Dark makeup lets you look bold and on trend, especially during the cooler months of the year. The key to fierce, eye-catching makeup is balance so that it isn't too overwhelming or dark. Check out these seven tips for getting an incredible, sultry look.
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Saturated, Glossy Nails
Choose a rich, saturated color for your nails, and finish them with a coat or two of ultra-glossy polish to catch the light. OPI Infinite Shine ProStay Primer & Gloss Duo, $20, helps your dark color stay bold and shiny for days.
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Plum Lips
Celebrity makeup artist Kristee Liu says that the secret to dark, vampy lips is to properly moisturize them and apply a lip primer like Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multi Purpose Primer Pencil, $18, before the color. Applying concealer around the edges of the color with a brush will help prevent smudging for a crisp finish to your look.
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Faux Lashes
To get dark, dramatic eyes, faux lashes are your best friend. Jet-black mascara and eyeliner are sure to give you a bold look. Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Colossal Spider Effect Mascara, $7.77, can give you the look of false lashes without the glue. Complement the dark makeup on your eyes by using very light makeup on the rest of your face, such as a hint of blush and a neutral lip color.
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Contrasting Eyes
For bold eyes, use contrasting colors from the warm and cool spectrums. For example, brush a dark gray onto your lids while highlighting with a copper bronze. Intensely pigmented eye shadows will help you achieve this dark makeup look.
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Winged Eyeliner
Nothing says "fierce" like a dramatic cat-eye look. A liquid liner like NYX Liquid Liner in Matte Black, $7, lets you achieve more precision as you create the winged shape. Use primer underneath to prevent smudging for a crisp look that lasts all day.
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Smoky Eyes
If you want the effect of dark makeup without overdoing it (one that would be perfect for daytime), a soft gray gives you the best of both worlds. Achieve the perfect smoky eye with shades of gray and deep purple applied with a light hand. Coastal Scents Revealed Smoky Eye Shadow Palette, $29.95, has a variety of gray-toned colors to try. This soft look pairs well with a purple lip color.
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Flawless Skin
Dark makeup looks all the more intense against a base of flawless, smooth skin. Use a good primer to cover imperfections in your complexion. Edward Bess Black Sea Precious Pearl Perfector, $78, will give your skin a subtle glow, making your dark eyes or lips really pop against a smooth canvas.
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