The look
The giant black patch around the eyes, inspired by the oriental Panda bear, are now in fashion. Certainly very dramatic, this look is rocking the fashion scene like crazy. Carrying it off will not be very easy; surely it is a style for the eccentric and adventurous as not all people will be at ease wearing this look. Nevertheless, you can try it out for a costume party or on a zany night out at a club, or go for the toned down version of the look. The look also blends well into dark setting like parties held in the evening or at night.
Trend inspiration
The heavily rimmed intense eyes are back. Inspired by the Egyptian fashion trends, most autumn/winter fashion line ups had models fancying the look. The trend made a heavy overcast on the Gucci and Rodarte runaways; it was a rage at their spring 2012 fashion shows.
Famous celebs who rocked the look
Sported by stars like Victoria Beckham and Emma Watson, this look is also a favorite with Duchess of Cambridge, Kate and her sister Pippa. Carol Vorderman was also spotted with exaggerated eyes lately and they were also seen on Sex and the City starlet, Sarah Jessica Parker. It was also worn by models in one the latest editions of the British Vogue. Even the Pirates star Keira Knightley and the pop sensation Dannii Minogue decked up in Kohl rimmed eyes. On the November issue of Harperâs Bazaar, the front cover shows Kate Winslet pulling on the panda eye look.
Get the look now
There are two ways to wear this look, fill in a full circle shape with black or try a smaller oval colored black figure, which contours only the eyelids. You can tone it down further by applying a very thick black liner all over your eyelids and emphasizing the upper and lower rims of your eyes also.
You will need the following supplies to deck up in this look:
a) Foundation
b) Eyeliner (pot or cake eyeliner will be best)
c) Eyeshadow primer
d) Black eye shadow
e) Smokey eyes eye-shade palette
f) Mascara
g) Brown eye pencil (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare a base for your eyes with the foundation or eyeshadow primer. Ensure that the eyes look even toned and all dark circles and blemishes have been masked.
2. Outline the crease of your eyes in black with either an eyeshadow or pencil. Cream eyeshadow is best for this, but you can also use pressed powder eyeshadow, eye pencil or a gel liner.
3. Contour both the upper as well as the lower lash line with an eye pencil or kohl. If you are comfortable, you can also use a cake or pot liner to outline them. Draw a streak just along the rim of your eyes, this makes them really stand out. The outlined rims on the upper and lower lash line should meet at both the corners of your eyes.
4. When outlining the upper eye lash, make a winged extension on the outer corner of the eye. This one small addition is crucial to get the look right.
5. Now take the eyeshadow or smokey eyes palette and blend faintly around the edges.
6. Next, highlight the brow bone. You can use more black eyeshadow for this if you want. But if you are going for the softer panda eyes, then use white, silver or even foundation near the brows.
7. Color in with a brown or black pencil wherever required.
8. Don a heavy mascara on your upper lashes. Do not forget to apply mascara to your lower lashes as well.
Beauty expert tips
This all-black intense do can make you look older, so watch out before you fig out in this fancy eye makeup. Katie Reedman, a renowned make up artist, warns people from wearing it too heavily. It can make you look way to mature, which is not a good thing when you are standing right next to your beau or looking older than the rest of the crowd.
Avoid using liquid liner for this style as it comes out too strong and adds years on your face. Go for gel based liner or and black pencil instead.
For a softer look, mix gray and black instead of using only black when coloring the eyes. A touch of silver will also do wonders if you are going out for a party.
Gals with blonde hair should avoid doing this style in all black. A brown, blue or grey would be a better pick for them. Also, if you are above 50, use only brown or grey for achieving the look.
Keep makeup on rest of the face to bare minimum with these deep-set panda eyes. A light foundation and power will do. Apply a subtle blush if you must.