Paula Dorf Mystic & Silhouette Eye Shadows

Before we're being swallowed whole by another round of limited edition seasonal makeup collections, I wanted to share more from my perennial staples: Paula Dorf eye shadows. I've already given you a taste with Day Dream glimmer eye shadow, one of the prettiest mauve-taupe colors I know. Day Dream's companion in many of my basic neutral no-effort-no-stress looks are Silhouette (basic beige with the finest possible shimmer) and Mystic (matte aubergine). They were chosen for me by a Paula Dorf specialist at Henri Bendel, they go together for a full eye look or pair phenomenally with any of my favorite Chanel/Edward Bess/LMdB neutrals.

Mystic is a wonderful fall/winter eye contour color, serves as the focal point for a sophisticated smoky eye look and is just all around gorgeous, without bringing out any redness in the skin. Silhouette is a hardworking base color that evens out and covers unsightly darkness where non should exist. The texture of all Paula Dorf eye shadows I've ever tested is top notch. They're silky, very fine and blend well.

Now, since I'm revealing one of my secret weapons, I might as well confess another one. When applying this neutral and low-key eye makeup, I give it a tiny boost that is never obvious but adds just the right amount of something: I finish the look with a touch of Le Metier de Beaute mascara in Jade. If you recall, my opinion is that LMdB makes the best colored mascara in the known universe. The shades are blackened versions, so you don't look ridiculous, the lashes are just enhanced with the most elusive hint of extra color. So, yes, Jade, the blackened green Le Metier mascara is the perfect companion to these Paula Dorf eye shadows (of course, you can play it down by using the Aubergine mascara instead. It's just as pretty).

Paula Dorf Mystic & Silhouette Eye Shadows ($18 each) are available at Henri Bendel in NYC and from pauladorf.com.