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How to do a trendy 'aquatic eyes' make-up look

03 December 2017 - 00:00 By NOKUBONGA THUSI
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Aquatic eyes: a beauty look from the Halpern Spring/Summer 2018 Ready-to-Wear show.
Aquatic eyes: a beauty look from the Halpern Spring/Summer 2018 Ready-to-Wear show.
Image: JESSICA SEGAL

In previous seasons, they were called "pop eyes" and "David Bowie eyes". On the Spring/Summer 2018 runways they were dubbed "aquatic eyes". But whatever you call this makeup trend, one thing is certain: it's the perfect glam party look.

In recent years there's been a resurgence of '80s-inspired fashion, so it stands to reason that makeup would follow suit. The difference is that today eye and cheek colours are no longer being confined to just the apple of the cheek or eyelid.

The new way to wear blue eye shadow is to borrow psychedelic hues from the '80 era, but to use a more considered approach when applying them. The eyes are framed with several metallic, jewel tones - chosen from within the same colour spectrum - which are melded together to create a three-dimensional shade that gives depth and highlights the eye.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK

Take your inspiration from the aquatic eyes beauty look featured at Halpern's Spring/Summer 2018 ready-to-wear show (pictured above).

THE EYES

Prep the eye area with an eye-lid primer in order to mattify the skin on the lid, neutralise any uneven tones and give the shadow a solid base. If you want your bright shadow to really pop, always use a cream or white primer as it will amplify your colour payoff.

Apply a green or blue cream shadow over the lid and lightly blend in with the finger.

Use a shimmery cyan blue eye shadow in the crease of the eye to add depth, then apply a teal green shimmery shadow along the waterline and centre of the lid and blend out the colour up until the crease with a brush.

You can also double up with more blue on the lower lash line to unify the colour.

Finish off the eye by coating the lashes with a blue mascara to frame the eye with a continuous halo of colour.

THE BROWS

When making your eyes the focus, it's important to frame them with a pair of well-groomed brows.

Keep brows natural and hair-like by brushing up the brow and filling in any gaps or sparse areas with a medium to dark brown eyebrow kohl. Use an eyebrow brush to brush the product into the hairs and create a natural shade.

THE HAIR

Sleek, textured hair that is drenched in shine and so wet that it looks lacquered to the scalp is the new substitute for meticulously sculpted up-dos or bone straight hair.

Apply a generous amount of styling gel and work through the hair using a wide-toothed comb to prevent tangling. Create a deep side parting and sweep the hair to one side over the forehead. Smooth a serum over to add shine and slick down any fly-aways.

THE KIT

The Kit.
The Kit.
Image: Supplied

From left to right:

  • MAC Eye Shadow in Teal Appeal, R220
  • Smith and Cult Lip Lacquer in Now Kith, R436
  • Sisley Phyto-Eye in Lagoon, R576
  • Lancôme Monsieur Big Brow in Brown, R320
  • MAC Eye Shadow in How Royal, R220
  • Inglot Colour Play Mascara in 03, R2,797
  • Smashbox Lid Primer in Light R240

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