Blue is back with a vengeance – but we’re not talking ’70s-style powder-blue lids – at least, not this season. The shades are gorgeous indigo, sapphire, petrol, and even the odd flash of violet-blue, and they look fabulous on all skin tones.To ease you into the trend, Lancôme’s national make-up artist Andrew James combines this hot look with another seasonal biggie, the sculpted smoky eye. Says Andrew: “What makes this year’s smoky eye different is using a deep jewel colour rather than black shadow. With this strong statement, I’m keeping lips nude, to carry off the intense eye colour. A very groomed brow is important to finish the look.”

Step 1: Base and liner
Apply a soft gold shadow (Lancôme Ombre Absolue Mono in D20 Casque d’Or, R285), on the browbone from arch outwards and on the inner corners of the eyes. Then line the eye with black pencil (Le Crayon Khôl Waterproof in 01 Raisin Noir, R250), or deep navy. Don’t apply on the inner third of the eye and start with a fine line, gradually make it thicker towards the outer corner. Apply under the bottom lashes – both ends must meet up – and also on the inner rim of the lower eyelid.  

Step 2: Eyelids
Apply navy shadow (Lancôme Ombre Absolue Duo in B03 Blue Moon, R340) on the lid, avoiding the first third of eye, and blend into the crease at the outer corner to give the eye a coquettish lift. This also works beautifully for a heavy eyelid. A slick of liquid liner makes lashes look thicker.

Step 3: BROWS
Neaten up brows and define them subtly (used here: Lancôme Le Crayon Sourcils in Brun, R305).

Step 4: Lashes
Apply a few individual false lashes on the outer edges to really rock this look. Use Eylure Individual Lashes Short/Medium/Long, R52.95. Then apply three coats of mascara (Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Black, R315) on top and bottom lashes. Andrew’s tip for black women with shorter, curly lashes: Use L’Extreme mascara in Black, R315, on the top of your lashes and push them downwards to straighten them.

Step 5: Skin
Give cheeks, nose and chin a touch of gold sheen (Lancôme Blush Subtil Highlighter in 00 Blanc Neige, R430).

Step 6: Lips
Use Color Fever “Bitten Lips” in 256 (R295), and give them a soft sheen with matching Color Fever Gloss “Bitten Lips” 256 (R295).

 


EXCLUSIVE ModelCo FiberLash Brush On Lashes Mascara, R340. L’Oréal Double Extension Renewal Serum Inside Mascara, R169.95; Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place ShadowCreme in Blue Velvet, R195; MAC Pigment in Golden, R225; Yardley Trio Eyecolour in Summer Storm; Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow in 17 Gems n Jewels, R135.