Dark Silhouettes

Some perceive the world in a positive light; however, like the internet, there is a dark side. The combination of dark and light can create a nice contrast. This applies especially in makeup. By contrasting a light color with a dark shadow close to the lash line, a new formation of color occurs. Its a combination that expresses a harmony and need to have both parts.

The dress I chose is a Zac Posen dress. The combination of greens and dark browns creates a contrast that displays a balance between light and dark. I first applied a dark brown on the lash line and then added two different shades of green. To add more dimensions, I added a coating of Bare Minerals green glitter eyeshadow. Because the green glitter is somewhat translucent, it acts as a perfect top layer. Not only does it add a bit extra to the color, but i blends the shadows further.

Though its nice to utilize brighter colors with brighter colors, it is nice to change it up a bit and access a darker side. Like the internet and online sites, there is a darker side that needs to be addressed. By allowing a combination of light and dark, there is an acceptance of the two coexisting. This palette is nighttime look--dark with a pop of color.

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

When working to create a darker look, try using dark browns instead of blacks. The chocolate browns mix better with lighter colors and reflect the light better. In addition, they are also less harsh. But if you still want to add drama, pair the dark brown shadow with a black liner.

Disposition

Reflect on who you are. Makeup is an artistry that allows you to outwardly express your perspective. Like the nature of most things, especially in blogs, does the importance of characteristics and opinions shine through. It is about the creation of story. Each palette creates a memory that reflects a persons internal self. 

The dress I chose for this entry is a Zac Posen gown. This dress is pink. By taking this color and expanding a simple shade into a multi-dimensional work, you can create a multi-faceted thought. It is a 3D reflection of the complexity of a simple color. What appears to be a simple shade of pink, in fact, has many different components. Apply two shades of pink and mix with purple.

By creating a different tone with the makeup selection, one can emphasize personal content and style. It is all about application of interest. Creating an image of self with many dimensions. By doing so, you create something unique.

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Mix shades. To create a multi-dimensional look based on one particular color, mixing various shades of that same color can accomplish that. For example, with green, mix lights and darks to create a color palette that is both interesting and attention grabbing instead of a flat, boring, one color eyeshadow palette. 

Composition and Design

What’s your favorite print? When looking at designs, prints seem a bit overwhelming. But it’s all about working with color. Take at least 3 colors within the print, unless it is only two colors, and blend. Like blogs and other online works, it is more about the content and style. Makeup doesn’t necessarily have a conversational tone like blogs, yet it does possess its own unique voice. It’s a presentation of the artist with the color palette. 

Different prints express different things. The choice of shades within the colors also adds to the expression of the design. Louder colors display a more vibrant and open voice. Softer shades express a more quiet and muted tone of the person. Either more professional, simple, or sweet. Deeper shades can express a warmer personality. Again, choice of color and shade reflect the artist in addition to the person. It is a reflection of style.

I chose a Salvator Ferragamo outfit. It is mixed print with greens, purples, blues, and orange with hints of yellow and green. I chose to make the yellow hint the accent of my design--to highlight the brow bone. I swept the eye with a mixture of dark purple and blue and added a hint of reddish orange. The placement of the colors do not need to be in the design of the pattern, but they should reflect the boldness of such and bring out the major colors. 

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Highlighting colors! Based on your skin type choose a shade to brighten your eyes. For instance, with darker skin tones, a yellow or gold shade can be use to open up the eyes. Place in the corner of the eye and then on the brow bone. If you are attempting to really open your eyes, use a liner of the same color, and line your lower lid. For lighter skin tones, I would suggest a light pink or even a white. White is the general highlighting color, but with darker skin tones, if you aren’t going for an obvious white shadow/liner look, I would advise a more subtle highlight. Sephora has great basic liners that are relatively inexpensive. Other options, UrbanDecay and Dior for a more expensive touch. 

Interruptions

Stop matching! It is beyond dull to wear similar colors. Pinks, reds, and peaches go nicely; however, they are boring--Plain And Simple. Choose a contrasting color to mix in. Force an interruption between similar shades. Like vocal interruptors, create a corresponding visual interruptor! 

The dress I have chosen today is Christian Dior. It has several shades of green with a splash of orchid purple. The orchid shade breaks up the stream of greens. It provides an element of interest. Its pattern is not a simple shade of green, but possesses somewhat of a personality. In creating makeup that is inspired by this design, I have chosen to keep the same color scheme. I have used several shades of green--turquoise, lime, emerald--with a bit of blue and a splotch of orchid purple. This color creates the look. It adds interest. It creates an interruption from the monochromatic flow of one color. 

When creating a look with an interruptor, choose two strong colors from various ends of the spectrum. For instance, you could pair hot pink with a dark green or royal blue. As you are sweeping shadows over the lid, make sure to blend well. Like the Christian Dior gown, create a constant stream of color--let the green go into the purple. Even interruptions have the ability to make a smooth transition into existing reality.

