3 Looks with the NYX Warm Neutrals Palette

*So turns out I actually was organised and did plan a post to be published while I was away. Ten points to Eleanor.*

I've noticed that a lot of the "Insta-glam" looks recently have revolved around bold, red-toned eye shadows, a hype that has only become bigger with the release of the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette. And I've got to say, I love the look. Eye shadow is probably what I'm least confident with when it comes to makeup - it tends to just look like I've got a black eye - but the beautiful works of art that I've seen around Instagram etc have really inspired me to try and get a little bit better. With that in mind, I couldn't justify spending however much it is to buy the Naked Heat palette, but I did find this - the NYX Ultimate Palette in Warm Neutrals. The 16-shade palette looks very, very similar to the burgundy-reds that Urban Decay offer for a fraction of the price, so a brilliant option for people like me who don't want to pay the extra, or aren't too confident with eye shadow yet. If that sounds like you, here are 3 looks that I've been practising with this lovely, lovely palette - and though I'm no expert yet by any means, these were fairly easy, even for me! 

1. DAYTIME MATTES 

This easy-peasy 3-step look is perfect for a little bit of something-something on the eyes, just right for days where you just can't be bothered, or for something quick before running out the door. 

1. Sweep the first vanilla-y shade all over the lid and up to the brow bone to highlight. 

2. In the crease, take the second very light brown shade, focusing on the outer corners, for a boost of definition. I think this shade also has a slight reddish undertone to it, so adds a gorgeous hint of colour. Keep adding and blending so it reaches the intensity that you want it. I did it two or three times.

3. When that's all done, take the shimmery champagne shade for a pop of brightness in the inner corner. This is a subtle way to open and brighten the eyes. 

2. A PINK-Y, RED SHEEN 

I know that this will be an eye look I'll go for when I want something a little more, maybe if I'm going out for dinner or a low-key party. I don't really know how to describe the shimmery shade I used for a base (we're gonna go with pink-y red) but it is absolutely stunning - maybe my favourite in the whole palette. 

1. Take the pink-y red shimmer all over the lid. It can come out quite strong to start with, but once it has been blended, it becomes a lot sheerer and more wearable. I also took this shade underneath my eyes too. 

2. This reddish-brown along the bottom row is the perfect transition colour for any red-toned eye looks, although for this one it was the only colour I took through the crease. It complements the tones of the lid shade wonderfully. Again, I added and blended 2 or 3 times.

3. For some definition at the lash line, I took the purple-y, reddish brown on an angled brush and did some winged liner. Using a colour - specifically an eye shadow - a lot less harsh than black makes the look a bit more everyday-appropriate, but also a little smokier. 

4. Finally, for a touch of inner-corner highlight, add the same champagne shimmer from the previous look in the tear duct area. 

3. EVENING SPARKLE

The final look is definitely one I'll go for more for special events or parties, as it uses more of the bolder, darker colours and the amazing bronze shimmer. It is probably the most difficult look to get right - I'm not 100% there myself - but with practise this is sure to make a statement. 

1. Use the light reddish-brown on the bottom row as a transition colour all the way through the crease. Having a transition shade makes sure that when it comes to adding darker colours, they blend more seamlessly. 

2. The burgundy shade in this palette is one that really persuaded me to get it, and I was dying to use it in one of these looks. Pop this in outer corners of the lid and crease, being sure to once again add and blend to get the pigmentation you like. I think I added it twice before the lid shade. 

3. Pack the shimmery bronze shade all over the lid, adding the lighter gold on the end of the top row at the centre of the lid and in the inner corners. Adding a lighter shade in the middle of the lid helps to open up the eye and make the existing colour brighter. 

4. Continue to add and blend the second shade we used. I did this another three times after adding the bronze and gold. 

5. Use black liquid liner or a black eye shadow on an angled brush (which this palette annoyingly doesn't have) to line the lash line and draw a flick. I also used a black eye liner pencil in the water line for a little definition. 

There you have it - three simple but super pretty looks, all using the NYX Warm Neutrals palette. I'm really impressed by these shadows; they're easy to blend, excellently pigmented and come in a great range of shades. My only real criticisms are the lack of a black and a suitable brow shade for any hair colour - if it had those, I would consider this being the only palette I take to uni. Although, for the quality, and for that price, this palette is hard to deny. 

From, 

Eleanor