How Low Can You Go?

Lets play a game of eyeshadow limbo. When it comes to getting a little smudgy under the peepers – how low can you go? An Olsen-esque downward smudge of epic shadowy proportions, a barely there ‘squint and you see it’ line or heck none at all? It’s a topic I’ve been pondering this week after spending long lengths of time I wouldn’t like to admit to pouring over pictures of the aforementioned Mary-Kate and Ashley on Pinterest. And I’ve come to the conclusion that I rather enjoy a bit of under eye shadow action. Ãœber easy to execute and acts as a bit of a ‘I’ve made an effort today’ makeup indicator. So I’ve cobbled together a few tips on how to get low when it comes to eyeshadow limbo…

Shadowy shade. This bit is the toughie – getting the colour right. Too dark and it starts to look racoon-like, too red toned and you begin to look like you’re suffering from a case of pink eye. I like to keep things more taupey. A slight shimmer running through it differentiates from your natural shadows and a good taupe flatters all. In the picture above I’m rocking NARS’ Ondine, but Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No.22 Pale Barley or Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze get roped in for this job often.

Time to get smudgy. Got your smudge-e, now to find your smudge-r. I like to use whatever fluffy blending brush I used in the crease, for a diffused halo of colour – yep that MAC 217 will do. But a smaller and more thinly nibbed pencil brush will work directly under those lashes for a more concentrated line of colour if that’s more your desired outcome. Or you can always regress to a good ol’ cotton bud.

Concealer, concealer, concealer. Whenever you play around with makeup under the eye, concealer is part of the package. Without it things can get a little ‘baggy‘. Of course I’m going to put Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer up for this role, but the Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Cream is starting to grow on me or Collection 2000’s Illuminating Concealer if you fancy some extra zing.

Mascara is your mate. I’m not a regular bottom lash mascara wearer, but when I decide to channel my inner-Olsen (pah!), out it comes. Sometimes I just do a quick once over which whatever I’m lacquering up my top lashes with (currently MaxFactor’s False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara), though I can find this sometimes results in me wearing more mascara on my skin than my actual lashes. So when I want to go all out I reach for Clinique’s Bottom Lash Mascara. Sounds so faddy, but it’s seriously good stuff. Gives just the right oomph of definition and doesn’t budge. Like, not one bit.

Get in line. If rocking a bit of colour below the lashline is a bit of a no no for you, ease yourself in with some liner. Skip the waterline and get dotting between your lashes, blend out with your fingers and you’re done. Pair with some baggy garb, textured locks and a jaunty hat – is that you Ashley? 

*Cheers, claps and hollers* How low can you go? How low can you go? How low can you go? Discuss.