JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN – AGE APPROPRIATE EYE MAKEUP

Posted by Naomi 10.31.09

Batwings or Lashes?

Photo Credit: Shuuemura-usa.com

I’ve always thought of Halloween as the perfect evening for that bold eye makeup that you’ve wanted to try all year, but never dared because you were too scared of sending the wrong message. Ladies, we know (or think we know) the fine line between sexy smoky eyes and looking like a lady of the night, but on Halloween all bets are off! Even the most conservative ladies are expected to transform on Halloween. I suggest you put down your cardigan and pick up this bold arsenal of high-impact eye makeup.

Here are my go-to products:

- YSL Touche Eclat #2 ($40.00)

- Shu Uemura False Eyelashes in Smoky Layers ($25.00)

- Shu Uemura Eyelash Adhesive ($8.50)

- Chanel Eye Shadow Quad in Les Folies Noires ($60.00)

- Chanel Le Crayon Khol in Noir ($27.00)

Start by applying the black eye shadow to your entire eyelid while shading a bit lighter around the brow bone. Think cat-like eye to guide the shape. Once you have achieved just the right shade of opaque black, run a Q-tip under each eye to remove the excess shadow that has fallen during application. After all the extra eye shadow has been removed, apply Touche Eclat under and around your eyes, but be careful not to rub it in too much. I find that Touche Eclat has a way of disappearing into the skin easily, so maybe tap a bit more than rub.

Follow this by applying black liner to both the top and bottom rim of each eye. Use the side of your finger, sponge or makeup applicator to smudge the outer corners of each eye. Now for the hard part – applying false eyelashes! Before I explain how I approach this, I must mention that if, like me, you’re not a pro at applying false eyelashes, Bergdorf’s has a Shu Uemura Lash Bar where skilled staff will apply even the largest and most difficult sets.

If you can’t make the trek to a nearby lash bar, here is how to get Lucille Ball lashes: Carefully take the lashes out of their package and place them on a slick surface or tin foil. Hold them up to your own lashes. Are they too long? If so, trimto fit. Have a good pair of tweezers on hand (I like Tweezerman travel tweezers). Squeeze a bit of glue onto your slick surface to get the feel of how fast it comes out of the tube. You now have two choices: either try to squeeze the glue onto the uber-thin eyelash application strip, or take a needle, dip it into the glob of glue and dab it onto each false eyelash. At this point you’re ready for application.

Use the tweezers to pick up the lashes (lash end first) and gently lay them on top of your real lashes, press gently and wait for the glue to dry. If you do not get the eyelashes on properly on your first try, make sure you still have enough glue on the eyelash and try again. The only thing to make sure of is that wet glue hasn’t moved your black eye makeup. Once the false eyelashes are on, your eyelids will feel very heavy and awkward, but you’ll get used to it. A word of caution: once dry, do not attempt to use Shu Uemura’s fantastic eyelash curler because the adhesive cannot withstand the squeeze, and you’ll be back at go with fake eyelashes dangling into your eye.

Voila! Now you’re ready to do the rest of your makeup as usual, grab your broomstick or other costume items and head into the night…

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