Black is a basic color. A staple in every closet and always a safe bet. What about using black in makeup? John Galliano used black in his fashion show a few seasons ago. Black is being used in unconventional ways and it makes a statement. It’s the opposite of what we are supposed to see in cosmetic trends and that is what makes it refreshing. Fashionistas, black doesn’t have to look ugly. There are ways to make this trend wearable for everyday use.
Dark nails are perfect for this (winter) season.While black nails are hard to pull off in the summer, they are much more acceptable in the winter, when our general color pallate is dark as well. Chanel nail polish colors are always fabulous. The colors are like nothing you have seen before. Every season, Chanel nails it! They offer Black Satin (straight black) to Blue Satin (blackish blue) to Vamp (purplish black). I remember wearing Vamp in my sophomore year of high school. I like layering Deborah Lippman’s Birthday Cake (a glittery top coat) to add a little sparkle on every other nail.
Black lipgloss is my new favorite makeup item. Givenchy makes a wearable one. It has a gel-like consistency and when applied the color is very sheer. It gives a slight grey color. The lipgloss is really easy use to wear and it looks very cool in the bottle!
Darker lashes make your eyes look bigger. Super black mascara is brightening. It adds drama and makes your eyes pop. For lighter skin tones, I recommend going with brown. L’Oreal and Maybelline sell mascaras in a rich black and brown hues. Another alternative is tinting your lashes black.
Using black in eyeshadows is an easy way to create the smoky effect with more depth. Nars Cosmetics’ “Night Series” has colors that mix black with other tones and the eyeshadoows have a hint of sparkle. For example, Night Porter is greenish-gold black eyeshadow with gold flecks. I like putting this color in the outer corner of my eye when I use taupe and green eyeshadows.
I also like YSL’s latest “Black Collection.” It is reminiscent of Revlon’s “High Dimension“collection from 2001. The “Black Collection” is comprised of creme eyeliner pots and mascaras in matching shades. The colors are mixed with black. Think blackish-blue, blackish-purple and so forth. You'll get a metallic hue with gold or silver undertones and a hint of black. The creme eyeliner has long staying power. YSL is one of my favorite mascara makers. Rich long-lasting color, no flaking, major volume and the tube doesn’t dry out. For a double effect, pair the creme eyeliner with the corresponding eyeshadow shade from the Nars “Night Series” collection.
When I think of the color black and fragrances, Black Orchid by Tom Ford comes to mind. A musky scent created with black orchid essence. I also like Dior’s Pure Poison. These fragrances offer one of a kind scents and are great for a special night out when you need something memorable. One spritz goes a long way.
Black (in beauty products) is sexy. It reminds me of film noir, my favorite film genre. Like the ladies of the silver screen, you’ll need confidence to wear this trend. Explore the darker side and try something black in your daily routine!
xoxo Sunny