Beauty: Back To Black

Tamara Hinson

10/09/09

Find out how to perfect the art of black magic...

Whether it’s lashings of black mascara or a smoky eye, black eye makeup is definitely back with a vengeance. A good mascara is essential – opt for the deepest, darkest black such as Boots No7 Extravagant Lashes Mascara in black for £11.50. The clever brush provides effortless coverage for huge lashes and unbeatable, eye-opening volume, which is crucial when it comes to making the eye area stand out.

It’s important to remember that although a smoky, smudged eye may well be big this season, behind the scenes it’s actually all about a neat, carefully applied look. Bobbi Brown's Perfectly Defined Mascara, £17.00 is available is one shade – black – and comes with an ultra slim brush that effortlessly coats the smallest of lashes.

Chanel’s mascaras are undeniably some of the best out there, and their Super Lash-Strengthening and Lash Separating Mascara, £20.50, remains one of my favourite products (pictured right). As someone with a tendency for clumsiness, the super-slim brush is truly a lifesaver while the long-wearing formula makes the finest lashes stand out.

A good eyeliner pencil is also essential – opt for a waterproof one such as Lancome's Crayon Khol Waterproof in Raisin Noir, £17.00 from Boots.com. The gorgeously creamy consistency makes for effortless application while the waterproof formula means it won’t smudge or fade. If, on the other hand, you like your eyeliner smudegable, opt for Clarins Kohl Eye Pencil in Extreme Black (£12.00) – this versatile eyeliner combines a fabulously creamy consistency with a tapered shape that makes precise application a breeze.

If you’re not used to using dark eye shadow, Too Faced's Smoky Eye Kit for £22.00, is an essential piece of kit. With nine gorgeous shades, two brushes and a step-by-step guide to creating three different looks, it’s a great way to experiment with darker shades while avoiding the goth look.

Depending on your skin tone, black eye makeup has a tendancy to leave you looking somewhat washed-out and a dark red lip gloss or stain can be a great way to introduce some colour. Opt for a sheer, satiny finish such as Laura Mercier's Lip Stain £15.66 in Scarlet or her ultra hydrating Creme Lip Colour at £17.62 in Indian Summer.

Finally, this autumn’s dark makeup can put the toughest of makeup removers to the test, so unless you want to wake up looking like a panda, a good makeup remover is essential. Korres Jasmine Eye Makeup Remover (£12.20) contains a skin friendly combination of revitalising calendula and cucumber which removes the most stubborn of eye makeup while strengthening lashes and soothing skin.