I feel like I keep seeing bold eye-and-lip looks everywhere in the fall collections! Most of the time when I do something dramatic with my eyes, like a smokey look, I pair ’em with nude lips, but not so much lately. Lately I’ve been liking looks with two strong focal points, like eyes and lips — on account of my new makeup mantra: no fear.
I dunno if this is something I’d wear to Target…but for a night on the town? Sure, why not?
Wearing the Urban Decay Smoked Palette on my eyes and NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Rouge Tribal on my lips; both are new for fall 2012.
What’s your take on it? Do you ever wear looks with bold eyes and lips?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S.
Iris says
You look beautiful.
I’d wear bold eyes and lips. 🙂 I’ve done it in the past for special events.
Karen says
Thank you, Iris! I hope you’re having nice Friday so far.
Marilyn Gonzalez says
I’ve loved bold eyes and lips for a long time!!! Definitely a “no fear” look!!! Most likely b/c it can be tricky to pull off! I think people are sometimes not sure!! But a great bold pairing is fierce….which you have done perfectly!!!! Get it girl!!!!
Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog says
I do it pretty often because nude lips look awful on me and if I don’t do a full eye I get a lot of “Are you feeling all right?” and “Are you tired?” type of comments. I’m not saying I’ll do a super smokey eye with a thick matte red lip for a lunch date but I don’t follow the one or the other rule that often.
Karen says
Hi Leah,
What are your go-to combos for bold eyes and lips?
Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog says
I’m always obsessed with the Prelude and Mystic Eyes Quads from Chanel and I’ve been loving Revlon Colorstay Gloss in Bordeaux. It’s a nice rich color and for a gloss it’s very creamy. A little Nars Orgasm on the cheeks and a few coats of Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara and I’m ready to go!
Sonya says
Great look! I don’t go bold eyes/lips often, but when I do I tend to keep the eyes neutral, smokey, and matte (so dramatic, but not so colorful that it clashes with the lips).
Karen says
Good idea, Sonya!
Liz says
You look nice. I think it’s also because you have delicate facial feautures that you can pull off the look. Eyes can be dramatic without being smoky. I don’t like the way smoky eyes look with dramatic lips, especially on me becuase I have fairly big lips. I would do somewhat dramatic eyes with a bold lip.
Karen says
Thank you, Liz!
Beverly Johnson says
Yes I do, sometimes…
Karen says
Yay! What are your fave bold lips to wear out, Beverly?
Katrina says
I would do it for a night out, yes. I would try not to go too shimmery. I think you did it right with the classic smokey and red lip!
Karen says
Point taken! Or maybe shimmer on one and not the other?
Nina says
TGIF!
It’s rare for me to do that since my default lip product is a lip balm. Ill remember to wear lipsticks sometimes but really, most of mine sit in my vanity unused.
I do crazy eyes almost everyday – today its MAC Golden Lemon Pigment and Going Bananas eyeshadow on the lids and Bloodline pigment on the crease. 😀
Karen says
Hi Nina,
AHHH, Going Bananas! I love the name of that color, LOL! I am picturing your eye look…all you need is false lashes!
Nina says
I ddint do falsies today since we’re not really going anywhere after work. I did do 2 coats of mascara and my lashes are huge today! 🙂
Going Bananas is an apt name for my state on Monday mornings!
Kiss & Make-up says
Hm, I probably would’t. I always go for heavy focus on the eyes and a nude or glossy lip. You wear this look well, though. So for a special occassion, why not.
Karen says
Happy Friday! What are your fave nude shades?
Ruchita says
I rarely do the bold eyes and lips combo. It would be a bit much for every day, but I agree it’s a pretty night-time look.
TGIF! I’m looking forward sleeping in on Saturday. 🙂
Karen says
TGIF to you too! What are you doing this weekend? I think we’re going to drive north to see the in-laws.
Emily says
You look great Karen!
I think that bold eye and lip looks are best for certain occasions. I wouldn’t wear both everyday to work or school, but for sure an evening outing or special occasion I would work them both.
