PRELUDE: BEAUTY
WORDS BY CHRISTINA KALLERY
After countless seasons of unassuming neutral tones and benignly beige shades, jewel-toned eye makeup has launched a brilliant comeback. Suddenly, cosmetics counters everywhere are abloom in hues of cobalt, purple, teal and shocking pink. The less daring might be tempted to avoid a bold palette for fear of looking like escapees from a time capsule, circa 1983. But there’s no need to fear. A light touch and a little self-control will leave you looking radiant—not retro.
Since strong color focuses so much attention on the eyes, be sure to banish any signs of stress or fatigue before applying makeup. To combat the bags and dark circles that plague the travel-weary, apply a tightening, soothing product like Kimberly Sayer of London’s Cellular Extract Eye Lift Gel (www.kimberlysayer.com) or Babor Sensational Eyes Fluid, a serum purported to revitalize and reduce puffiness (www.babor.com). Next, dot on a concealer that contains light-reflecting pigments like Magic Wand by Too Faced (www.toofaced.com). For an added wake-up call, apply just a hint of highlighter —like the one found in Pixi’s Eye Bright Kit (www. pixibeauty.com)—to the inside corners of your eyes.
According to Arianne Damboise, National Makeup Artist for Benefit Cosmetics, less is much more when it comes to wielding vibrant color. “Dab a little bright shadow to the center of the lid,” she recommends. “This will reflect natural light and really make your eyes pop.” You can apply your chosen hue alone or over a more neutral-toned base. Christian Dior, with its lavish array of shadows, is a can’t-miss source for adventurous eye colors (www.dior.com).
A vibrant shade works wonders when you want to up the glamour ante for a post-work soiree, observes Damboise: “Sweeping a light layer of powder over your lids will step up your day look and take you into the evening.” Try Benefit Show Offs Shimmer Powder in Lola—a sparkly fuchsia—and Curtain Call—a deep iridescent blue (www.benefitcosmetics.com).
Another cardinal rule for rocking potent pigments: keep the rest of your makeup simple. Lip and cheek color shouldn’t compete with eyes for center stage. Also important: the lighter your skin tone, the less heavy-handed the application. If you’re very fair, try subtler variations, like Three Custom Color Specialists Eye Shadow in Warm Celery, a gorgeous green with a touch of shimmer (www. threecustom.com), or Stila Eye Shadow in Poppy, a dreamy sky blue (www.stilacosmetics.com).
If you’d rather not go the eye shadow route, but still long for high-impact hues, consider eyeliner in a colorful shade. Delux Beauty Eyeliner comes in shades like the vivid Clarey Green and Ninky Pink—a fun, hot pink (www.deluxbeautystore.com). Again, don’t overdo it. To get a less dramatic effect, just line the upper lids or outside corners of eyes with a pencil and then lightly smudge. For a trendier look, try coloring the inside rim of eyes—carefully, of course, and never during flights. Now you’re ready to shine!