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Mascara time! There are all types of mascara. Each brand has a unique purpose. There are several categories: volume, curling, length, etc. Any makeup store, such as Sephora, will be able to assist with a specific type. For instance, I use several mascaras, sometimes multiple at a time. Diorshow Blackout is great for bold, dark long lashes. Lancome Hypnose DollLashes curls and lengthens. Bare Essentials Buxon lash is perfect everyday and evening mascara. The brush separates all the lashes. It doesn’t harm the lashes and it lengthens and curls as well. With multiple applications, it is a perfect evening mascara. 

Speak Through Expression

Vocalize your thoughts. Pick a side in a debate. It is the only way to truly be heard. It is the way you say things that makes the difference. Whether you choose to speak softly or loudly, passionately or factual, with visual examples or simply through vocals it is the meaning behind the method. 

In a world full of chaos, it is often difficult to speak up. To have a voice. Conveying an opinion. Makeup can be your expression, your method of speech, especially if you tend to be quiet or have trouble expressing your thoughts in a public manner. 

This entry I have chosen a Matthew Williamson gown. It’s simple but expressive. The distinct lines of the dress display the precise angles specifically chosen by the designer. The background color of the pattern is almost neutral--but deep and definitely translates to viewers. The pattern itself is intricate. From a distance it appears as splotches of light white/pink color with a hint of green. Up close, the pattern is of a tree with whites, yellows, pinks, greens, and bits of blue. The corresponding eye makeup can be the same. Pick a few colors--golden brown, purple, and blue. From a distance, the colors blend with the crease of the eye. Up close there are distinct lines expressing flowing angles of motion similar to the one-shoulder of the dress. 

Work using angles. By utilizing the natural curve of your lid, you can develop a very personal translation. Through this you can speak up. It is the method of stating who you are, vocalizing who you are going to be--at least in that moment. Choose to speak. Even if you just speak softly, expression is important in establishing an identity and maintaining it. 

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Work the angles of your eye and use an angled brush when applying eyeshadows. BareEssentials makes a good angled brush. It is not too thin like that of a lining brush, but has just enough thickness to sweep over the lid with the perfect amount of color. It also helps with the blending of additional pigment, if there are other shadows being used at the time.

Impressions

Time to make a statement! Whether for yourself or for a different reason, image is a constant in society. Though first impressions may seem important, it is more your ability to adapt with that impression, creating a lasting perception.The transformation of self from day to day. This becomes you...your impression...your own self appointed identity--discretion in allowing others to see what you want them to. These impressions are like blogs and the internet, always improving. This fast paced expressionism is also in fashion--expanding so rapidly that at times it seems almost instantaneous. 

The image today is of a Roberto Cavalli gown. At first glance you see a dark intricate neckline with sparkle. But like the constant adaptation of internet life, the dress flows into something more. It continues to form a different expression. At first you see dark, then light and color. 

The eyeshadow this time draws more from the light and colorful elements, pulling mainly from blues and purples. There is sparkle added to bring about the first impression of the shadow in comparison with the dress. This pallet, however, is not an exact match to the gown. It is an interpretation of the extension of the gown’s further continuation into something different. Just as blogs started off as personal web journals and later developed a mass media element, the initial foundation for an idea of makeup is the same. Start with a first impression. What do you see first. Sparkle? Black? Then what is next. Color? Pattern? 

The development is key in impressionism, especially in makeup. Literal is rare. Change, adapt, and look at things in a different perspective--like facebook and other social networking mediums. These sites all started with a simple idea of meeting people and connecting, and then escalated into an addictive obsession within the technological age.   In makeup, start off simple--color; then proceed from there. 

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Add SPARKLE! You can either mix colors by choosing a shimmer shadow that is completely different--like pink sparkle over a green shadow or use a neutral sparkle. Urban Decay has a line of shadows with built in shimmer. I recommend Midnight Cowboy, its a light neutral shade that can go over any color and looks fine by itself.

Disguise

Do you ever feel pressure to disguise your appearance? Fit in with the mainstream “image”? It is a lot like the pressure felt within this new technological age--always having the urge to communicate and stay connected. Makeup shouldn’t be the pressure. It is a way to stay connected to yourself. Forget the typical faces on magazines--photoshopped and altered. Disguise yourself back into reality. 

There are many associations to be made with attention. In today’s current society, technology (ie phones, internet, texting) is directly associated with shared attention. However, there is still another association outside of virtual reality. Image. This is often paired with a technological medium, but it possesses still more weight than technology itself. It maybe slowly losing its pull...but remains the main focus of attention.

Also, makeup is often thought to be superficial and impersonal, I disagree. It is an outward statement of self. Unlike texting and new modes of communication, makeup is an art of expression...personal expression. It brings back the time where letters were prevalent. Handwritten with beautiful script. Thoughtful with plenty of effort. Essentially what makeup is. A carefully developed art form with every intention of personal revelation.  