Karen says
Thanks, Emily! 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice Friday so far!
Teri says
I do sometimes! Not everyone can pull it off tho, and you need to think a bit about how and what you will be using. Also, I would not wear this during the day obviously :p. I’m crazy in love with the UD smokey palette, you wear it so well that I’m lemming it big time now!
Karen says
Hi Teri,
That palette is a lot of fun! One of the cool things is that it comes with this booklet with different tutorials for smokey looks. Kinda fun when you’re in the mood to try something new!
Phyrra says
Yes, I’m guilty of that. I have hooded eyes, so I sometimes feel like that lets me get away with bold eyes and bold lips. It doesn’t help that I am addicted to bright fuchsia lipsticks 😛
Karen says
I thoroughly believe that you can never have enough bright fuchsia lipstick in your life! What are your fave shades, Phyrra?
Phyrra says
Morgana Cryptoria Troll Repellant (technically not a fuchsia, but super bright pink-purple), MAC Quick Sizzle, MAC Show Orchid, Illamasqua Atomic, Too Faced Fuchsia Shock, Urban Decay Trainwreck…
Trisha says
Yep, and your pictures are proof that it can totally work. You look awesome!
But I only do it sometimes. Mostly, I just like to keep my lips bare. Not for any reason other than it’s just easier not to worry about what my lipstick is doing.
Karen says
Hi Trisha,
I hear ya. Sometimes it’s just easier with those low maintenance shades. What are your fave nude lip colors?
Clare @ The Blossom Shed says
What a fabulous look – love the smoky grays with the deeper lip. Hmph. Now I’m going to have to go and take a look at that palette – I’ve never met a gray I didn’t love…
Karen says
Hi Clare,
Me too. The gray I used primarily in this look Is Asphalt. It’s a good color! Just make sure to tap off your brush well to avoid any fallout.
Katie says
Yes, yes, yes! I understand the “pick one feature” guideline, but, as your fabulous pictures show, bold eyes and lips don’t have to veer into clown makeup territory! It’s not like the person has bold brows AND cheeks, too. But, hey, if that’s you want, too, more power to you. Cosmetics should always be comfortable and fun to the individual.
Karen says
Exactly! 🙂
Yelena says
u look great! i like it! probably cuz ur blush is not so dramatic. whatcha wearin?
Karen says
Hi Yelena,
I’m wearing Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Gilded on the back of my cheeks and Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie on the apples of my cheeks.
Chris25 says
I love doing bold eyes/bold lips on models. Here’s one I did on Hendrika: http://themakeuptrain.com/2011/09/20/makeup-breakdowns-smokey-brown-eyes-on-hendrika-neely/
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
You definitely rock the bold eye/lip look! I don’t know that I would, but that’s because I’m still easing my way into wearing “real” lipstick!!!
Sarah S. says
Well, Karen, this beautiful look is all the convincing I need to rock bold eyes and lips at the same time 🙂 Well done!
Ankita@corallista says
I’m all for bold lips and eyes, it works well for special occasions! You look stunning, love how you’ve worn a sheer glossy dark lip instead of a heavier one, its looking great!
angie says
Bold eyes and lips, hmmmm!
I do that combo almost everyday 😛 I especially love doing a silvery grey smoky eye paired with Nars schiap in the summer— it’s my go to look 😛
Winters I do dark blue/ green smoky eyes and rich burgundy lips
I think I am am able to pull it off because of my coloring though… Hehe
TGIF to you too, Karen!
Lulle says
I sometimes do. It’s usually a smoky eye paired with a dark, or even red lipcolor. I don’t think it’s too much if you don’t add a ton of jewelry or wear super sexy clothes. I usually do that with neutral clothes (jeans, black or gray shirt), no earrings, minimal accessories, simple pony tail or updo.
I absolutely love the look you’re wearing on these pictures, and it’s totally something I could do, although my skintone is much lighter than yours. You look stunning here!
amanda says
Honestly, it depends! The way you wear it, you look so beautiful and well put together. But I don’t think wearing bright red lips with blue eyeshadow is very flattering. I prefer to have one focus of the face, either the eyes or the lips. Great post!
