It's time to gear up for the festive parties with the season's hottest look.
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With the festive season upon us, the long list of parties you have to attend and the many sparkly clothes you have to wear are a must. What you may not have thought of though, is the make-up to match each dress and do. If you think festive season make-up is no different from the usual, think again. Make-up trends this season are pretty definitive. They are happily moving from grunge to gothic. You can also say the 50s are back. The good news is that in this accentuation, there is a make up trend to suit everyone. Grape is the season's hottest colour. You can see it everywhere – from lipsticks to blushes. But if you are unsure of its effect, go for the natural look. Minimise the use of colour on cheeks and eyes. Use light colours like beige instead to make the eyes look clear and bright, and skin dewy and soft. When applying make-up this festive season be perfectly sure of how much make-up you want. If unsure, go for the minimalistic look. Following are the key make-up trends for eyes, lips and cheeks this season.
FACE
Blush
For a natural look, a pinkish blush on the apples of the cheeks will give you a healthy holiday glow. Rose, a traditional colour, works from day to evening and looks fabulous on dark skin tones. Grape and apricot shades are also very popular this winter. Be careful when choosing the shade of blush. The perfect colour should look like a natural flush. To find your colour, do a quick burst of exercise and check out your cheeks. Don't use blush to compensate for your faded summer tan.
Highlighters
Brighten your skin with a dusting of luminous pressed powder for a warm and radiant glow.
Apply highlighter on cheekbones, brow bones, down the centre of the nose, temples and shoulder blades. Use a touch of iridescent colours in the inner corners of the eyes too.
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· Let your skin's natural glow come through if you have mature skin. Pancake on mature skin, piles over the years. A dab of lip gloss, a coat of mascara and brief cover-ups wherever required are the finishing touches.
· No matter how much make-up you apply, you can't hide dry skin. Moisturise your skin thoroughly before applying make-up, for a smooth and silky finish. Without moisture, make-up looks cracked and unflattering.
· Avoid over-moisturising. Dot on a little, work it in and let it be fully absorbed. If you have oily skin, you may not even need a moisturiser.
· Make sure your foundation matches your jawline and not your hand. Avoid a very heavy foundation as it only draws attention to the area you want to cover. Your skin changes its colour through the seasons so your foundation shade needs to change too.
Bronzers And Powders
Keep your skin looking like satin this season with less powder and more shine. Use a bronzer powder that is two shades darker than your skin and sculpt your cheeks and eyes. Go for a cream bronzer if you wish as it has a stronger pigment. But, never use blush to contour your face – it looks very artificial.
EYES
Eyeshadows
This season is all about accentuating the eyes in a unique way. For added mystique, the smoky look is best (yes, it's back). However, it does not have to be black. Instead, choose charcoal shades with hints of purple, blue and green or even glossy brown. This look goes great with bare, glossy lips and matte skin.
For a more natural look, you can use subtle shimmers and even gloss on the eyes. Blended together, pearly shades, pale pinks, beiges, blues, silvers and neutral tones create a dewy look. When using shimmer eyeshadows, use a matte base first so the shimmer has something to hold on to. For an alternative to the natural look, team this with pearlescent lip gloss and dewy skin finish. Remember to always apply concealer and powder to your eyelids before applying eyeshadow. This helps the colour blend in easily and last longer.
Strong eyebrows are also back with a bang. Using a thin brush, apply eyeshadow in order to cover any unattractive marks and brush your eyebrows so the hair stays in place. Never fill in eyebrows with pencil – you may end up looking like an extra from the set of The Adams Family. For a natural look, use a powder and a brush, and with light feathery strokes, fill in the eyebrows.
Top Tips
· When the base of the lower eyelashes is traced with a thick eyeliner pencil which is not blended in, it looks unflattering. Make sure your pencil is sharp, or use a thin liner brush instead.
· Avoid over frosted eyeshadows. A little sparkle on the brows and eyelids look pretty but too much and poorly blended shadow looks plain unattractive.
· Comb your lashes before the mascara dries.
Eyeliners
The winged eyeliner is back. This season you can add a bold pop of colour like a blue shadow along the crease for a more dramatic look. Why not try fishtail flicks (two lines at the outer corners instead for one)? For a more subtle look line the inside of the eyes with a black kohl pencil. This will set off the eye colour perfectly.
