Once believed to be the exclusive domain of goth or rock lovers, black has become one of the hottest beauty trends du jour. From smouldering kohl-rimmed eyes to sultry black nails or even sheer black gloss on the lips for the more adventurous, this hue can look deliciously edgy. “Black is a classic, very similar to red in many ways. It requires a certain level of daring to be worn well. The hard-rock image of men in black lipstick and nails might have dissuaded women from experimenting with this look but all that is changing. If used well, black can be playful or classic and can easily be worn at all ages. Younger users can be bolder while others could try creating sophistication with black, using the hue in moderation and blending with other shades,” says Deepa Bhatia, product manager, Lancôme India.

When using black, the most important thing is to focus on one feature at a time and not overdo it to avoid looking garish. “Also, you can only carry off as much black as your personality allows”, believes Cory Walia, make-up expert, Lakmé. Finally, this shade is best left for the evening. As Charmaine Rao, make-up artist, YSL puts it “black is glamourous after the sun sets.”

• Nailing It
  “If you’re using black on your nails, make sure your nails are cut properly. Worn on nails that are too long, it could look tacky. Too short nails could end up looking messy. So ensure that your nails are clean and neat,” says Annabel Callum, make-up representative for www.talkperfection.com. Finally, top black nail polish with a transparent top coat to make nails shine, advises Rao.
• Lip Service
  “Not very wearable, this trend is more suited for fashion make-up but if you’re daring enough to try it, wear nude lipstick with black gloss. Alternatively, you can use dark plum shades that look more subtle,” suggests Meeta Awatramani, training manager, Clarins India. “If you’re wearing black on lips, eyes and nails should be neutral. Use pinkish-beige shades on eyes with neutral colours and a French manicure on nails. Hair tied back in a chignon with a classic cocktail dress works well,” says Rao.
• Eye Do
  The smoky eyes look is classic and eternally in fashion. Start with less, then intensify colour gradually. Under-eye circles must be concealed perfectly first. Finish off the look with mascara to open up the eyes and intensify the effect. Awatramani’s pick is Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base. When using black on the eyes, always create a barrier of loose powder under the eyes to avoid spillage of colour from ruining your foundation. Subtle and smooth shading with metallics—gold and silver—layered over the black looks ultra glam, Walia says.

BLACK TO THE FUTURE

1. CLARINS – JAZZY COLOURS KHOL EYE PENCIL
2. ESTÉE LAUDER – DOUBLE WEAR MASCARA AND EYELINER
3. BOURJOIS – OMBRE STRETCH SIMPLIFIEE
4. L’ORÉAL PARIS – MINERALS POWDER LINER
5. YSL – LA LAQUE N° 35
6. LAKMÉ – EYE ARTIST
7. YSL – PURE GLOSS N° 49
8. CHANEL – LES OMBRES 4 SMOKY EYES
9. LANCÔME – COLOR FEVER GLOSS 040
10. LANCÔME – LE VERNIS 011

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