Make-up: Blue Eyes

READER’S STYLEMMA

“Hi Caroline, I tend to use the same make-up every day – I’m not that adventurous when I come to it at all, because I often find I’m just wasting money on products that don’t really suit me. Plus I don’t like the feeling of wearing too much make-up; I like to keep it simple. In particular, I tend to go for the same eye-make up all the time, the eye shadow is always some sort of nude/taupe colour, and brown eyeliner and brown mascara because I find black too harsh. I’d love to wear something a bit different that would enhance the colour of my eyes, but at the same time is not too showy and not too time-consuming to apply. I’d like to be a bit more adventurous! Any tips perhaps on colours that would be suitable for daytime wear?”

- Galway Reader

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

This is a really common dilemma. So many people speak of becoming ‘stuck in a rut’ with their make-up – which is entirely understandable. When you find a look that works for you, it can be a little scary to try something different, plus, as our reader rightly mentioned, the high cost of cosmetics is prohibitive to experimentation!

The Brief:

Our reader has blue eyes, porcelain skin and medium-brown hair, lashes and brows. She has beautiful, delicate features and enviable bones structure so the challenge for her is to find a looks and colours that will complement and enhance her features, without looking dramatic. Plus we want to keep it simple.

Blue-Eyed Beauties – What to Consider:

• Flattering colours: Generally, the most flattering eye-shadow colours for blue eyes are as follows: taupe, camel, browns, greys, khaki, golds, coppers, rusts and purples. L’Oréal do lovely eyeshadow trios, specifical designed for each eye colour; click here for my review.
• Intensity of colour: The rule of thumb is; the stronger your features, the deeper the colour you can take. However, if you have delicate features like our reader, you might be advised to go with softer or more muted tones.
• Pigmentation: In many cases you have to offset quality for price, so I do suggest where possible, to buy the best quality that you can afford. Do a swatch on your hand before you purchase to get an idea of the depth of the colour and the quality of coverage. If the colour is weak, or the pigmentation is lumpy or has loose particles that spill all over the place, then it’s best to leave it on the shelf.
• Have fun with Eye-liner: Eyeliner is one of the easiest and cheapest way of mixing up a look. Instead of using brown, why not try grey, navy, plum, teal or bronze, for a fun yet polished look. Bloom offers gorgeous Cream Shadow Liners in a myriad of colours, which are super-easy to apply.

Bloom Shadow Liners

Eye-Make-up – Easy Application:

Here is where the colours you choose really come into their own. For a natural daytime look, Sweep a neutral shade (e.g. MAC “Shroom”) all over the lid and brow bone using a clean fluffy brush (e.f. MAC 217). Then, using a blending brush (e.g. MAC 239), blend a small dab of a darker colour into the outer crease / socket (e.g. MAC “Patina” or MAC “Woodwinked”). Blend away any harsh lines using the 217 brush. Finish the look with a sweep of eyeliner and a lick of mascara.

Try a New Look, without Spending a Fortune:

• Substitute shopping with swapping: Instead of splashing out on new products every time you want to experiment with a new look, why not organise a make-up swapping party with a few friends, where you can trade unwanted products with your mates. Alternatively there are a number of trustworthy Irish websites that run swapshops, such as Swapsies by MakeUpAndBeauty.ie or Swap Siopa by Beaut.ie.
• Store Makeover: Go to a make-up store that offers a wide range of make-up brands. Browse the colours and textures on offer and ask the resident make-up artists to try out a few looks on you. I suggest that you try Blush Make-up Boutique in Galway or Brown Thomas Galway.
• Model: As you live in Galway, why not enquire about being a model at a beauty school, such as The School of Make-up Artistry. They regularly have top Irish make-up artists such as Derrick Carberry and Natalie Kinsella running masterclasses. So, not only will you discover new make-up looks, you will also get expert tips for free!

Thanks a million for taking the time to email me with your query and I hope this information helps!

Yours in style,
Caroline

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