Shania Twain | 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman!' Inspired | Makeup Tutorial | 90s Icon

Hi Lovelies! 

Today I’m digging up serious 90’s nostalgia and creating a makeup tutorial of one the most iconic artists of the decade: Shania Twain.

 The first CD I ever bought (yes, you read that right, CD) was Shania Twain’s Come On Over.

I was probably six or seven when I saw the music video for her mega popular hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman. 

Its nod to Robert Palmer’s music videos wasn’t lost on me, but was greatly overshadowed by Shania’s incredible makeup; full-on smoky eyes, over the top contour. 

Maybe this was when my love for makeup was born. Who knows. But what I do know is that the makeup look for that video will forever be a classic for makeup lovers.

I’ve wanted to recreate this makeup for quite a while, but have actually been a little nervous to attempt it because I really wanted to do it justice.

Either way, here it is.

 

You can watch my video tutorial here

The Essentials to Recreate Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Women Makeup

A Blending Brush

Since a black smoky eye is the anchor of this look a good blending brush is absolutely essential.

There are a lot of blending brushes on the market. Some are really decent. 

What you want to look for in a blending brush is for it to be firm enough to buff the eyeshadow or liner, but also soft and fluffy enough to smudge and diffuse harsh lines. 

Not all blending brushes are created equal.

My go-to blending brush is MAC Cosmetics 217 brush. If you watch any of my videos you will notice that I use it in nearly every one. It is that perfect balance of textures.

Retailing at $29 it sounds pretty pricy, and it is. But if you take care of it and clean it regularly this brush will last you for a very long time. 

I’ve had the one I used in this video since I think 2014 and it is just as fantastic as the day I bought it.

 

Expert Tip: Start with a clean blending brush, especially for this smoky eye, you will get way better results.

Matte Black Eyeshadow

There is no question that black eyeshadow is necessary for this smoky look. Shania was wearing matte black eyeshadow so that’s what I went with too.

Not just any black eyeshadow will do. Often they are powdery or patchy. 

You want one with buildable coverage and a good level opacity. 

I went with another MAC product. No, I am not affiliated with MAC nor do I get any incentive for recommending them. The products needed for this look are products that MAC does well.

I used MAC’s Carbon eyeshadow. It is very buildable and perfectly blendable, ideal for a smoky eye. Pairs perfectly with their 217 blending brush.

Concealer

A big part of this smoky eye look is clean up.

Even the best of powder eyeshadows have a small amount of fall out - little specks of shadow that fall under the eyes.

But, that's no reasons to shy away from using it. Most fallout can be easily cleaned up with a liquid concealer in a shade close to your skin tone.

The key is to keep wiping your brush (or finger) after each swipe on a tissue so you don't spread the shadow flecks all over your under eye area.

Another benefit of using concealer for this look is you can achieve the sharpest smoked wing by swiping it up around you eye (see video for demonstration).

I used Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer in Ivory. A very affordable concealer that works wonders for covering under eye circles, cleaning up fall out, and camouflaging blemishes.

Contour 

Shania has a seriously strong matte contour in the video on the jaw bone, cheek, hairline, and nose.

It is buffed out a bit with the blush and accentuated by the highlighter.

The sharp angles add to the overall fierceness of this look.

I used one of the shades from NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette (I also used the highlighter shades in there).

This relatively inexpensive palette gives you four pressed powder contour shades and four pressed powder highlighters so you can perfect any look you could possibly want to create.

A little goes a long way with these colors so you will have this palette for quite a while.

Muted Peach Lipstick

Finding the right shade of lipstick to match the one Shania wore in the video drove me crazy.

I looked through all of my lip colors and nothing was right. 

I even tried mixing some shades together but still couldn't match it perfectly.

Finally, I broke down and went to Ulta Beauty. They had NYX Smooth Whip Lip Cream in Kitty Belly, which turned out to be an ALMOST perfect shade for this look.

One major difference is that the finish is matte. Shania's had a slight glossiness to it.