Mascara
A 'no mascara' look is a key trend this season but only if you are going for the minimalist, natural look. If that is the case, instead of layering on mascara, simply put on a little liner and eyeshadow. If you find mascara a habit hard to break, try swapping black mascara for brown.
If festive glamour is more your thing, curl your lashes before applying a lash primer and then a generous coat of your favourite mascara. It is best applied in a zig-zag motion starting at the lash roots.
For extra drama and impact, add a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of the eyes and bring on the mascara!
LIPS
Bright red lips are back – but now with more power. This season, try a deep, matte red – go for reds with a hint of grape. If you wish to be truly faithful to the season's 50s inspiration, deep scarlet, deep purple and berry are the shades to use.
When applying red lipstick it is helpful to use liner to achieve proper lip shape, followed by a lip brush for precise application. Blot and powder lips with translucent powder before applying a second coat. This will ensure the colour lasts all day.
Matte and gloss for lips are both acceptable for the season, depending on the overall look. These can be complemented with winged eyeliner (use liquid liner) for an authentic 50s look. Add some sticky gloss for a modern twist.
Nude shades, beige and light pinks are also a good choice this season. Dust on some shimmer powder for holiday sparkle.
Top Tips
· Never extend your lipliner beyond your lip's natural line to correct an uneven shape as it will look unnatural.
· The best way to prevent lipstick feathering is to trace the edges of your mouth with a lip liner (the same colour as your lipstick or your skin-tone). After applying lipstick, blot with a tissue. If you find your lip colour is still too slippery, consider switching to matte or semi-matte lipsticks. Using semi-permanent lip stains is another way to prevent feathering.
Lipliners
Choose a lipliner that matches the colour of your lipstick. When applying, start with the 'v' at your cupid's bow. Then from the outer corners draw small, feathery strokes to meet the centre V. Do the same with the lower lip, starting with the lower curve. Lipliner helps define your lips and reshape them if they are uneven. It can also make lipstick last longer if you fill in your lips with a loner before applying the lip colour.
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10 Beauty Rules To Break
There are certain mantras that turn out to be valuable truths to live by – you know, things like "Never go to bed angry" and "You look so much nicer when you stand up straight." But when it comes to beauty, some of the wisdom passed down to us by our elders turns out to be – well, not so wise. Here are 10 beauty rules that you can definitely rebel against.
There are certain mantras that turn out to be valuable truths to live by – you know, things like "Never go to bed angry" and "You look so much nicer when you stand up straight." But when it comes to beauty, some of the wisdom passed down to us by our elders turns out to be – well, not so wise. Here are 10 beauty rules that you can definitely rebel against.
Brushing Hair 100 Times
Perching on the edge of your bed and patiently counting brush strokes may be a relaxing ritual, but it's not going to make your hair healthier. Too much brushing will only lead to breakage therefore brush only as often as needed for styling and detangling.
Perching on the edge of your bed and patiently counting brush strokes may be a relaxing ritual, but it's not going to make your hair healthier. Too much brushing will only lead to breakage therefore brush only as often as needed for styling and detangling.
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Matching Lip Liner For Longer Colour
This may have been the purpose for which lip-liner was intended/invented (and the reason it's called liner,after all), but nobody really uses it this way anymore. The reason? You risk ending up with an unattractive darker outline around your lips once your lipstick wears off. The new rule: Colour your lips entirely with the liner first, then layer lipstick on top for super-staying power.
This may have been the purpose for which lip-liner was intended/invented (and the reason it's called liner,after all), but nobody really uses it this way anymore. The reason? You risk ending up with an unattractive darker outline around your lips once your lipstick wears off. The new rule: Colour your lips entirely with the liner first, then layer lipstick on top for super-staying power.
Drink Lots Of Water For Glowing Skin
It's true that being dehydrated does nothing pretty for your complexion, but drinking excessive quantities of water (beyond the eight or so glasses generally recommended) will only lead to superfluous bathroom visits, not plump, perky skin.
It's true that being dehydrated does nothing pretty for your complexion, but drinking excessive quantities of water (beyond the eight or so glasses generally recommended) will only lead to superfluous bathroom visits, not plump, perky skin.
