Create a Dramatic Party Eye Look in 5 Easy Steps

I'm often asked why I don't write more "how to" articles here at Beauty: BUSTED! After all, I am a professional make up artist and it would only make sense to do some "tips and tricks" articles, right?

Truth is I do write quite a few "how to" guides but mostly for other publications. Every season you can read my step by step guides in City Style and Living Magazine. I write a column for that publication called Helen of Troy. Each season I break down the hottest make up trend and how you can create the look at home.

This season I focused on creating a dramatic holiday eye for wearing to all the parties you will have to attend. Below is an abbreviated version of the longer article (published last week).

Hot Makeup Trend: Gel Eye Liner

Step 1: Create highlight all around the eye. The idea is to create a halo effect both across the lid and underneath the eye. Generously apply the highlighter to “blank” out the skin.

Step 2: Use a neutral eye shadow base with shimmer and apply to the entire eyelid. Lash to brow. This creates a reflective underlay.

Step 3: Contour the outer corner with a deep, rich matte eyeshadow. I prefer to match this to the colour of the evening dress. Use black for black cocktail dresses and navy for navy cocktail dresses. Gently soften the matte eye shadow to create “smoke."

How To Wear Your Little Black Dress Everywhere

Step 4: Metallic shimmer overlay. The eye make up can be amped up with shimmer particles and this can be done in a number of ways - use metallic eyeliner at the base of the lash or press shimmer powder across the entire eye make up (without smudging the existing work), or my personal favourite - in the negative space between the matte shadow and the underlay gently blend in metallic shimmer eyeshadow that matches the jewellery you are wearing with your dress - gold with gold, silver with silver and white with platinum. If you are wearing diamonds avoid using a gold eyeshadow and if you are wearing coloured stones match the eyeshade to your favourite stone setting.

Step 5: Eyelashes. I prefer using single inserts and intensifying only as needed, rather than an entire strip of lashes. Another great choice is lash extensions - these give all the benefit of false lashes without any of the work: simply have them applied once and they will stay on for weeks. You have to have this done my an aesthetician.

Dan’s Favourites:

Highlighters

Department Store: Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Touche Eclat