The resplendent Heidi Klum (left), shimmering eyes matching her staple sequins; January Jones looking like femininity made flesh
The gorgeous gowns gracing this year's Emmy Awards may have been the focal point for fashion observers, but we beauty people were frantically scribbling annotations on the marvelous makeup on show. One red-carpet trend which caught our eye was the luminous inner corners of the eyes of some of our favourite style icons.
We particularly like how January Jones paired her delicate Givenchy number with an equally romantic wash of pale rose on her lids, the feminine shade melting into silvery white at the corners. Lovely!
Accenting eye makeup with a touch of highlighter at the corners is one of the easiest and highest-impact trick in the book. The glimmering effect as light falls on your face masks fatigue and gives the illusion of wider, bigger peepers. Make like January Jones and company and give this look a try. Here's how:
1. First, an unfortunate caveat. If you have wide-set eyes, give highlighter on the inner corners a miss, as it'll stretch out your features even more.
2. Think festive. Champagne, pearly rosé and silver lend luster to most complexions. Just remember that the highlight should be the palest, shiniest shade in your palette. Using a darker, matte shadow on the crease creates textural contrast, and prevents your lids from looking unflatteringly oily.
Tip: If you are well, a woman of a certain age, avoid pearlescent shadow except at the innermost corners, as the mica formulation of high-sheen shadow tends to gather in fine lines and will accentuate your crow's feet.
Padma Lakshmi (left) looking like a delicious Top Chef creation with her silvery blue peepers; Claire Danes opted for a subtle gold twinkle to go with her very on-trend orange lips
3. Use a soft, small brush with a blunt, eraser-shaped end to apply the highlighter at the inner corners, after shadow and liner. Give the brush a brisk swirl in the shade of your choice, then deftly dab it into the V-shaped area between the innermost part of your eye and the bridge of your nose. Finish with lashings of mascara (or falsies for night, if you like).
4. For day, smudge outwards into your lids so that there is no distinct demarcation between the various colours on your eye. This will create a soft, "halo" effect. For night, amp up the drama by leaving it as is and not blending. The intensely pigmented, high-shine "triangle" at the inner corners will really pop at a dimly lit ballroom soiree.
5. The brow bone will benefit from the same treatment. Using the same highlighting hue as the one at your inner corners, extend the shade up and out under your eyebrows. Blend lightly with clean, warm fingers. Tip: avoid using a blush-coloured highlighter on your brow bones, as the pinkish tones will make your lids look puffy and inflamed.
Follow the tips above and you're on your way to making everyday an Emmys day!