Get Lashed
Words by Armand 03/04/2007
There have been so many looks coming off the catwalk this season, but one of my favourites is bold eyes with muted lips.Designers like Armani, Donna Karen and Roberto Cavalli all emulated this look. However, smoky eyes is a notoriously tricky look to create without looking like a Panda. So I’m going to tell you how to get this look and make it wearable for you.When you’re using dramatic dark eye shadows you have to make sure that the eyelid is suitably prepared to withstand creasing, so it’s essential to use a good make-up primer. Regular readers will know that my favourite product for this is Guerlain’s Protective Eye base. With its unique consistency it coats the eyelid and absorbs any excess oil, leaving the area matt while evening out the colour of the skin. This is perfect if you have pinky eyelids or you have a more mature skin.If you’re not used to doing smoky eyes then my tip would be to build up the colour gently. Bobbi Brown, Mac and Sisley all do single eye shadows which are finely blended to create a colour wash or to build up for more intensity.If you would rather have more variety of colour then invest in Dior or Givenchy eye shadow palettes; the latter have launched a limited edition Prismissime Eye Arty Palette which has six pure radiant colours with white pearlescent particles and three subtly iridescent shades to create a wet look shine. Start with a lighter shade all over the eye, right up to the eyebrow. Use the next shade up into the crease of the eye, then go a shade darker all over the moveable part of the eye, with the darkest shade staying close to the lashes, top and bottom. Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan have both been sporting this smouldering look recently.You can use any colour shadow to create this look but we’re seeing a lot of acid style colours being used on the moveable part of the lid, with blacks, charcoals and deep purples along the lash line. Eye liner will give added definition and if you struggle to find a soft pencil which is kind on your eyes, as well as being easy to blend, then try Origins new Automagically Eye Lining Pencil. This glide on formula defines to a precise point, yet it is also easy to blend, the colour stays true and it is available in three shades. For added sparkle use Lancome’s Glitter Liner along the lashes for a subtle shimmer.The real key to this whole look is mascara and, as every woman out there knows, the cosmetics departments are saturated with them!Estee Lauder have just launched their new Projectionist High Definition Volume mascara, which promises to thicken, lengthen and define your lashes without them feeling heavy. The secret to this is exclusive technology which features hollow spherical polymers that give body and richness to the lashes, without weighing them down.If you like waterproof mascara then Dior Show is the one for you. This is an industry favourite and will define the lashes with just one coat.A lot of mascaras promise a false lash effect, but very few of them deliver. I use YSL False Lash mascara if I’m working on a photo shoot because it really does create an incredible intense look. I have found, though, that it can start to get a bit clumpy after three weeks. If you’re on a budget and you don’t want to replenish your mascara after three weeks then invest in Bourjois Coup de Theatre, which is double ended with primer on one side and mascara on the other. All mascaras should be changed after two to three months due to the bacteria that can build up inside. If you like a more natural look to your lashes then try Sisley Ultra Facil mascara. Due to the botanical extracts in the product it will gently coat and build without feeling heavy. There are three shades available: black, brown and blue. My tip for application would be to apply the black first and tip with the blue; this will make the lashes stand out against the smoky eye shadows.Origins and Clinique both do excellent lash builders, which you’d use before mascara to thicken the lashes, making them appear fuller and leaving them primed ready for your favourite mascara. A top tip for applying mascara is to coat the top side of your upper lashes first to remove any shadow that may have fallen on to the lashes; then, by wiggling your mascara wand in a zig-zag motion, work you way from root to tip underneath the upper lashes. This acts like a back-comb technique to give you a fuller look. Then move onto the bottom lashes by carefully sweeping the mascara wand horizontally along the lashes; this really helps to create intensity. However, if you’re fair or more mature and you don’t want it to be as dramatic, apply your mascara along the bottom lashes holding the wand vertically, therefore creating a more subtle effect.If you find yourself diving into the pool and want to avoid looking like Alice Cooper when you step out, then you need to fix your mascara in place. As you know there are lots of waterproof mascaras, but if you have a favourite which isn’t waterproof then use Clarins Fix It clear mascara over the top.
