“Make Your Peepers POP!”

There are lots of ways to make “the windows to your soul” stand out more—eyeliner, false lashes, funky eyeglasses, etc. But, one of the best ways is to use an eyeshadow in a complementary color to the natural color of your eyes. So, what does that mean? See my quick guide to choosing the ideal color here:

IF YOU HAVE BLUE EYES…
…then 1) you’re lucky :) and 2) it’s time to warm up those pretty peepers with coppers, oranges, and browns. On the color wheel (see below), blue is directly across from orange—which means colors in the orange family make blue eyes seem brighter and more radiant. MAC Cosmetics carries some shimmery, coppery shadows that are fabulous and FUN—check 'em out!

IF YOU HAVE GREEN EYES…
…then purple is your friend. Make your eyes look regal and glamorous with deeper violets—or light and ethereal with lavenders. My favorite brand for purple shadows is the not-yet-mainstream INGLOT Cosmetics (the palettes I have from them are decadent and drool-worthy, with bold, blendable colors that go on like BUTTAH!).

AND IF YOU HAVE BROWN EYES (like moi!)…
…then you can really have fun playing! Since your eyes are naturally “neutral,” you can be more adventurous with colors. If your eyes are dark brown, try rich jewel tones like teal or sapphire (I love Make Up For Ever’s Peacock Green 80 and bareESCENTUALS Ready eyeshadow in Water). If your eyes are lighter brown, purples are good to explore (try Stila’s eyeshadow trio in Venus). Shimmery greys with purple undertones (like Minx by Smashbox) work nicely when creating a smoky look.

The most important thing to remember is to HAVE FUN experimenting with eyeshadow colors—I promise that choosing the right complement will result in many compliments. ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DKBEAUTIES!!! 2012 will bring many exciting things, so stay tuned! Let’s make it a GORGEOUS year, my loves!!! 

xo,
D

Image from http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/images/color-wheel-300.gif

“Go Ahead…Wing It!”

There’s no better way to get peep-show worthy peepers ;) than to do a winged eyeline (also known as a “cat eye”). You can never go wrong with black, but rich, sultry jewel tones like eggplant and teal can add a vibrant splash of color to this sexy look.

To do this, place your elbow on a hard surface and pull your eyelid taut with one hand. With the other hand, start to draw a line along your top lashline, working from the inner corner of your eye outwards. Keep the line as thin and as even as possible at first. Go over the line again, but now, as you move towards the outer corner of your eye, gradually start to thicken the line and create an upward curve. You can go out a little past where your lashline naturally ends, but be careful not to overdo it (unless you’re going for a dramatic, Cleopatra-esque look!). The most important thing to remember is to take it slow…and build, build, build! It’s much easier to add to the line to get the desired effect than to take away. ;)

It definitely takes some practice to nail this, but there are certain tools that you can start with to help you learn (think chopsticks connected with a rubber band or a bike with training wheels). See my tips below and I promise that, in no time, you’ll be an expert at winging it!

Beginner-level DKBeauties
Use a liquid liner that comes in pen or marker form. My favorites are Loreal Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker (for black and brown) and Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (for fun colors). Because these are in marker form, they help your hand stay steady and make it easier to draw a straight line. One thing to be wary of though: you may go a little too thick at first with these. But hey, that’s what makeup remover is for, so be fearless!

Intermediate-level DKBeauties
Feel free venture to a liquid liner that comes in a small pot or tube (where the “wand”/dip-stick applicator screws in, much like a tube of mascara). My go-to, as I’ve mentioned before, is Loreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner, but MAC makes some good options as well (Superslick Liquid Eye Liner comes in a wide variety of whimsical colors). These applicators are a little less sturdy, but allow for a nice fluidity when drawing the eyeline. Before you know it, you’ll be a smoooooth operator. ;)

Advanced-level DKBeauties
Get your gel on. ;) Gel liner usually comes in a pot and you need your own, separate brush to apply the product (I recommend the combo of MAC’s Fluidline formula and #210 Precise Eye Liner Brush). I love gel liner because it has a sleek appearance, lasts all day without smudging, and really allows you to achieve a sharp, precise line. Be careful not to put too much product on the brush, though, because it can lead to clumping. A little goes a long way.

That’s a wrap for today, my loves! Enjoy the weekend!

Always,
D