Keep Lathering For Clean Hair
That squeaky feeling just means you've washed away all the natural oils that give hair its shine and bounce. The hair shaft is extremely delicate, and this can strip essential oils, which is damaging.
Only File Nails In One Direction
Your nails grow and get their health from the base, not from the edge that extends beyond your fingertip and gets filed. If you sit there and really saw away at your tips with a rough file, you could create enough friction to impact your nails' health – but generally speaking, as long as you don't saw away too crazily, filing back and forth won't weaken your nails.
That squeaky feeling just means you've washed away all the natural oils that give hair its shine and bounce. The hair shaft is extremely delicate, and this can strip essential oils, which is damaging.
Only File Nails In One Direction
Your nails grow and get their health from the base, not from the edge that extends beyond your fingertip and gets filed. If you sit there and really saw away at your tips with a rough file, you could create enough friction to impact your nails' health – but generally speaking, as long as you don't saw away too crazily, filing back and forth won't weaken your nails.
Don't Let Your Roots Show
It figures that now that there are jillions of excellent products designed to help you cover up those telltale roots, having visible roots is actually one of the biggest hair trends. The concept is called "ombre" hair, the roots are dark but the hair gets lighter and lighter toward the ends.
It figures that now that there are jillions of excellent products designed to help you cover up those telltale roots, having visible roots is actually one of the biggest hair trends. The concept is called "ombre" hair, the roots are dark but the hair gets lighter and lighter toward the ends.
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Red Hair = No Red Lips
This is another long-running beauty rule that all of Hollywood seems to be breaking lately – and the results can be gorgeous. Flame-haired actresses like Amy Adams and Emma Stone love to work the red carpet in fiery red lipstick. Red hair itself is also a huge beauty trend this season – perhaps because it no longer has those old makeup rules associated with it?
Only Pluck From Below Your Eyebrows
Go to any tweezing, waxing or threading place, and it's pretty much a guarantee that your aesthetician will remove hairs from above your brows. Removing hair above the brow line helps to create a more defined shape.
Eating Chocolate Gives You Pimples
Your waistline is much more likely to benefit from a no-chocolate rule than your skin – the idea that the sweet stuff is an acne culprit is a common myth. Clinical studies have failed to show that any food can actually cause acne (though in some rare instances, foods might exacerbate existing acne).
Go to any tweezing, waxing or threading place, and it's pretty much a guarantee that your aesthetician will remove hairs from above your brows. Removing hair above the brow line helps to create a more defined shape.
Eating Chocolate Gives You Pimples
Your waistline is much more likely to benefit from a no-chocolate rule than your skin – the idea that the sweet stuff is an acne culprit is a common myth. Clinical studies have failed to show that any food can actually cause acne (though in some rare instances, foods might exacerbate existing acne).
You Must Be Either Warm Or Cool
Can you honestly say you've figured out which tone you are – and what that means in terms of which eyeshadow, blush and lipstick hues you should choose? Warm and cool is really most important when you're picking foundation and concealer but you can break the rules with colourful makeup.
Can you honestly say you've figured out which tone you are – and what that means in terms of which eyeshadow, blush and lipstick hues you should choose? Warm and cool is really most important when you're picking foundation and concealer but you can break the rules with colourful makeup.
Home Packs Made EasySkin care experts have come up with some innovative ways to keep your skin shining smooth throughout these dry months when even most oiliest skin can suffer from dehydration and dull patchy skin tone. These three skin rejuvenating packs will not only restore your skin's oil and water balance but will also give it the much needed goodness of natural AHA, and vitamins. All you need to start your skin restoration process are some fruits and cereals from your kitchen and a pack of good moisturising cream. Take a 10 min break twice or thrice each week and do your skin a big favour. These will work best on dry, dehydrated to normal skin types.
Cleansing PackIngredient:
• 2tsp moisturising cream
• 2tsp tomato pulp
Application:
Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 minutes. Wipe away and then wash off, preferably with lukewarm water.
Benefit:
The jojoba oil and vitamin E in the cream refreshes and smoothens and adds extra nourishment to your skin. The lycopene in tomato is a natural antioxidant that fights free radicals and exfoliates the top layer to help in skin renewal.