Today’s image is an Antonio Berardi gown. Simple light pink color--almost skin tone. The jacket, however, with red embellishments, is the focus. The attention grabber. It is the statement of the designer. Based upon this statement, the eyeshadow will have a similar feel. A neutral backdrop with a little bit of red creates a simple, personal look. With just a hint of color, the pressure of appearance is reduced, yet personality is magnified!

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

When looking to make a statement try doing something other than a red lip. Work with red eyeshadows and liners. It produces a similar statement, but in a new and different way!

Individualism

Makeup is individualistic. Choose your favorite color and create your own shade. This time I chose one of my favorite colors--blue. Some people believe that it is a difficult color for subtle use while still keeping its brightness. The dress I chose is a Peter Som dress. It has a mixture of blues and white. This is a great example of the different shades that can be used to blend a new one.

Makeovers are for experimentation. Whether from head to toe, fashion to face, makeup can be a release from the tethers that bound us in life. We are bound by so much--family, technology, society. This is just another way for individual experimentation. Acting as makeup artist, a connection is developed not only to the model, but to yourself. You are finding ways of uncovering characteristics and utilizing those in your art.

Choose your favorite shade and work in other colors to balance it produces shadows and highlights. If you choose blue, you can work in purple and light pinks (almost the shade of white). If you work with greens, you can use teals, blues, and even a splash of a different color--purple or pink. When mixing your shades, blend the colors. Create a marbling affect by using a smudging technique. 

Tip of the Day:

Brighten your eyes with white! Use either a white shadow or eye pencil in the corner of your eye. This reflects light in a certain way as to make your eyes look wider. If white is a bit to harsh on your skin, choose a light pink shade. This will have the same affect.

Abstract Art

Designs that are abstract are the most fun to work with. You can literally try to duplicate the intricate patterns or interpret the colors for your canvas. Designing in anyway is an open expression. Part of any production process is drawing from exterior sources and relating them back to what you know and what you can do. This is true for make-up. Take a look at your surroundings...the internet, the outdoors, the person next to you. That is your inspiration. That is the development of your personal archive.

The design I have chosen for this entry is a Mary Katrantzou dress. It has vibrant colors that are perfect for an abstract palette. The dress design itself is something truly unique and very difficult to copy directly--so it is rather an interpretive piece.

When working with the colors blue, purple, green, and yellow, you need to be cautious in picking the proper shades. If you are relating your make-up back to a design, not only do you need to take into account the colors in the patterns, but also your own skin tone. Certain blues can be very harsh on your skin--either too bright or too dark. When working with these colors you need to be careful mixing the shades. Shading and blending are essential...but the individual colors still need to make an appearance. Like the dress on a runway, this is your own “personal archive” presented on a live canvas. 

Choose your images carefully. Select colors that match your skin tone (test them on the backs of your hands first, if necessary--I do this all the time). Blend the edges of your design while still maintaining the essence of each color. Line your eyes with liner and shadow. Experiment with wing-tips and the natural outline of your lid. This is a new way of self-exposure.

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

Liquid Liner. One of the most tricky tools to work with. In the pictures listed above I have used liquid liner to make a small wing-tip. This method takes practice! If you are interested in just everyday makeup and are uncomfortable with liquid liner, try Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil. This product is easily applied with a similar smoothness and can produce the same affects as a liquid liner; however, liquid liners are more precise and have more distinct lines.

Welcome to ColorEyez!

So I love makeup! I draw inspiration from all sorts of things. Anything from nature to fashion to architecture. 

My goal is to add a bit of color back into people’s lives. When I do makeup for my friends and family, I play with color. Crazy blues, greens, and pinks. Marbling various shades of the rainbow to create art. That what makeup is for me...art. 

I was on the internet today looking at fashion websites. Vogue is a great place to look for inspiration. Many people see crazy fashion and few everyday beauty secrets, but I see possibilities. It is the colors that grab my attention. Each designer chooses a distinct color to display in their collections. While browsing online, I discovered this Oscar de la Renta dress. The color--stunning. Orange/Coral/Red. This became my inspiration. 

Now many people can get a little hesitant when using such harsh colors...it can be a bit tricky depending on your skin tone. Finding the right shades to match is very important and the first step before applying any makeup or color. So for darker skin tones I would recommend richer, warmer shades. If you are working with oranges or corals, try adding a bit of gold to bring out more of your natural color. If you are pale, and believe me I understand, you may want to consider lighter shades of the color; however, if you want to go bright you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. Makeup is a form of expression. 

My goal in this blog is to try crazy makeup techniques and some basic everyday styles, such as a quick five minutes face, while providing some really easy-to-use applications for those who want to add more color! Each entry will amplify the connection between makeup and color, just as blogs act as a tool for amplifying its affects in the public sphere, and instruct those who want to learn how to ColorEyez their life.

ColorEyez Tip of the Day:

To bring out the most color in your eyeshadow try using a primer.

I use Urban Decay Primer Potion (both original and neutral matte). I recommend the original because it blends more with your skin. Primer holds the color and brings out the strong pigmentation of each shade.