Beyond Beauty Basics » Eyes

Fall 2008 Trend: Vivid Indigo Smokey Eyes, Not a carbon copy

Paul Baranda — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:43:06 +0000

The brisk weather of fall typically brings heavier clothing and makeup. The first sign of a fallen leaf rings an internal signal to break out our deepest darkest black eye liner. For Fall 2008, the trend remains smokey but with a surprise twist of vivid color. Brace yourself for the change of season and as the leaves turn color so should you! The classic grey and black smokey eye is a thing of the past. Welcome this fall with bold smokey eyes of indigo blue!

For the new vivid indigo look, try Givenchy’s Magic Kohl Eye Liner Pencil in Indigo Blue (Sephora.com $21.50). Start off lining the upper lids with this soft pencil and smudge the color up to the crease using a sponge tip applicator or firm blending brush. For an extra boost of radiant color, try Yaby’s World of Paint in Butterfly Blue (Yabycosmetics.com $3.15/palette fill) swept gently over the eyelid. For depth, blend a deeper shade of blue in the crease and along the bottom lash line like Nars eye shadow in Night Flight (NarsCosmetics.com $22.00), a blue-black shade with cobalt pearl. Add even more depth and definition by lining the upper and lower rim of eyes with Cargo’s Eye Pencil in Black (Sephora.com $14). Finish off the look with a fiber building mascara for extra length and drama like Fiberwig Mascara in Pure Black (FiberWig.com $22.00).

This trend is a high intensity eye shadow look. Maintain focus around the eyes by keeping the face soft and natural. Smokey indigo eyes is the hottest trend for this fall season! Break the vicious cycle and don’t make this fall just another carbon copy!

Photo: Nicholas Jbara

Angelina Jolie & her Smokey Eyes are WANTED More Than Ever!

Beyond Beauty Basics — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:28:56 +0000

The movie “Wanted“ has hit the movies scene and has become a blockbuster sensation overnight! I just HAVE to watch any movie that Angelina Jolie plays a role in– and believe me, you will not be disappointed. This is an incredible summer hit! I loved the action! I loved the drama! I loved the special effects! But most importantly, I loved Angelina’s incredible makeup the entire movie. Her smokey eye look was consistent throughout the movie and it only made for an even sexier look than she has ever played before!

I know what you all are thinking, how do I get those seductive and sexy smokey eyes like Angelina? Believe it or not, it is actually one of the easiest looks to do yourself. When you are going for the smokey eye, all you need are three basic none shimmer eye shadows, a waterproof eyeliner, and your favorite mascara. Oh, and don’t forget a little foundation, blush, and nude lip-gloss.

First, you want to work from the lash line up. So, you want to place your darkest color first. I love MAC Swiss Chocolate as my darkest color. This is a dark brown with a deep red tone to really help smoke out the eye without using black.
Next, use a shade lighter in the crease to help blend up the smokey brown. Always use a light highlighter along the brow line to give a contrast of light and dark of the smokey eye.
Then, be sure to use a waterproof black liner all around the eye, top and bottom. You can smudge out the corner of the eye along the bottom to give the true smokey eye effect. Two coats of mascara is a must!

Remember, your focus is on the eye so the rest of the face is minimal. Just a soft foundation to even out your skin tone and a wash of color on the cheeks is all you need. And don’t forget the perfect nude lip-gloss. I love LipFusion Velvet Bling Fusion.
Not only will you get the perfect nude lip, but you also can plump up with Lip Fusion technology to give you fuller more kissable lips.

The smokey eye look can be achieved with any color combo and if you need extra help, you can always try Smashbox eye shadow trios.

This way, you will always have a blend of three colors that work well together to achieve the perfect smokey eye.

Have fun! Remember, your makeup is an extension of your personality and we all want to look sexy and seductive some time! Especially like Angelina Jolie!

Chanel: Quadra Eye Shadows

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 06:09:20 +0000

Don’t Walk, Run to your nearest Chanel counter for the Fall season’s two Quadra Eye Shadow collections. The Garden Party (shown) is very pretty on and has great pigment content in each of the four colors. The Sequoia is one of my favorites (out of all the brands I’ve seen this season). It has the beautiful warm tones that I like to use on almost everyone. You can use them all together (as they come) or with other colors you may already have that need some warming.

Both collections are in limited quantities, so don’t wait.

$55.00
Available at Nordstrom.com and all specialty department stores

Shu Uemura Drawing Pencils

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:05:11 +0000

I was looking for a highlighter yesterday and ran across these fabulous eyeliners. The colors are amazing. Out of the fifteen colors, there are at least seven that are unlike any other luxury brand (and I can’t wait to try). I used the pale yellow as a highlighter on the top lid above a liquid liner; it looked beautiful. The pencils have a very nice consistency and SET into place. You’ll need a waterproof make-up remover if you want to get it off.

$18.00

Available at Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom stores.

Please Trash the Applicators!!

Beyond Beauty Basics — Fri, 18 May 2007 20:10:35 +0000

I was watching someone (poorly) attempting to apply her make-up with the applicators that came with her drug-store compact. First of all, the compact was almost empty and the mirror inside was so dirty that I don’t know how she saw what she was doing anyway. Secondly, if she didn’t get pink-eye from the filthy applicator she was using, she will shortly.
Please, throw away the tiny applicators that come with your shadows. They’re for the novice that has no decent brushes.

Even if you like the convenience of that small size, you can buy travel brushes that are miniscule from Trish McEvoy (unfortunately, the set that I really like is only available around the Christmas holiday season. They have another set that’s bigger with more brushes now for $275.00 at Nordstrom.com)

that still have the same shaped brush on the end with a smaller handle. If you want everything all together, Trish also sells all different sized planners to travel with that you custom fill with all color products and brushes that you need.

Prices range depending on size and what you fill your planner with.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks