I can find a lot of fault with my face, but my eyes I love. They’re watery grey in colour and seem to flash ever more green as I get older. They sit below a pair of dark, often wayward looking brows, and are framed by thick, long eyelashes.
They cause me no concern, at least not in the way my skin or nose might. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t welcome the opportunity to learn how to make the best of them during my fabulous shoot at the glamorous Luton Hoo Hotel with photographer Naomi Kenton, filmmaker Frances of Reellove Films and expert Makeup Artist Lucy Baker.
Next up in our beauty series is a simple but effective neutral look for the eyes, which includes the secret to creating luscious lashes to die for! So, sit back and enjoy the film ladies, but be sure to continue reading the post below for even more advice, as well as some great product recommendations from Lucy herself...
Film Production & Copyright (c) 2012, Reellove Films
What I love about this look is that Lucy has managed to create something incredibly simple that leaves the wearer looking polished and groomed. Not only would this be perfect for the bride who is perhaps a little makeup shy and aiming purely for some subtle definition on her wedding day, it will also translate really well for everyday wear, whether you’re a bride-to-be or not!
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Coypright (c) 2012, Naomi Kenton
So, here are Lucy’s step-by-step instructions for creating this understated, but glamorous, look...
Firstly, 2 brushes are needed; a flat brush to apply eye shadow and a soft fluffy brush to blend with. I would recommend the MAC #239 and #217 brushes respectively...
Begin by applying a light, neutral shade that is close to your own skin tone all over the lid. I used a MAC eye shadow in the shade ‘Ricepaper’. Use the fluffy brush to gently blend the edges as you go. Make sure this colour is applied really evenly. The eye shadow should stop at your socket line, as wearing eye shadow too high up the eye can look a bit garish!
Use the flat brush to run the same colour underneath the eye, about ¾ of the way across, to even out any blue or purple skin tones.
Now dab a lighter shade on the inner corner of the eyes to make the eyes pop! I like to use the Mac eye shadow ‘Nylon’ for this.
Next, apply a shadow that is 1 or 2 shades darker than the first colour, running it along the outer third of the top and bottom lashes using the flat eye shadow brush. The MAC eye shadow in ‘Cork’ works really well for this step.
Curl your lashes ladies! Buy a pair of good quality curlers. I adore my pair from MAC and Franky is a devotee of the Shu Uemura ones. Use a soft pumping motion to make sure the lashes are curled, not crimped!
Now grab a fabulous mascara and define your lashes. I rate Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara for every day. It offers great colour, a great brush and great buildable intensity. Franky is faithful to Max Factor MasterpieceMAX as she loves its high volume look. Be sure to zigzag the colour over and into the lashes for a professional look. Repeat for the bottom lashes.
Use a flat brush to paint colour right to the roots of the upper lashes for extra oomph! Finally comb through the lashes to get rid of any clumps.
Voila! Gorgeous, defined eyes are all yours!
Now ladies, you are more than ready to flutter those luscious lashes, but if you fancy adding even more glamour to your look, make sure you catch the next post in the Love My Dress beauty series as Lucy will be sharing the secret to flawless false lash application.
Are you inspired by today’s tutorial?
What’s your favourite mascara?
How will you be wearing your eye makeup on your wedding day?
Do any of you have any questions for our expert makeup artist Lucy Baker?
You can see more from our series of beauty tutorial videos here.
Franky
Credits:
Makeup Artist: Lucy Baker
Venue: Luton Hoo Hotel
Photographer: Naomi Kenton
Videographer: Reellove Films
Franky's Hair Stylist: Victoria Fraser Gadd
Copyright Notice: The film and images contained within this page have been produced for the Love My Dress Wedding Blog and may not be reproduced elsewhere in any format without permission.
