The perpetual classic color is back. Wear it as subtly or as boldly as you can—like full midnight lips, if you dare.
Black swan
The classic smoky eye is far from dull with dabs of metal. Flecks of gold and silver pigments can be placed over a perfectly smoked-out base, giving a soft, feminine touch to rock-star eyes. The key is to use a long-wearing formula. A cream eyeshadow like Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Eye Shadow Stick in Hudson Bay can be easily blended in 20 seconds, and stays put on your lids throughout the day—even in the water! Finish off by topping with an iridescent eyeshadow for an otherworldly sheen.
Black out
Feline flicks and liners in opaque black are drawn in a myriad of ways, far from the formulaic classics. Rebellious, artsy, and imperfect are the key styles—the only question is how to create them.
Waterproof liquid and gel liners are the easiest to work with. Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Ink Liner is tried and tested to last the whole day, and features a dense yet flexible applicator that lets you draw your lines in all shapes and sizes.
High-shine black nails is one of the best nail accessory. Whether painted in solid black lacquer or mixed with nude or colorful paints, give your pointers a trendy update to complement your daily ensemble. For your next manicure, match Orly Nail Lacquer in Liquid Vinyl with a coat of Orly Glosser High Shine Topcoat.
Black spider
There’s no such thing as too much! Load up on mascara, as spidery lashes are definite eye-catchers. The look is also bottom-heavy, which you can cop with individual falsies, drawn in strokes of eyeliners that mimic natural hair, or by pinching sections of your bottom lashes together after a few—or many—coats of mascara for mod, doll-like eyes. Style with a bare eye or a shimmery shadow all over the lid to open up the eyes further.
Goth lips
Black lipstick is not just for Halloween. To make it less costume-y, wear it with a bare face, as its strong color is more than enough. To avoid feathering, pick a matte clear lip liner to trace your Cupid’s bow before applying lipstick. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Paint it Black is the perfect product for a vampy lip. Swipe it directly from the wand or using your fingertip for a stained effect. To tone down, blot with tissue and repeat until desired color is achieved. Top off with a coat of clear gloss for a fuller pout.
If you’re hesitant to go black, go for a deep purple hue that flatters all skin tones, or make your own shade by mixing black with bewitching berries, reds, or bordeaux.
Color accents
Modern, elongated smoky eyes are highlighted with bright accents. An electric blue, fiery red, or hot pink wash of color over your dark base will make your eyes pop even more—plus, it’s a foolproof way to jazz up a neutral outfit.
Take a highly pigmented cream or gel product like Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint and with a brush or fingertip, dab the product onto the center of your lids. Blend out or apply in a stark, painterly manner, as imperfection is beautiful and artistic.
Photographs by Gee Plamenco Jr.
Styling by Aldrin Ramos
Makeup by Archibald Tolentino
Hairstyle by Rudolf Davalos
Model: Beatriz (Elite Manila)
Nails by Jewel Mendez for Pushin Salon and Nails Spa using Orly
Jewelry from Tiffany & Co. HardWear Collection
Where to buy:
Albert Andrada 2/F Greenbelt 5, Makati
Ann Ong Shangri-La at The Fort
Candle Torreverde candlerayph@gmail.com, Cargo Cosmetics Beauty Bar branches
Dawn Cayetano (0977) 754-9211
H&M for complete store locations, visit www.hm.com/ph
Jenny Sibulo jennysibulo@gmail.com
NARS Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La, BGC Central Square
Sfera SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM Seaside Cebu
Tiffany & Co Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La
This article originally appeared on Asian Dragon Magazine’s August-September 2017 issue, available for download on Magzter.
