Line me deep brown

About once a year, I de-clutter my makeup collection, tossing out the shadow that was all wrong, the cheap eyeliner that performed like cheap eyeliner, dried out mascaras (I always have at least one waterproof and a regular formula on hand - each has its merits), and the lipsticks that are starting to break down. During this time I also start browsing overpriced makeup lines like Smashbox and Shu Uemura and Nars - then I get real and do my best to duplicate what I can at the drugstore. Wheeee. Did you know Revlon now carries a natural mineral pigment for eyes? Very blendable, long lasting, and under $8. Recommend.

I hate spending much on makeup, but I like makeup. Actually, I kind of secretly love makeup. Sometimes if I'm bored, I'll put on heavy makeup and walk around the house blinking all slow and dramatic. Weird?

As a child, I'd beg my mom, grandmas, aunts, and later my little brothers to let me make them up. I would even take before and after pictures. And yes, my little macho brothers usually let me do it, full on, down to the mascara. They are real men.

Despite my wanting makeup for cheap, I will willingly splurge on Clinique a couple of times a year. So while I was getting inspired on the high end sites, I noticed that black liner is missing lately. At first I was alarmed, because it has been a staple for me. When I'm feeling saucy, I like to draw a gradually thickening, upward sweeping thingie on my top eyelid (you know what I mean). It's very hot. Especially on me, obviously. I always thought that having dark brown eyes meant going for black liner. Apparently when you're in your thirties, this is no longer recommended because it can look too harsh. Hmmm. Go on...

I decided if I was going to try a whole new shade of liner, I would go for a good quality, no nonsense eyeliner. I almost clicked and purchased Smashbox's cream liner, but then I remembered that we were going to an actual mall the following day, so I did a quick comparison on Clinique.com - their cream liner touted similar fabulous promises, and cost less ($7.50 less to be exact). Sweet.

Let me back up - why cream liner? Well, I did the research for you, lucky dogs: Unlike a pencil, cream liner goes on silky smooth, it never needs sharpening, and it dries in place, so no smudging. Unlike a liquid liner, it's more precise to put on (cause it's thick, not drippy) and easier to control. SOLD!

The Clinique consultant confirmed that I should go for a dark brown shade. She was attractive and had good makeup on, so I trusted her. She also showed me the difference between the brush that comes with the product (crappy) and their fancier, longer brush - I had to get the better brush, and the difference is indeed undeniable. I tossed the little crappy one.

So I'm feeling all swanky and Audrey Hepburn-y with my new liner, expertly applied and so brownie brown. I'm blinking slow. I may have to put on my pearls.