Why a Metallic Smoky Eye Is Always a Good Idea

From: Lauren at InStyle - Saturday Dec 16,2023 09:01 pm

I’m fresh off a trip to Miami, where the combination of warmth, humidity, and Glow Recipe’s new Cloudberry Bright essence toner has left my skin looking brighter and more dewy than it’s been in months. My reinvigorated complexion arrives just in time for the marathon stretch of holiday festivities—including hosting my own tonight! While I’ve chosen a party dress, my makeup look is still up in the air. A metallic smoky eye is a natural choice (more on that below!). Still, the objets d'art beauty story from our Celebration Issue has me lusting over a punchy lip from Fara Homidi’s perfect powder blue lip compact. Tune in next week to see where things land!

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director

BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK

“Using a toner right after [cleansing] when the skin is still damp will help seal in the moisture and product.”

— Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group

PHOTO: LAUREN VALENTI

TREND TEST

While I’ll wear a metallic smoky eye any day, there’s no denying ‘tis the season! Last month, Bobbi Brown makeup artist Yuby Leoce gave me a set of smoked-out molten gold lids that felt both festive and edgy thanks to some tactful dark shading. Using the brand’s new City Glamour eyeshadow palette, she blended on the gilded Sunrise shade before smudging it out in black toward the outer corners for a more sultry effect. Naturally, bleached brows only upped the drama!

EMPTY OF THE WEEK

Dr. Loretta’s Gental Hydrating Cleanser

After a long night out, I want—make that need—my makeup to slip right off of my face. No fuss, no muss! On my path of least resistance, Dr. Loretta’s Gental Hydrating Cleanser continues to be a blessing. It’s a refreshing, silky gel cleanser that glides on and spreads satisfyingly quickly while gently removing the day. Thanks to ingredients like hydration-boosting marine peptide and calming chamomile flower, my skin is left feeling soft, supple, and blissfully cleansed for a night of much-needed beauty rest.

BUY IT

PHOTO: Lauren Valenti

Q+A with Lauren

How do you keep curls healthy and hydrated between daily diffusing and natural wear and tear?

A: There’s no way around it: Deep conditioning treatments are the be-all-end-all for keeping curls strong and springy—especially if you color your hair and/or style with heat. Personally, my routine goes something like this: Wet my hair so that it’s damp but not sopping, and rake a buttery treatment like Oribe’s Moisture & Control or Curlsmith’s Hydro Creme Soothing Mask from the roots to the ends, concentrating extra product on the mids to ends, which need the most TLC. Then, I twist my hair up using Pattern’s claw clip (which is great for thicker curly and coily hair) and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Do this regularly and the result will be curls that are noticeably silkier and defined, guaranteed.

Read More on InStyle.com

10 Expert-Approved Tips for Taking Care of Curly Hair →

The 15 Best Curly Hair Products →

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