Inner & Outer Corners: Chrome Yellow Eyeshadow, $14, M.A.C.; Ivy Shimmer Ink, $18, Bobbi Brown; Foxy Lady Kohl Pencil, $13.50, M.A.C.; Bright Shadow Duos in Brazen, $6.99, L’orealTo achieve this look precision is key. If you’re using a cream or matte eyeshadow, apply with a thin brush or pointed cotton swab. Alternatively you can invest in a high pigment pencil (kohl is best). When sharpened they provide the most accuracy and easiest application. Also try using 2 colors like Nia. One for the point of your inner-eye (silver/gold) and the other for the inner corner to the center of your eye. Keep the color close to your lash line, you don’t need to venture into your eyelids. Oh and don’t forget the lashings of black mascara.
Under the Eye: Royal Hue Shadowstick, $16, M.A.C.; Baby Violet the Violet from Face Palette Blush, $50, Bobbi Brown; Showy, $6.99, L’oreal; Sandstorm Eyeliner Pencil, $18.50, NarsKohl eye pencils work best for this look because they’re soft and melt into the skin. However, if you want a softer, less defined look like Rihanna, opt for a shadow. Once you apply the color to your eyes use your fingers or a sponge to blur and blend. Add a black eye liner (liquid or kohl) onto the top lash line and apply mascara. You can play around and use a blue or green mascara for this look and a natural bronze-based color for your top lid.
Top Eyelid: Flammable Paint, $16, M.A.C.; Iman Luxuty Shadow in Safari, $7.99, www.walgreens.com; Tranquil Rose Dream Mousse by Maybelline; Plum Dressing Eye Shadow, $14, M.A.C.The most reliable of eye makeup looks and thus, the most conventional. When all else fails I myself revert to a little color on the top lid. You can work this look with or without eyeliner, but make sure the color is deeper and stronger nearer the lash line. Don’t you just hate in when people take bright eyeshadow color right up into the brow? Show some restraint! The color should fade into your skin seamlessly so blend, blend, blend as you move upwards and use your fingers.
Smoky Eyes: CoverGirl Volume Mascara, $6.99, www.cvs.com; Jet Black Creamy Eye Pencil, $20, Bobbi Brown; Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Penicl in Jet Black by Rimmel, $2.99, www.walgreens.com; Maybelline Night Sky Expert Eyeshadow, $3.75, www.duanereed.comSomeone once told me that the best smoky eye is achieved using layers. Buy a great creamy eyeshadow, preferable one with a little shimmer, then apply lightly and build the color up slowly one layer at a time. Brushes are essential for this look as they keep things neat however use a sponge to blend the color into your skin (for saturation). Also, use a base if your skin is oily, it’ll help the makeup last longer. Once you’re done with the application process, smudge strategically and don’t forget the eyeliner (which you should apply first). I might try a smoky eye in aubergine… tres chic!
Nude Eyes: Coffee Shop by CoverGirl Queen Collection, $7.48, www.walgreens.com; Decameron Cream Shadow, $20, Nars; Copper Penny, $17.50, Estee Lauder; Ebony Eye Pencil by ImanIf you can find an eyeshadow close enough to your skin tone great, if not, all you need is some gloss (Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream) or even vaseline. Once you’ve applied the obligatory black, kohl pencil to your lash lines, lightly dab gloss (with your finger) into the crease of your eyes and into the inner corner of your eye. You could also use a slightly darker color than your skin tone just above the outer corner of your eye (on the upper lid). If you look at Sanaa you’ll see what I’m talking about. Finish with several coats of black mascara. Move the wand from side-to-side at the base of your lashes – it’ll make your lashes look longer.