Exfoliating Pack
Ingredient:
• 2tsp moisturising cream
• 1tsp oatmeal soaked in water for 30 minutes and then made into a paste
• 1/2 carrot boiled and mashed
Application:
Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 minutes. You can also apply on arms and legs. Rub it gently on your face and arm in circular motion. Wash off with lukewarm water. It is great for sensitive skin.
Benefit:
Ingredient:
• 2tsp moisturising cream
• 1tsp oatmeal soaked in water for 30 minutes and then made into a paste
• 1/2 carrot boiled and mashed
Application:
Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 minutes. You can also apply on arms and legs. Rub it gently on your face and arm in circular motion. Wash off with lukewarm water. It is great for sensitive skin.
Benefit:
Oats gently exfoliates and soothes dehydrated skin. Vitamin A in the carrot is an antioxidant that
prevents cell degeneration, and promotes cell renewal.
Glow Pack
Ingredients:
• 2tsp moisturising cream
• 5-6 almonds
• 1/4 cup black gram – soaked 3 hours and ground into a paste.
Application:
Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 minutes. Gently scrub in circular motion. Wipe and then rinse with lukewarm water
Benefit:
Almonds are rich in vitamin E which has anti-aging properties. The black gram husk exfoliates the skin, and tightens pores, and adds hydration.
Vintage Glamour
From screen siren lips to iconic smouldering eyes, this season's party looks are sure to turn heads
It's no surprise that with Mad Men mania andladylike chic ruling the autumn/winter catwalks, old-school glamour is back and in a big way. The beauty world has been inspired with sumptuous Christmas make-up collections that hark back to the 20s and beyond, when dramatic red lips, smokyeyes and sleek, languorous locks were the order of the day. And with the latest application tips, fail-safe skincare and decadent make-up products, it's a look that's never been so easy (or quick) to pull off. So take your cue from the drama of days gone by and prepare to smoulder.
Perfect Skin
A flawless complexion never goes out of fashion. But while themovie stars of old wouldn't bat an eyelid at spending three hours in make-up, who has time these days? Luckily, the professionals agree there's a fool-proof shortcut to lookingradiant, fast. Prepare skin with a mini facial massage, working a light serum in small circular motions over the forehead, then along the brow bones and cheeks. It warms the skin, making it the perfect make-up base, plus it means you need less foundation as your complexion will already have a natural glow.
The moisturiser that has beauty editors' pulses racing at the moment is the rejuvenating facial system. It consists of an oil you work into the skin, followed by a facial sprits, which increases its absorption for extra plumpness. Also on our radar is treatment serum, not only is the bottle retro-glamorous, but it contains honey, a natural brightener that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Sculpted Cheekbones
By far the biggest beauty trend this season, the chiselled look takes its inspiration from the killercheekbones sported by screen icons such as Rita Hayworth and Joan Crawford in the 40s. Back then, a beige sculpted cheek was achieved with heavy matte textures and a snowstorm of powder but today that looks dated and unforgiving, especially if you're not in the first flush of youth, as it exaggerates any fine lines. What works now is a combination of highlighting your cheekbones, then shading in tones of warm sand to enhance your natural complexion.
Start with a sheer base. Then, using a brush, the trick is to sweep a cream highlighter over yourcheekbones, making sure you take it up to your brow bone and out to your hairline, patting away any sharp edges with your ring finger. Then smudge a tawny blusher, in a large 'C' shape in the hollows under your cheekbones, and dab away any shine on your T-zone.
Dramatic Eyes
Smoky eyes always appear on autumn/winter catwalks, but this season charcoal has been abandoned in favour of flashes of burnished gold and velvety purple. It creates drama but still keeps the look romantic. Start by sweeping a golden shadow over the lid to create a beautiful sheen. Then use a dark purple in the outer corner to open up the eye. Build on this effect by curling your lashes. It creates mini vertical lines on both sides of the eye, widening them and letting in more light so the whites look brighter. Follow with a coat of black mascara, then add a touch of metallic mascara to the lash tips to the catch the light.
This look is a balancing act: the more dramatic the eye, the more low-key the lip. Nude lips work best, beige with a hint of pink suits paler skin, while warmer shades of peach and toffee work well on darker complexions.