But it was easy enough to add a clear gloss as a top coat.

Now that we've nailed down the essential products to recreate Shania Twain's Man! I Feel Like a Woman! makeup here is a step-by-step breakdown of how I went about it.

You can watch the video tutorial here

1. Matte Black Eyeshadow + Shading Brush:

Place and packet the black eyeshadow on to the eyelid using a short shading brush.

Concentrate the color mainly on the lid at this point.

2. Blend + Build & Blend + Build:

With a blending brush start buffing out the black shadow up into the crease and out of the eye to begin a smoky wing.

The next bit takes some patience as it consists of adding color and then blending it to get a diffused smoky effect in the shape that we want. See my video for a more detailed look.

3. Black & White Liner and More Black Eyeshadow:

Run a thin strip of black liquid liner just along the lash line to intensify lashes. Wing it out just a tiny bit.

Use a black pencil liner in the lower water line of the eyes to enhance the dramatic eye look.

On a small angled brush trace the same black shadow across the lower lash line and give it a small wing leaving a tiny gap between it and the liner on the upper lash line.

Take a white liquid liner and create a small flick of color right between the two black lines.

4. Mascara & Concealer Clean Up:

The lashes are probably the most natural part of this makeup look. She doesn't appear to be wearing false lashes so I just swiped on a volumizing mascara on the top & bottom lashes.

Next comes the clean up. Dot concealer all over under eyes and around the nose. As you sweep and blend the concealer to remove fall out, take it up higher and create a sharp wing out of the smoked out eyeshadow.

5. Matte Contour, Highlighter & Blush:

Go big and bold with the contour working it between the cheek and jaw bone starting near the middle of the ear down to around the apples of the cheeks. Work it under the jaw bone, into the hairline, and down the slope of the nose.

Hit the spaces in between the contour color with highlighter.

Use a neutral toned rose blush on the apples of the cheeks and blend it into the contour shade.

Use a pure white shimmer highlighter (one of the only not-matte products) on a small brush and gently tap it on top of the blush on the apples of the cheeks.

6. Peach Lipstick, Gloss & Setting Foundation:

Optional: I used a sienna shade lip liner but that isn't a must.  

Sometimes she appears to be wearing a lip liner, sometimes she doesn't. It depends on the scene in the music video.

Pop a muted peach liquid lipstick on the lips. 

The one I used was matte so I added a clear gloss as a topper.

To set everything in place I pressed a matte powder foundation onto my face.

And finally we have reached the end of our tutorial!

Products I Used:

Almay: Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup in Ivory

Urban Decay: Eyeshadow Primer Potion

MAC: Carbon Eyeshadow

MAC: 239 Shader Brush

MAC: 217 Blending Brush

Eyeko: Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner Travel Size

Sugar Cosmetics: Kohl of Honour Intense Kajal in Black Out

Beau Gâchis: Eyebrow Brush

Urban Decay: Thirteen Eyeshadow

Complex Culture: Precision Eyelid Brush

Colourpop: bff liquid liner in Graceland

MAC: M·A·Cstack Mascara in Superstack Mega Brush

Maybelline: Fit Me Concealer in Ivory

NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504

Real Techniques: Pointed Foundation Brush

Beau Gâchis: Concealer Perfecting Brush

Real Techniques: Contour Brush

Pixi Beauty: Fresh Face Blush in Beach Rose

Luxie Beauty: Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush 660

F.A.R.A.H: Tapered Blending Brush 35E Gold Collection

Beautique: Defining Lip Pencil in Sienna

NYX: Smooth Whip Blurring Matte Lip Cream in Kitty Belly

Fluide: Lip Gloss in Elsewhere

MAC: Studio Fix Powder in NW10

Our finished Shania Twain Man! I Feel Like a Woman! inspired makeup look!

Maybe not a perfect replica but it is very similar.

I could've blended out the contour a bit more, especially on my right.

