The Sunset Eye
I’m not the greatest of makeup artists – most of the time, I cannot be bothered with anything elaborate and even if decide that I want a full face, I go for effect over technical mastery. That said, I have a good understanding of makeup in general: what products are available, how to use them, what effects can be created, what works for my face.
My makeup has been done by many different people and I always quiz them on what they use and follow the application with great interest. And no matter how simply, I’ve still done my own makeup for more than 20 years now and have learned a thing or two in the process. I know I can carry off a bold lip, but a lighter one makes me look fresher. I ruefully acknowledge that cat-eye liner is not for me, as my eye shape is unsuited for this style. I’m not a big fan of contouring in everyday life, but evidence confirms it gives my face more definition on pictures.
So it’s not often that I’m surprised about things that are put on my face, I can almost always predict if the colour or concept is going to work. Occasionally, however, I can be wrong. I have always believed that I suit cooler tones: my eyes are light blueish-greenish grey, my skin is fair and has cool (or at least neutral) undertones, I try to keep my hair a rather cold blond. And I’ve been right: a blue red lip or silvery eyes work well on me.
When we decided to do a golden-orange-apricot eye for my latest photo shoot, I was fully on board, but I didn’t really expect it to be flattering. Sure, I know that reddish tones enhance blue eyes and I have seen it in action on myself. Still, I thought these specific colours would be too bright and clash too much with my skin to produce a conventionally beautiful effect. In the end, however, I think it looks great (you may of course disagree).
The point of all the above is not to make you say that I look pretty, but to emphasise how important it is to try things and experiment. Of course, if you have no interest in makeup, then there is absolutely no need to waste time trying on orange eyeshadow. But if you like makeup and/or like discovering new things about your face, keep an open mind. Things you thought wouldn’t work might look stunning; even things that you KNOW haven’t worked in the past may work now – the quality of products has improved so much and your taste may have changed, or your face.
Also, aren’t these colours just beautiful to look at?
MUAH Grete Madisson, image Laura Nestor, turtleneck by Feelwear.
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Extracting oneself from a comfort zone can be rewarding no matter what the particular category is-i.e. literature, cuisine, music, or for that matter makeup. I share with you the lament of not being able to wear a delicate and thin cat eye. My downturned eyes just can’t work it. The issue for me with makeup is that imo I do not have a face that “can take” much more than just some neutral colors. I’ve always had the theory that some faces can pull it off without looking like they’re wearing a mask while others can’t. This theory was verified while watching a Sally Hughes video where Mary Greenwell point blank told her a face can take a lot of makeup without looking over made. In any case it suits you. Are you growing your hair? You also happen to be one of the lucky ones that can pull off short hair. 😉
I remember that video very well 🙂 And indeed, she certainly has that kind of a face and I think mine can take a surprising amount, too. Still, I belive everybody can wear quite a bit if they choose the right textures – a red lip becomes much more wearable when it’s sheer and so on. Then again, there is no obligation to wear a lot of makeup if it doesn’t feel comfortable. You do you, as they say.
You look stunning! The combination of colours is perfect and the black tutleneck makes them look even more radiant. Your makeup always looks perfectly done. Do you have any advice on where to start with learning about products, how they work together, how to do makeup for specific face shapes, eye / hair / skin colour? A channel / website recommendation for learning more about makeup and for tutorials? Tutorials are great, but I’m interested in a deeper kind of knowlegde, the kind you describe you now have. I hope that with a lot of practice I’ll be able to blend eyeshadows like that. This spring I find myself longing for these inbetween coloured lipsticks (between my reds and nudes) and for finishes other than matte. I have been hoping you’ll do a spring makeup / lipstick post. Again, you look amazing!
Thank you for your lovely words and apologies it took me ages to reply – I’m handicapped without my iPad. Do you follow Lisa Eldridge and watch her videos? She mostly does tutorials, but I find them always very informative, as her own knowledge of makeup is so impressive. Personally, I’ve been buying very little makeup of late, but will keep my eyes open for interesting stuff.
No worries! I also forgot to check the box for reply notifications so I’m just seeing yours now. I think I should start with Lisa Eldridge, yes. I have seen some of her videos and they are very informative. I should start with the basics and then move to tutorials. Now I know how I’ll spend my evening, with makeup videos playing and experimenting with products and brushes. 🙂
It’s nice to surprise yourself once in a while. Also nice when you can trust people not to f*ck it up.
I’ve been generally quite lucky and nobody has made me look awful. Also, if there is something I’m really not happy with, I’ll just fix it myself.