Back with a BLAST of the Taupes!

Spotlight on: taupes!

I'm baaaaaaaack~ Again, I'm sorry for leaving you all hanging for so long without an explanation. I was just really stressed and needed a break from the internet. Sure, I'd update my twitter periodically but I definitely was not as active these past few months. I have to say, I actually really miss writing on this blog. Something always kept nagging at me from the back of my mind to try and pull this blog back together.

Let's get back to the topic of taupes. Taupes are a hybrid of brown and (dark) gray. There are so many beautiful taupes out there and all of them are relatively unique to each other. On my own personal experience, I've come to the conclusion that no two taupes are exactly the same. They may be similar but there's always a slight difference (too gray, too brown, undertones, etc). Matte taupes seem to be the rarest breed of all; of the few taupes I own, all are shimmery.

(Makeupmorsels, this is for you! ;D)

First up is this mineral eye shadow in Confident. Confident is a gorgeous taupe with a metallic finish; it almost gives off the look of liquid metal. Though I don't wear it that often (as it is quite flashy), it is one of the favorite taupes I own. I bought this in a set a few years ago but since it wasn't from a really big name, it seemed to have gone away. However, elf has a set of the same name...with the same shades, same brushes, and same eyeliner. Peculiar, isn't it? Be sure to enlarge the above image to see its beautiful swatch!

My second taupe is the 6th shade in this unknown-brand Japanese eyeshadow palette I got about a year ago. I believe the palette name is 04? It's essentially the basic taupe: neither too gray nor too brown, just right in the middle. It's not the most pigmented eyeshadow (took 3 layers to get that swatch), but I still really like it. It applies relatively smooth and evenly using a sponge-tip applicator. Brush? Not so much.

Next up is MAC's Satin Taupe. Ah yes, the cult favorite of all taupes. This is among the last few beauty products I bought before going on that long hiatus (indeed I did not buy any beauty products over that period). Satin Taupe has a frost finish and a plum-y undertone. I can see why everyone loves this -- it's so versatile. You can wear it dark and smoky for going out or light and natural in the crease for everyday wear. It suits all eye colors and all skin tones. It's just awesome. If I were asked to recommend one taupe, I would tell him/her to get Satin Taupe.

Now there's ck Calvin Klein's Sensuous Taupe. It is a more brown-y taupe. When swatched, it may look a bit flat at first glance, but when it hits the light, it really shines through (as seen from the swatch). I would classify this as having a satin finish. Unfortunately, Calvin Klein's cosmetics line has been discontinued so I don't know where you would be able to get your hands on this.

Next are the last two shades in the Revlon Colorstay 'Sandstorm' Quad. Taupe fanatics often by this quad because of the last two shades. The third shade is a taupe with a purple undertone while the last shade is a dark taupe. They are very smooth and pigmented. Both seem to have a frosty finish.
Last but certainly not least is L'Oreal HiP's Cream Crayon in Meticulous. In the picture, the stick may just look brown but in reality it is a splendid light taupe. The color is actually a tad darker than the swatch in person. After Confident and Satin Taupe, this is my favorite taupe. Meticulous is definitely a breath of fresh air from all the dark taupes I have. Like the rest of the HiP line, this is incredibly pigmented and applies super smooth. I picked this up in last year's CVS Clearance sale so I'm not sure if it's available anymore.

Now, let's go for a group photo!

L-R: Confident, 04, Satin Taupe, Sensuous Taupe, Sandstorm, Meticulous