Lupita Nyong’o in custom Gucci at the SAG Awards 2014 red carpet
Image © Gucci
Who is Lupita Nyong’o? Why, only the official new It girl of Tinseltown.
Here’s why you need to know her name – and how to pronounce it (say “lew-PEET-tuh en-YON-go”.) The 30-year-old’s astounding performance in the unflinchingly brutal pre-Civil War period piece 12 Years a Slave has amassed her an armload of awards – Best Supporting Actress at the Screen Actors’ Guild, Best Supporting Actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards – all of which seems scarcely believable, given that the role was Lupita’s first ever acting gig.
Also scarcely believable is the Yale graduate’s staggering sense of style. Beauty observers have much to admire, not least of which is Lupita’s luminous skin and fearless approach to colour.
Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose says Lupita’s gorgeous gradient lids at the SAG Awards red carpet were directly inspired by her choice of outfit – a custom Gucci crepe column gown embellished with floral detailing at the decolletage, if you’re keeping track.
“Her dress is this gorgeous green colour that has all of these beautiful flowers across the chest, so I wanted to do something with the eyes that reminded me of butterflies,” Barose said.
Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Fascination, $87, Limited Edition Le Crayon Khol in Peche Cuivre, $32, and Ombre Essentielle in Amethyst, $48
To recreate Lupita’s butterfly wing eyes at home, try a medley of iridescent purple and teal hues. First, press a really bright turquoise (try Chanel Quadra Eyeshadow in Fascination, $87) in the corners for pop (see our guide on “opening” up the eyes with inner highlighting), then sweep on a wash of plum on the outer socket and along the lower lash line; we like Chanel’s Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Amethyst, $48.
For extra dimension, Lupita’s brow bone was gilded with a glimmering gold cream pencil; try Chanel’s Limited Edition Intense Eye Pencil in Peche Cuivre, $32. Next, use a soft-bristled shadow brush (invest in these five must-have makeup brushes) to blend the edges together for a diffuse, feminine finish. And because the colours are so punchy, all you need to pull the look together is a slick of mascara on the upper lashes.
Best part of this look? Purples are some of the most universally flattering hues – which may explain why so many girls walking the Spring 2014 runway were sporting similar pastel shadows. If you’re blessed with Lupita’s alluring complexion, you can take to deeper violets and jewel-toned amethysts, while fairer girls will fare well with soft lilacs and lavenders. Have fun experimenting this festive season!
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