining product, followed by a natural looking lipstick. I am going to use Sephora's Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner in Nude. Then, I am going to apply Laura Mercier's Cr¨me Lip Colour in Tea Rose.

You are done. Congratulations, you have just created the "Sarah Afshar Classic Intense Smoky Eye Makeup Look". Great job!

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