If you want to skip shadow and eyeliner but still want a look, false lashes are the answer. Start by putting a coat of mascara on your own lashes; then, apply a full strip of falsies along your lashline or a few clusters of lashes towards the outer corners of each eye. Barnes describes the results as "open and big" or "seductive and cat-like," respectively. "It all depends on what kind of girl you are," he says. Follow it up with another coat of mascara to lock them in place.
Even though I'm a beauty editor, "going out makeup" has never been my strength. Whether I'm getting ready for a wedding or a fun dinner with my girlfriends, I always ask myself the same question: "Should I wear a smoky eye or a bright lip?" And since my husband finds lipstick repulsive, the answer is almost always the smoky eye.
While I have dozens of eyeshadow colors in my makeup kit, the only ones I ever make a dent in are blacks and grays. I start with black along my lashline, medium gray in the crease, and pale gray closest to my brows -- and if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I'll throw on some falsies. Sure, it gets the job done, but I've decided it's finally time to try something new.
This spring, makeup is all about eyes -- and the trends range from bold and colorful to easy and minimalist. I talked to some of my favorite makeup artists and asked them which looks they think the bored, smoky-eye wearers (like me) should try this season. Each of the experts started with the same advice: "Try a smoky look in shades of purple or green." But I wanted more -- and they came up with some amazing suggestions. Now, instead of the "smoky eye or bright lip?" question, I'll be asking myself: "Which of these seven looks should I try tonight?"