Shania and I also look noting alike, so there's that too 😅

I'd love to do a side-by-side photo with a screenshot from Shania's music video, but I'm fairly certain that could be construed as copyright infringement (none intended).

Check out her video!

The dramatic smoky eye is really the cornerstone of this look.

I could've darked the shadow one more time to better match the intensity of the video look, but I think the shape and idea is pretty similar.

I don't own the top hat, the veil, or the trench coat but I still had a lot of fun recreating the makeup look of one of my favorite artists!

Again you can see my video tutorial of Shania Twain's Man! I Feel Like a Woman! music video makeup here 

Thank you for checking out my blog post!

If you like tutorials and reviews don't forget to subscribe so you will be the first to know when a new post drops 😁

Thanks again!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

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MAC | M·A·Cstack Mascara | Superstack Mega Brush | Review | Worth the Splurge?

 

Hey Beauty Lovers!

It's been a while since my last post.

A lot has happened in the last few months.

Between getting COVID after avoiding it for two and a half years, and some heartbreaking family losses I didn't feel up to even thinking about blogging for a while.

But in trying to adjust to the losses I choose to honor my lost loved ones in all I do and keep the memory of them close to my heart...

That's enough sentimentality for now, let's talk about some beauty products.

I have been trying some new makeup over the last few months and now I want to share my thoughts with you all!💖

Today is MAC and their new M·A·Cstack Mascara!

You can watch my video review here

I was so thrilled when I saw this mascara as an option for me to choose for my ipsy bag in July. 

I added it without looking at any of the other choices.😅

I had wanted to try MAC’s newest mascara but didn’t want to make the purchase. 

Why? Because mascara is one of the most overly sensationalized makeup products in the beauty industry. 

There are so many commercials that make outrageous claims about a mascara.

We see a model with full lashes that are miles long. 

But if we look at the small print in the bottom corner of the screen it typically says something to the effect of: "This models natural lashes have been enhanced with false lashes/inserts to show the affect of the mascara".

So is it the mascara that gave the model's lashes this incredible look or the false lashes?

It's hard to know without purchasing the mascara and trying it for yourself. 

And let’s be real, mascara is often a higher price than a foundation. 

But it’s MAC, I’ve always had a good experience with MAC products, so this one must be good too right?

Keep reading and I will breakdown the claims of M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush versus the reality.

Note: My review is of M·A·CStack Mascara with Superstack MEGA brush, not M·A·CStack Micro Mascara.

QUICK STATS

Size: Mini

Color: Black

Waterproof: Yes

Formula: Volumizing & Lengthening

Wand Shape: Pyramid-like

Lasts for: 10+ Hours

Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Claim: "Infinite-Build Volume + Length"

Reality: The first time I used this mascara I was impressed by the instant length that it gave my lashes.

It is extremely buildable, as you can layer multiple "stacks" (coats) of mascara to reach the intensity and drama you like for your lashes.

Claim: "Clumps-resistant"

Reality: It's pretty clump free. As I was applying a coat I got a couple clumps in the corner of my lashes, but as I continued to brush the wand through it eliminated the clumps.

Claim: "Flake-resistant"

Reality: I haven't noticed ANY flaking at all. Even with a few "stacks" I haven't had flakes or any type of fallout.

Claim: "Customizable volume from natural to next-level, along with instant length"

Reality: Very customizable. If you apply just one or two "stacks" it will give you a natural, wide-eyed look, perfect for everyday.

If you apply multiple "stacks" it will give you varying levels of full, dramatic lashes for a night out, or anytime you want to feel a little extra special.

Claim: "24-hour wear"

Reality: This is likely true. I haven't had the occasion to wear mascara for 24-hours recently, but I wore it for a good 10+ hours in heat and humidity, and it didn't budge. 

I have the sample size that came in my ipsy bag. 

The sample size retails for $16 and the full size mascara for $28.

Steep, I know, especially right now. 

However, this mascara goes a long way and if capped tight can be used for quite a while.

