To offset Tracy Reese’s flirty and feminine designs on the catwalk in New York City not too long ago, her models wore a smouldering, sultry eye (designed by Maybelline New York Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer) that was just absolutely captivating and provided just the right amount of edge with the use of heavy eyeliner.

Seeing this makeup look reminded me of the number one question that I get asked, “how do I keep my eyeliner from smudging?” To get an eyeliner that remains undisturbed for a better part of the day or night, I’d use Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black ($9.99, ulta.com). The benefit of using a gel liner is that the color doesn’t wipe away as quickly as standard pencil eyeliners do and you still get the same definition. The key here is staying power.

Tip: Gel liners tend to dry out, so make sure to keep the lid closed when not in use.

With such a dramatic eye, it’s best to tone the rest of your look down with a natural lip like Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Totally Toffee.  Anything other than a subtle lipcolor for this look is a huge mistake.                     

Here’s how to find the right nude lipcolor for your skin tone:

Beige: Light skin. Usually burns. Stick with shades that have a little pink or apricot in them. 

Bronze: White or olive skin. Sometimes burns. Consider yourself lucky because you can wear a vast majority of all nude shades.

Golden:  Brown skin. Rarely burns. Mocha shades are a good bet. Stay away from cool colors like silver shades.

Deep: Dark brown skin. Rarely burns. Stick with chocolate shades and golden browns.

Whatever shade of nude you choose, remember to use a lipliner that’s at least one shade darker.  

Hue Knew It? I did.