Brooke Moinet

A common trend I have been spotting on celebs is this “retro” look. Bright, light colored  shadow and bold black eyeliner, i.e. Cher circa 1970.

Madonna and Alicia Keys tried to play off the look as an everyday type trend by off setting it with Marilyn Monroe soft curls. However, to me it just looked unbalanced.

Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga on the other hand, played up the look with a coordinating retro hair style. In my opinion, this flows a little better…

Still, this is a bold look. If you are going to attempt this makeup trend may I suggest trying it at night? And don’t forget to play in your hair and overall style when going for the retro eyes. And maybe seeking a professional to show you how to apply the makeup correctly, without looking too clownish.

My tips:

• Start out with a light nude, or pastel shadow all over the eye lid. A cream base would suit best for this look, because they tend to deliver a higher concentration of pigment.
• (optional) For contrast use a slightly darker shade for depth in the outer lash line up into the crease, or your “V” area on the lid.
• Use a black liquid liner on the lash line starting out thin and building up as you go. Using the liner, raise the outer corner to avoid making your eyes appear too small.
• On the bottom lid, use a white eyeliner on the inner lash line to give your eye that retro “pop”.
• Line the bottom lashes below the lash line up to the inner corner and out to the edge of the eye. For more dramatic, Cleopatra-esque look drag out the liner past the lash line.
• Apply several coats of mascara, and false eyelashes are also an option.