Styled On

First it was nails, then it was hair, and now it’s eyes. As proven by the Spring 2011 collections from Peter Som (shown above, courtesy of Getty), Derek Lam and Loewe, the beauty world isn’t done with neon colors just yet. At all three of these shows the models stomped the runway with their lids lined in bright reds, yellows, blues and greens. The effect was a high-impact look that made the eyes pop even from far away. But although it looked good on the models, is this one of those crazy beauty trends that doesn’t translate off the runway? We don’t think so and we’re here now to prove that bright eyes can be worn everyday.

Above: Runway beauty looks at Derek Lam, courtesy Style.com; Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes ($17); Kat Von D’s Autograph pencil ($16)

Sometimes plain black eyeliner can be fussy so of course the bright lid look can be even more intimidating. But fear not because there are many liners that go on so easily, even the most novice face artist can apply them. If you’re not exactly the Picasso of makeup we suggest using a pencil liner. Glide-on pencil liners go on very smoothly because they’re more fluid-like than they are kohl. Try using Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes ($17) which comes in a while bevy of spring colors. For even more of a foolproof pencil application we suggest Kat Von D’s Autograph pencil ($16) or Cover Girls’ Liquiline Blast eyeliner ($7.99) which both have a smudge tip on one end to help smooth out any bumpy mistakes. If you’re already comfortable with eyeliner application or you just prefer something more liquid, try using Urban Decay’s liquid liner ($18) or L’Oreal’s H.I.P. gel liner. Once you have your liner choice secured, here is how to apply it.

Above: Cover Girls’ Liquiline Blast eyeliner ($7.99); L’Oreal’s H.I.P. gel liner; Urban Decay’s liquid liner ($18); runway beauty look at Loewe courtesy Style.com

Whichever product you’re using, one thick sweep across the top lash line is all you need to achieve the bright eyed look. Moving from the inner corner of your eye out, color the liner as close to your top lash line as possible and thicken it out from there. At the end of your eye, flick the liner out just a little bit to create the illusion of a longer lash line. For a very modern neon eye look, keep your bottom lash line bare of any liner or mascara.

As with any makeup, a lot of bright colors everywhere makes for a very young and clown-ish look. That said, don’t plan on wearing bright eyeliner and bright lipstick on the same day. Instead, since colorful eyeliner makes the eyes the focus of the face, everything else should be toned down. When working with a bright lid make sure to keep your blush light, your lips nude and mascara at a minimum.

What do you think? Will you be bright eyed this spring?