Classic Lips
The 1920s-esque look of deep lips teamed with taupe eye-shadow is also becoming increasingly popular. If you're nervous about a dark pout, remember there are a variety of textures to choose from, and tricks to give you a hint of colour without the intensity. For an easy-to-wear look, make the middle of your lips the darkest. Apply a creamy plum colour to the centre of your bottom lip and cupid's bow. Gently pat the colour across your lips, both with a tissue, then pat again.
The catwalks are also awash with crimson lips. It's the one detail that provides instant Hollywood glamour. First dab foundation over your lips to stop the colour bleeding. Outline them with red liner, then apply your lipstick with a brush for extra precision. With such a bold mouth, stick to smoky taupes on the eyes, swished around the socket and winged out at the corners is the most flattering shape. Finally, run a little black liner near the base of the lashes, following the natural shape of the eye, and comb through two coats of mascara.
The 10-minute Hair Glamouriser
Pack away those straighteners – the 'Veronica' style (inspired by pin-up Veronica Lake), with its soft, cascading waves, is the retro look of the moment, it's elegant and sexy. To get the look, use a pea-sized amount of original hair serum, on the ends of your hair. Then take a large, round-bristle brush and blow-dry to a smooth finish. Comb the hair into a deep side-parting, then gather about an inch and a half off your hair line on both sides and feed into curling tongs. Wrap the hair diagonally to create an outward, loose wave, leaving the crown of your head flat. Finally, run a brush through it to soften the waves.
Creating Smoky Eyes
The beauty secrets for the sultry evening look
1. Blend a little foundation or concealer over your eyelids to hide any redness and create a smooth base, then set with a light dusting of translucent powder. Next, starting at the outer corner of the upper lash line, push the tip of a black eyeliner pencil between the roots of the lashes.
2. Working all the way along the upper lash line, build up the colour intensity between and around the lashes. This gives your eyes definition and makes your lashes look thicker.
3. Using a small, pointed brush, apply a dark grey powder eye-shadow along the upper lash line. Smudge and blend it well with the pencil line.
4. Apply a silver grey cream eye-shadow above the eyeliner, blending it up to the socket crease. This provides an ideal base for the powder eye-shadow to adhere to and also gives a flattering, shimmery effect.
5. Apply a little more dark grey powder eye-shadow to the lower part of the lid, taking it upwards from the lash line and gentlyblending the colours together.
6. Use a black eyeliner pencil inside the upper lid and along the lower lid, staying as close as possible to the lash roots. Finish with black mascara for added definition. •
Glow PackIngredients:
• 2tsp moisturising cream
• 5-6 almonds
• 1/4 cup black gram – soaked 3 hours and ground into a paste.
Application:
Mix and apply on face and neck for 10 minutes. Gently scrub in circular motion. Wipe and then rinse with lukewarm water
Benefit:
Almonds are rich in vitamin E which has anti-aging properties. The black gram husk exfoliates the skin, and tightens pores, and adds hydration.
From screen siren lips to iconic smouldering eyes, this season's party looks are sure to turn heads
It's no surprise that with Mad Men mania andladylike chic ruling the autumn/winter catwalks, old-school glamour is back and in a big way. The beauty world has been inspired with sumptuous Christmas make-up collections that hark back to the 20s and beyond, when dramatic red lips, smokyeyes and sleek, languorous locks were the order of the day. And with the latest application tips, fail-safe skincare and decadent make-up products, it's a look that's never been so easy (or quick) to pull off. So take your cue from the drama of days gone by and prepare to smoulder.
A flawless complexion never goes out of fashion. But while themovie stars of old wouldn't bat an eyelid at spending three hours in make-up, who has time these days? Luckily, the professionals agree there's a fool-proof shortcut to lookingradiant, fast. Prepare skin with a mini facial massage, working a light serum in small circular motions over the forehead, then along the brow bones and cheeks. It warms the skin, making it the perfect make-up base, plus it means you need less foundation as your complexion will already have a natural glow.
