Why One Vogue Editor Swears by This Eye Makeup Taboo

Eyeliner aficionadas tend to fall into two camps: those who favor a flick of black on the upper lid à la Brigitte Bardot, and smoky-eye types who draw all the way around the rim. But to me, a bit of textured smudge along the lower eye—and nowhere else—makes for a much more daring look. Though some tutorials call the technique taboo—apparently it makes your eyes appear smaller—I’ve always found it accentuates and sharpens my almond-shaped, puppy-dog brown gaze, making it feel angular, geometric, from a much cooler galaxy. And I’m not alone: My great friend, designer Delfina Delettrez, almost always sticks to lining her lower lid.

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Vogue editor Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis (right) wears the look at a party in Paris.

Photo: Courtesy of Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis

How to get the look? When I want a bit of extra swagger, I paint a sharp black line inside my lower eye, then smudge a little with a Q-tip, sometimes applying gray eyeshadow for an extra-smoky effect. I might then add some mascara, but often I don’t bother. There’s something cool about this look when it begins to wear off: Whether clubbing, dancing, swimming, whatever you do, it ages well. Recently, I’ve resurrected the technique in a slightly more colorful manner, thanks to NARS’s ingenious Larger Than Life pencils. They’re long-lasting, don’t require a sharpener (you just twist them), and best of all, they come in the most scrumptious shades, like silky blues, turquoises, and purples. Why not go two-tone or dab a touch of gold into the corners of your eyes? Be brave and get coloring.

 

 

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