– Amanda
Makeupbymandaleigh.blogspot.com
Rachel B. says
Wow! You look so glamorous!
Rachel B. says
Ooops, pardon me, forgot to add: getting ready for the Emmys?
kat says
you look gorgeous! who ever said we can’t do a bold lip with a dramatic eye? that tank is stunning, too!
Alice says
I do all the time!
Please take a look at my fashion illlustrations and art:
http://aliceauxpaysenchantes.blogspot.co.uk/
Xxx
Katherine G says
Bold eyes and bold lips look great on you! I think both at the same time look a bit costumey on me but maybe I am just not used to the effects yet. I love doing a bold eye and will often do crazy combos like MUFE bright yellow with neon orange and neon pink, watercolor eyes, bird of paradise eyes (usually mixing yellow, green and blue and blending the lines between the colors), sunset eyes, blue ocean eyes, and my current favorite is using Fishnet, AC/DC, Pistol, and Woodstock all together. If I do a bold lip (which is fairly new for me since I prefer balms), I keep my eyes fairly neutral.
Deretta says
Love both together, though my bold eye may not be quiet as bold as yours! Love red lips – this new Nars color is calling my name!
Lorraine ER says
I don’t but I really want to I just haven’t had the time lately.
The main reason I’m commenting though is because I had to tell you that you look AMAZING in these pics, you should definitely rock this look wherever and whenever the mood strikes,
You always look pretty but I guess I just love this look even more than most!
Cibele says
Your best make ever! So beautiful!
(Brazil)
Lisha says
Oh, those pictures are GORGEOUS, Karen!
Just needed to comment and let you know. 🙂
& Yes, I do. Fearlessness = your best friend in all things make-up. (And actualy just … life. But don’t let me get all philosophical on an early saturday morning. I’d bore y’all back to sleep. ;))
xxx Lisha
Alison says
I love smoky eyes and bold lips, and think people should wear them more often! Sometimes a nude lip can actually wash you out whereas a bold lip can balance your eye, particularly if you have depth of colouring. I’d tend to go for a more natural lip with a smoky eye, a “my lips but better” or slightly amped up/flushed than a nude lip because I find that nudes wash me out and this is a more approachable option. I would rock the smoky eye and bold lip for evening, for sure.
artemis says
I do! (I did with red lips and heavy cat eyes with dark grey eyeshadow on the bottom lids recently.
I really like your look here 😀 I should get a dark-reddish-plummy shade of lipstick or gloss too 😀 i’ll see if there are any at the drugstore 😀
denise says
I look washed out with pale lips.When I attempt a neutral lip I don’t look as good! I love me some coral,bright pink and occasionally red lips And I always emphasize my eyes, with shadow liner and mascara usually smoked out to some degree.
Emma says
I tend to wear bold on both my eyes and lips accidently… i am so pale it seems like it will happen anyway – might as well embrace it!
http://theaccessory-streetstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Stef Smith says
I don’t do bold lips and bold eyes at the same time. I love the look, it just makes me look way overdone. I love when you smile in pictures Karen, you look so cute with a big smile!
Tina C says
Holy smokes!! You look amazing Karen!
Pamela says
Wow, girl! You look HOT! A beauty look to copy for sure!
Shachee says
I found stilla makeup pallette I had been looking forever at Sephora:)
Kim says
You always look great but, seriously, you look like a supermodel in these pics. If I found a makeup combo that made me look that good, I’d be wearing it every day!! 🙂
Sue Lin says
Woah….you look really fab going all out. I love how fresh this looks, especially with your hair tied back. Don’t usually do falsies but I love rocking the red lip every now and then.
Ru says
Generally, dark lip colors don’t look very good on me so when I do a bold lip it’s usually a brighter color. So I try not to do both the eyes and lips though I love the drama sometimes and I have done it. I mainly don’t do it because I don’t want people to think I look gaudy.
But boy Karen do you look stunning in that look.