The moisturiser that has beauty editors' pulses racing at the moment is the rejuvenating facial system. It consists of an oil you work into the skin, followed by a facial sprits, which increases its absorption for extra plumpness. Also on our radar is treatment serum, not only is the bottle retro-glamorous, but it contains honey, a natural brightener that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Sculpted Cheekbones
By far the biggest beauty trend this season, the chiselled look takes its inspiration from the killercheekbones sported by screen icons such as Rita Hayworth and Joan Crawford in the 40s. Back then, a beige sculpted cheek was achieved with heavy matte textures and a snowstorm of powder but today that looks dated and unforgiving, especially if you're not in the first flush of youth, as it exaggerates any fine lines. What works now is a combination of highlighting your cheekbones, then shading in tones of warm sand to enhance your natural complexion.
Start with a sheer base. Then, using a brush, the trick is to sweep a cream highlighter over yourcheekbones, making sure you take it up to your brow bone and out to your hairline, patting away any sharp edges with your ring finger. Then smudge a tawny blusher, in a large 'C' shape in the hollows under your cheekbones, and dab away any shine on your T-zone.
Smoky eyes always appear on autumn/winter catwalks, but this season charcoal has been abandoned in favour of flashes of burnished gold and velvety purple. It creates drama but still keeps the look romantic. Start by sweeping a golden shadow over the lid to create a beautiful sheen. Then use a dark purple in the outer corner to open up the eye. Build on this effect by curling your lashes. It creates mini vertical lines on both sides of the eye, widening them and letting in more light so the whites look brighter. Follow with a coat of black mascara, then add a touch of metallic mascara to the lash tips to the catch the light.
This look is a balancing act: the more dramatic the eye, the more low-key the lip. Nude lips work best, beige with a hint of pink suits paler skin, while warmer shades of peach and toffee work well on darker complexions.
 |
The 1920s-esque look of deep lips teamed with taupe eye-shadow is also becoming increasingly popular. If you're nervous about a dark pout, remember there are a variety of textures to choose from, and tricks to give you a hint of colour without the intensity. For an easy-to-wear look, make the middle of your lips the darkest. Apply a creamy plum colour to the centre of your bottom lip and cupid's bow. Gently pat the colour across your lips, both with a tissue, then pat again.
The catwalks are also awash with crimson lips. It's the one detail that provides instant Hollywood glamour. First dab foundation over your lips to stop the colour bleeding. Outline them with red liner, then apply your lipstick with a brush for extra precision. With such a bold mouth, stick to smoky taupes on the eyes, swished around the socket and winged out at the corners is the most flattering shape. Finally, run a little black liner near the base of the lashes, following the natural shape of the eye, and comb through two coats of mascara.
The 10-minute Hair Glamouriser
Pack away those straighteners – the 'Veronica' style (inspired by pin-up Veronica Lake), with its soft, cascading waves, is the retro look of the moment, it's elegant and sexy. To get the look, use a pea-sized amount of original hair serum, on the ends of your hair. Then take a large, round-bristle brush and blow-dry to a smooth finish. Comb the hair into a deep side-parting, then gather about an inch and a half off your hair line on both sides and feed into curling tongs. Wrap the hair diagonally to create an outward, loose wave, leaving the crown of your head flat. Finally, run a brush through it to soften the waves.
Creating Smoky EyesThe beauty secrets for the sultry evening look
1. Blend a little foundation or concealer over your eyelids to hide any redness and create a smooth base, then set with a light dusting of translucent powder. Next, starting at the outer corner of the upper lash line, push the tip of a black eyeliner pencil between the roots of the lashes.
2. Working all the way along the upper lash line, build up the colour intensity between and around the lashes. This gives your eyes definition and makes your lashes look thicker.3. Using a small, pointed brush, apply a dark grey powder eye-shadow along the upper lash line. Smudge and blend it well with the pencil line.4. Apply a silver grey cream eye-shadow above the eyeliner, blending it up to the socket crease. This provides an ideal base for the powder eye-shadow to adhere to and also gives a flattering, shimmery effect.5. Apply a little more dark grey powder eye-shadow to the lower part of the lid, taking it upwards from the lash line and gentlyblending the colours together.6. Use a black eyeliner pencil inside the upper lid and along the lower lid, staying as close as possible to the lash roots. Finish with black mascara for added definition. •
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