I saw the picture on the left in the December issue of InStyle and was instantly enamored with Natalie Portman’s sparkling pale green eyeliner on her bottom lash line.
Our instincts tell us to put the color the top lid and go minimal on the bottom, but I think Natalie has given us a reason to try this route.
Although not a look for everyday, what a great way to lighten up your makeup for an evening spring look. One thing you have to realize, the boys aren’t going to like this. It’s a little too dramatic for their less-is-more taste. But your girlfriends are sure to be impressed (and definitely envious) if you can pull it off.
Here’s how I would create the effect you see above:
Choose an opaque shimmer shadow in green, purple, blue, or silver.
Wet your liner blush and load it up with shadow.
Apply from the inside all the way passed your eye.
Use a sharp black pencil to thinly line the outside corner of your eye and the upper lid.
Note: Don’t simply use this lining technique. You should be wearing a semi-dramatic palate on your upper lid.
Should you wear this look, send me a picture. We would all love to see!
After demonstrations from Edward Sanchez and Wendy at Shu Uemura, I’m now attempting to apply false eyelashes myself (Lashes = Shu Uemura Brown Luxe $20)
As you’ll see, it’s not f-ing easy! And I have studied makeup. I can put lashes on other people easily. But when it’s your own lash line, you’re coming from a different angle completely.
In the end it all worked out. Photo of from New Years ensemble with lashes to follow!
Last night all of the girls at dinner were dying to know what lipstick I was wearing that my ruby red lips could survive a three course meal.
Of course the lipstick matters, but in my experience it’s HOW you eat and drink that makes the difference. And honestly, it’s not something I learned, the technique just came naturally. So we took pictures from a few different angles to discover I put the glass on the inside of my lip instead of putting my lips around the rim. Yes, that’s obvious, but the key is to make your pucker look natural, not like a forced-fish face.
A few other tricks for durability:
Start with a dry lip. Use powder if you need to. This will allow your lips to absorb the color and become stained.
No matter what color you choose, use a natural color lip liner to keep the color from wearing thin or bleeding. (Above, I went over my liner with the red lipstick.)
Apply lipstick or gloss with a lip brush. A pain in the ass, but it makes a difference.
DO NOT RUB YOUR LIPS TOGETHER OR BLOT! Just don’t do it.
Top it all off with a clear gloss (I like Revlon Super Lustrous in Shine City from CVS). If you want a matte lip, skip this step, but it really does help with durability.
Now I’m sure you’re thinking to yourself, “a guy won’t want to kiss me through all that goo.” And you would be absolutely right. But he’ll be looking at them all night long, so before you go in for the kill, grab a napkin and wipe that crap off! Your lips will still have color if you followed my steps. If the kiss is not to say “goodnight” but more like let’s paint the town red, then lightly reapply a little color and follow with the clear gloss. This way he won’t feel hesitant to kiss your lovely lips again.
(My ruby red lips: NYX lip liner in Natural, Avon lipstick in Plum Wine, Revlon Super Lustrous gloss in Shine City.)
Meghan and I went to visit Eve Pearl, one of NYC’s best makeup artists, to get a “how to” on finding the right foundation and concealer for our coloring and problem areas.
I brought along the Almay product I usually use to see if I was on the right track.
As you saw in our TMI weekly episode featuring Eve Pearl, creme makeup doesn’t have to be thick and cakey. In fact, when applied correctly, they look more natural than liquid foundations.
I am now a huge fan of the products you see above:
All three help highlight your natural features in a different way.
As Eve explains in the episode, the darker foundation covers up redness (cheeks, chin, nose, forehead) while the lighter evens out the rest of my face. The two colors also slightly contour my face because the darker color is amplifies my bone structure. Set the look with translucent or loose powder.
Most people use concealer that is too yellow and light under their eyes which looks anything but natural. The salmon color works with the purple and camouflages the darkness.
Finally, the lip gloss that looks likes something a Vegas showgirl would wear, is sheer and provides a soft glow. I would have never picked up these two colors, but Eve insisted I try it. Now I’m in love with both (one has an orange tint and the other has a pink).
Admittedly, the products are expensive but fall within the price range of department store brands. The difference is that Eve Pearl products are infused with nutrients to double as anti-aging treatments. And as Meghan can attest, they don’t feel heavy like other foundations.
Because of the price, I only use the foundation when I need my face to last all day or on special occasions. If I’m only out for a few hours, I use Aveeno Positively Radiant tinted moisturizer (in Medium) with powder. The salmon concealer and lip gloss are daily musts for me.
P.S. Eve sent me lip gloss for the holiday contest gift bags!
(Full Disclosure: Eve Pearl products provided for free.)
Soul Cycle Package (5 classes for $160) – best spinning in NYC
SPLURGE!
The best bling I know – Erica Courtney huggies or eternity band (email Naomi) – so your girl can shine everyday – don’t worry, they’ aren’t ridiculous. Both are at the top of my wishlist.
LuxuryLink.com – vacation of a lifetime that won’t break the bank
Cashmere chic – Ralph Lauren cashmere circle cardigan ($1098 – I can’t find it online, comes in black, creme, or my favorite purple) – here’s a less expensive cable navy version, or an even cheaper alternative I like too! I have this cashmere zip up and absolutely love it.
A fun watch you won’t have to pay off – My faves are Glam Rock and Brera. Both run $500-$995 available at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills or Barneys. Glam Rock example. Brera for women is new on the market and unavailable online to my knowledge – Love the gold chronograph with white rubber band.
