Seen all over the runways for Fall 2008 Fashion Week? Eyes lined so thick, they could be seen from miles away! Well, maybe we're exaggerating slightly. But heavy eyeliner was a huge trend at the shows. From the slightly understated eyes at Bill Blass and Giorgio Armani to the traffic-stopping versions at Monique Lhuillier and Christian Dior, all eyes were truly on the prize -- thick, dark eyeliner that totally transformed and perked up otherwise so-so makeup looks. Read on to find out more about the trend, and -- if you dare -- how to create it by yourself at home!
Romantically Inclined
Many designers chose to make eyes the focus without going too overboard. But while the smoky eye comes back season after season, these really stepped outside the box to create some truly beautiful looks. Romance was definitely in the air at Alberta Ferretti, where dark liner rimmed the top and bottom lashlines to make the eyes stand out against an otherwise bare palette. Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld followed suit -- and while each of their looks were slightly more bold and dramatic, all three are definitely very wearable.
To recreate the look on your own, liquid eyeliner is definitely the way to go. Our favorite is the NARS Liquid Eyeliner in Angel Heart ($27.50 at narscosmetics.com) -- it has a cream base, it lasts forever and it comes with the cutest little brush.
Another option? Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Black ($22 at smashbox.com). It's crease-resistant, and since it's also waterproof you can even put it inside the waterline for a totally dramatic look!
Freakishly Fantastic
Some designers just went up, up and away this season. Eyes at Monique Lhuillier were actually lined and shaded in multiple hues of blue and purple, creating an almost peacock-like look. Christian Dior was, of course, in typical John Galliano fashion -- this time in the form of super-long lashes and winged-out white shadow and liner that formed an almost cat eye-esque look. And at Balenciaga, eyelids were so heavily cloaked in black that it was hard to see the peepers underneath! While these looks would definitely be way too much for every day, why not spice things up at the next party or school dance?
To recreate the look seen at Balenciaga, try Laura Mercier Brilliant Eye Liner in Onyx ($22 at lauramercier.com). It goes on thickly, evenly and is super-dramatic.
The gorgeous eyes at Monique Lhuillier can be yours with the Sugar Cosmetics Color Sticks ($14 each at sephora.com). While a bit more sheer and pastel than the dark hues above, Blue Pop and Grape Soda will add just the right amount of fizz to your look.
The idea at Dior was to be super over-the-top! Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Gel ($18 at sephora.com) can be painted on thickly and adds a subtle hint of sparkle for that extra glam factor. Finish with the Black Velvet Feather False Eyelashes by Shu Uemura ($25 at shuuemura-usa.com) which are uber-thick and even have bits of feathers stuck to the ends!And do you notice the one thing that all of these looks have in common? Nude lips that don't compete with the eyes -- so that all focus is truly on one feature! Try these two glosses that will make your pout pucker in the subtlest of ways.
Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot ($22 at stilacosmetics.com): It's chic, it's subtle, and the non-sticky, non-tacky click pen is one of our favorites!
Philosophy Big Mouth in Nude ($22 at philosophy.com): Your mouth will look seriously plumped and amazing after slicking on this barely-there gloss.
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