Tricks of the Trade: The Eyes
Award season has a tendency to bring out the envy — especially when gawking over the unnatural perfectness of our favorite celebrities and their gorgeous faces. But those impossibly long batty lashes and eye makeup that never seems to smear or smudge comes with an army of tools, products, and makeup artist tricks. It’s all just an illusion, and, lucky for us, one that can easily be replicated. Read below for expert tips on application and how to get a cat eye to stay put through blood, sweat, and possibly tears.
1. What are the tricks used to apply false lashes?
“l love Ardell false lashes ($4); so many options and styles to choose from. They are comfortable to wear and easy to apply,” says celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, who has worked with Jessica Paré, Sasha Pieterse, and Alessandra Ambrosio. ”As far as tricks, I pour a little line of glue out about 5 minutes or so before I’m ready to put the lashes on. This way the glue is tacky and almost dry, making the application process easier as once the band hits your lashline, there’s not a lot of dry time left. Also, I like to trim the lashes and sometimes I’ll take two different styles and layer half of one track onto the inner part of the lash bed and then take a different style and lay those down on the outer corners. I love finishing the application by coating the falsies with mascara using a fan brush, and if there’s any glue that is showing, I will take a tiny liner brush, coat it with mascara, and cover up wherever those excess glue spots are.”
2. What are the tricks used to get mascara and eyeliner to stay on?
“I use two different formulas to get the most out of my mascara. For a first coat, I like using an inky, black, volumizing formula like Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara ($29). Then I’ll follow with a second coat of waterproof mascara to seal the look and to ensure lasting power. I like Chanel’s Inimitable Waterproof ($30) formula,” says Bhatty. “As far as liner, I prefer a gel formula for wings and graphic looks; Laura Mercier Creme Eyeliner in Noir ($24) is lovely for that. As far as a pencil, I love a creamy formula. Smashbox’s Always Sharp in Raven ($20) is a true favorite of mine; no sharpener needed and the formula is rich in color and long wearing.”
“One thing we can do to keep the mascara and eyeliner in their place is to use eyeshadow base. My personal favorites are Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($25) and Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Anti-Aging ($13),” says Hinako, makeup artist to Leighton Meester, Amy Ryan, and Katie Findlay. “Another tip is to use waterproof eyeliners and mascaras. I love Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($25) and Inglot Matte Eyeliner Gel ($18). I also use Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof Mascara ($32) and Maybeline New York Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara ($6).”
3. What are the tricks used to keep shadow on all night?
“Primer!,” explains Bhatty. “I love the lid primer from NARS ($25); it’s such a great, sheer product that will help you stay crease-free all night long.”
“Apply cream shadow first, then powder shadow next,” says Hinako. “This way you get stronger color and shadow that lasts longer.”
4. What are the tricks used so that shadow, eyeliner, and mascara don’t cake or splatter onto undereyes midway through the night?
“Creating your look with a hybrid of water resistant and regular formula products helps. I only use a waterproof mascara on lower lashes, and same goes for liner if I’m applying it into the water line or onto the lower lash line,” explains Bhatty.
“Eyeshadow base is our best friend, even for under the eyes,” says Hinako. “And not putting too much cream or oil around the eyes when you prep your skin.”
*For our post on the perfect celebrity-worthy complexion expert tips and product picks, click here.