Plus, the incredible building effect of this mascara can almost eliminate the need for additional eye products, like false lashes.

Pros: Gives great length and volume with totally customizable lash intensity. 

Perfect for any eye look you want to create; from a subtle flirty wink to a dramatic smoky eye.

Cons: No real cons with the formula, the only drawback would be the price. 

But based on how it's performed I think it's worth the price tag.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full Size: Yes.

Worth the Splurge? Yes!

Final Thoughts: A multitasking mascara that can deliver on its claims (no false lashes needed 😉).

And here are a couple makeup looks I created using MACstack mascara

(Also using Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Concealer, stay tuned for that review!)

A dusty purple eyeshadow gives the perfect contrast to the intense black MACstack mascara.

(Also using Too Faced Better Than Chocolate palette. You can read that review here!)

A shimmery bronze smoky eye is made even more dramatic with MACstack mascara.

So I must say: Well done, MAC!

MACstack Superstack Mega Brush is a force to be reckoned with in the mascara world.

It moves up to the top of my go-to mascaras list.

I think it's Worth the Splurge and would recommend checking it out!

Again, you can check out my video review here

Thanks for stopping by and reading my MACstack Superstack Mega Brush review!

So you won't miss my next post, don't forget to subscribe  📧

You also might like:

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Thanks again for checking out my post!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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Summer Purple Eyeshadow Tutorial

 

Hi Beauty Lovers!

 Today I’m doing a summer makeup tutorial for you featuring purple eyeshadow and glossy neutral lips.

So break out your summer playlist (mine always includes The Click Five's Catch Your Wave, yeah I'm that old lol🎵) and the iced coffee and get ready for my new purple eyeshadow look --with some affordable favorites too!

NYX Avant Pop Art Throb palette and Urban Decay Ammo palette

P.S. You can check out my video tutorial of this post here

Purple eyeshadow is very popular for summer 2021.

 The only problem I faced with this trend is: which one do I choose??? 

There are so many gorgeous purple eyeshadows to choose from.💜

Which shade? Do I go with a richer one like violet, plum, eggplant, or wine? 

Or do I choose a lighter variation like mauve, lavender, periwinkle, or orchid?

Do I pick a pretty purple (try saying that five times fast!) to bring out the color of my eyes, which are hazel, and go for the eggplant or mauve? 

(for blue eyes try deeper purples, for brown eyes all shades of purple look beautiful!)

Space Case in Alien Love Child, INMO in Super Bass, Suva Beauty in BBQ, Complex Culture in Lavender Metal, theBalm in Matt Moskowitz, Phase Zero in Velvet

With so many options I decided to go somewhere in the middle, a shade of purple between dark raspberry and mulberry. A purple with some red/pink undertones to bring out the flecks in my eye color, but also reminds me of summer sunsets on the horizon.

And then I topped it off with an iridescent lilac shade 😉

I picked the purple shade in my NYX Avant Pop Art Throb palette 

(If you don’t have this palette, NYX Hot Singles eyeshadow in Flustered is a similar shade of purple and retails for about $4.50).

Now that you have selected your perfect purple eyeshadow, you can get started with my Summer Purple Eyeshadow tutorial!

Note: I realized after creating this summer look that many of the Urban Decay eyeshadows I used have since been discontinued (dislike). I’ve included dupes for all of the discontinued shades throughout this post.

Recipe for My Summer Purple Eyeshadow Look

1. Primer & Purple Shadow: For any summertime eyeshadow look, prepping the lids is crucial. After applying a primer, sweep your purple shadow of choice all over your eye lids, stopping just a little into the crease of your eye.

2. Metallic Brown Shadow & Blend: Dust a warm brown shadow with a hint of a metallic finish in the crease of your eye for a brightening effect.

 Run it all the way through and take it out of the crease a tiny bit, creating a slight wing. Use a blending brush to soften the lines for a diffused sunset effect.

