Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tom Ford’s Color-Blocking Bonanza - Makeup Trends

Who says color-blocking need only be reserved for your wardrobe? Not us. Or Tom Ford, apparently. Seen here on the almost unrecognizable Candice Swanepoel, this look shimmies us back to the dazzling days of Studio 54 (minus the crazy hair and sequins). Sure, there’s a lot going on, but working bright lips with contoured cheeks, or dark eyes with bright lips, is most definitely doable.

How To Pull It Off: First, decide whether you want to go all-out on the eyes and lips, or lips and cheeks. All three at once will walk you straight into '80s territory (oops, wrong way, go back!).

Once you’ve decided on your look, work with shades that are in the same family, keeping your lipstick and blush in tones that complement, rather than compete. Or, for a bold eye like this, stick to the same rules and think along the lines of blue-based reds on the lips with blue-based shadows on the eyes. Start by prepping your skin with your foundation, concealer, and translucent powder for that matte yet completely flawless finish. Now, apply your blush using a large powder brush, starting in the hollows of your cheeks and running the brush in the space underneath your cheekbones. Contouring is key here. Oh, and blend like your life depends on it.

If you’ve decided to opt for eyeshadow instead, work the shadow around the entire eye, keeping the lines perfectly blended and even. For a more intense look, add black eyeliner to your upper and lower lash-line; and finish off with your favorite black mascara. Don't forget to add a pop of silver in the inner corner of the eyes to help keep things bright. To complete the look, grab a blue-based red lipstick in a high-shine formula and apply to your lips with a lipstick brush. Add a clear high-shine gloss over the top for added punch. Smile, you look amazing!