Black magic

Timing is everything. This summer I felt crazy and wore black lipstick by Shu Uemura to a club to match my newly indigo-inked bob. In a sea

of translucent pinks and mauves, I was neither goth nor hip, just hopelessly out of place.

What a difference a few months make. Now black is everywhere! I could not be happier. True, black might be too much but the inky rage can be had by everyone in different variations. Think rich grape or plum on the lips, a matte oxidized bronze on the lids. The smoky eye has never been this intense!

Bette Davis eyes noir: This is the season for sharp looks and killer eyes. No more of those peacock-hued peepers for now. Get a great quad for smoky eyes such as Laura Mercier’s Tuxedo or Chanel’s Smoky Eyes. Prep lids with a neutral color, then blend in gradated half moon of black onto lids. Carefully trace lower lid with the same black eyeshadow and keep the eyes bright by dotting white shadow on the inner lids and brow bone. For a toned-down look, use a burnt color like Nars Night Fever.  

This is also the moment for lush lashes, so curl and butter up lashes with a no-nonsense mascara like Nars Black Orchid or the highly addictive Le Mascara Exceptionnel by Chanel (I will marry this mascara; the brush fattens up lashes like it ate a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts).  Balance the look with a pale lipcolor and neutral blush. A striking accompaniment are short nails painted in a deep color like Laura Mercier’s Nail Lacquer in Caviar.

Let’s talk dirty: Black lips need not be chola-licious. Glaze on a deep gloss like Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Gala. It’s important to make the mouth pop so make sure skin is flawless. Clarins does a good job with its matte and opaque Instant Smooth foundation. Lightly line eyes and define cheeks with a natural blush.