-I used Smog from Urban Decay which has been discontinued, but MAC Amber Lights Eyeshadow is a close dupe, Urban Decay’s Chopper is similar to Smog, but a tad lighter with more of a rose undertone.

3. Black Eyeshadow as Liner + Lavender & White Shadows: Heavy liquid liner is better suited for fall, use a super pigmented, matte black shadow on an angled eyeshadow brush to define your lashes. 

Using a pressing/stamping motion, line your lashes with the black shadow, creating a tiny wing at the outer corner of your eye.

Next take a lavender shimmer shadow and dust it across your brow bone.  

On top of the lavender shadow, sweep a white shimmer, just for an extra highlight.

 -Dupes for Urban Decay’s Grifter (lavender shadow): MAC #Humblebrag is almost a dead ringer, MAC DazzleShadow in Shine De-Light is also close.

 -A close dupe for Urban Decay’s Polyester Bride (white shadow) is MAC DazzleShadow in She Sparkles

4. Champagne Eyeliner & More Brown Shadow: Run a shimmery champagne pencil liner along your lower water line to brighter up eyes. 

Then use the same metallic brown shadow you used in the crease to line your lower lash line.

5. Waterproof Mascara, Iridescent Shadow & Concealer: Swipe a waterproof mascara on your top and bottom lashes making sure to “wiggle” the brush back and forth so it catches every little lash.

Using your fingertip tap a lilac iridescent eyeshadow onto the center of your eyelid.

Clean up any fall out with a concealer.

6. Bronzer, Liquid Highlighter & Blush: Lightly dust a bronzer under your cheekbones and blend out. Gently tap a liquid champagne colored highlighter on top of your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose for a lit-from-within glow that will look perfect when the summer sunset hits it!

Blend a baby-pink blush on the apples of your cheeks and softly into your bronzer.

7. Brow Gel & Lip Gloss: Run a clear brow gel through your eyebrows to keep them in place.

Swipe on a hydrating rose gloss on lips for a dewy beach-like look.

Put it all together and you get...

A pretty purple eyeshadow look perfect for summer nights, picnics, or festivals.

To help set makeup for hot days (or anytime) I use a setting powder to keep everything in place. I use MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NW10.

For an extra long lasting look, I recommend spritzing on a makeup setting spray in addition to a setting powder (my favorite is Too Faced's Hangover Rx Setting Spray)

Products I Used to Create My Summer Purple Eyeshadow Look:

NYX: Avant Pop! Shadow Palette in Art Throb Collection

Real Techniques: Base Shadow Brush

Urban Decay: Smog Eyeshadow

MAC: 217 Blending Brush

MAC: Carbon Eyeshadow

Tru Rituals: Dual Ended Eyeshadow Brush

Urban Decay: Grifter Eyeshadow

Elizabeth Mott: Blending Brush

Urban Decay: Polyester Bride Eyeshadow

Lottie London: AM to PM Eyeliner Pencil in Sunburst

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Detail Flat Definer 110

Maybelline: Great Lash (Waterproof) Mascara in Very Black

Space Case Cosmetics: Eyeshadow in Alien Love Child

Tarte: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in N12 Fair Neutral

Nars:  Mini Bronzer in Laguna

Beaute Basics: C405 Contour Blush Brush

Pacifica Beauty: Get Lit Multi-High Light in Topaz

L'Oréal: True Match Super Blendable Blush Baby Blossom

Sonia Kashuk: Synthetic Domed Multipurpose Brush No. 16

Benefit Cosmetics: 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

Tarte: SEA H₂O Gloss Lip Gloss in Sail Away

Again, check out my video tutorial here

Thanks for checking out my purple eyeshadow tutorial for summer.

Stay tuned for more summer friendly looks and reviews!

And don't forget to subscribe via email so you will have my latest posts delivered directly to your inbox!📧

Here are some of my other posts you may enjoy:

Too Faced  Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette  Review & Tutorial (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette Tutorial & Review (with Swatches)

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

My Go-To Makeup: Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

Thank you again for reading!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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