Linda Mason's Eye Candy: Inspiration Overload

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I know I should be slapped for this given my profession but recently, I found myself in a beauty rut. Pale cream shadow, piles of mascara, rinse, repeat.

Fresh out of ideas, I picked up NYC makeup artist Linda Mason's new book, Eye Candy, in hopes of gleaning a little inspiration. Halfway through, I got nervous that there was TOO much: Mason's 55 eye makeup looks were all so gorg, I didn't know which one to take a stab at first.

Mason goes way beyond the obvious smoky eye or Marilyn Monroe's winged liner, and instead unveils a range of looks for every mood in a kaleidoscope of colors. Some involve glitter. My current favorite: The monochromatic "Lucky," crisp, lined eyes using pale, acid, and deep green shadows.

Even better, Mason makes everything simple. Each shadow concept includes a full-page photograph, a paint-by-numbers illustration, and ridiculously clear instructions. (If only installing my A/C were this easy.) Though after reading this book and trying out a few looks, you'll likely start to freestyle, coming up with cool ideas all by yourself. Rut averted.