beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :all-round smoky eye

 

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :all-round smoky eye

Blackened with boot-polish blacks, the softened smoky eye becomes punchy, rebellious and tainted with smudged imperfection. A subtle gloss keeps eyes moist and dewy, playing to a more rock n’ roll-cum-grunge edge. The classic ‘smoky eye’ is therefore diffused with heavily lined waterlines turning these eyes into impactful, beaten-up sockets. Build up around the entire eye in a circular shape or wing out on both sides of the eye for a slightly more ‘cat-eye’ effect.

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :lynx stripe shadow

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :lynx stripe shadow

Jungle animals and circus tents inspire striped shadows that cast themselves across eyelids. More sophisticated than theatrical clown make up, these awning-effect stripes softly blend shimmer or mineral based tones that color the eye vertically from lid to brow. Set against a neutral or pale base and imagine ballerinas on safari where neat perfection meets a slightly more abstract and tropical awakening.

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :footballer kohl

 beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :footballer kohl

A graphic dynamism sees eyes become a canvas for futuristic interpretation. Fine lines sit somewhere in-between kohl and liquid as delicate outer smudges ensure clean stark minimalism is inter played with a modern softness. Elongate lines and draw carefully with precision yet speed, for a stylized and violent expression. Parallel markings where brow lines follow lower lash lines will look strong and ensure a graphical balance.

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :brushed heavy brow

 beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :brushed heavy brow

Short diagonal strokes brush up from brows to give the appearance of a full and bushy brow. The term "bushy" however does not, in this case, mean overgrown and untamed. Instead this brow is artistically heavy; it's simple drawn-on lines creating a texture that draws an animal-like resemblance. Think striped markings of woodland animals of nomadic hunters who keep close to nature and seek camouflage in the mountainous highlands. Use true color matched brow gel or pencils to achieve a more natural effect and finish.

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :upside-down shadow

 

beauty trends - the ones to watch:eyes & brows:year 2011 :upside-down shadow

Reversing the traditional application of eyeshadow, under eyes become the new focal point for color and decoration. Think next morning makeup that has been smudged and rubbed to leave darkened hedonistic eyes that appear moody and tired. Borrowing from a grunge aesthetic this look requires heavy and dense application close to the lower lash line which gradually blends to a refined fall-out appearance. Keep upper lids nude or simply apply fake lashes for eyes they avoid becoming over-styled. For more control experiment with wet-look textures and smudge sticks that blend easily and act as a base for glitter or powdery textures to settle on.