For the past few years, the makeup looks at runway shows have been an exciting mix of...BB cream and Vaseline. And while we've loved this lazy-girl, back-to-basics approach to beauty, it always felt like something was missing. Where were the bright colors? The graphic shapes? The — dare we say it — makeup? Then, something amazing happened. Artists dug out the wacky colors and pigments from the very backs of their kits. Models started taking selfies. Before we knew it, there were entire fashion feeds dedicated to multi-tonal makeup, ombré lips, and perhaps the most exciting part: graphic and creative eye art. This season, artistry trumped wearability. And we couldn't get enough of it.
To celebrate, we partnered with one of these exceptional artists, Misuzu Miyake, who whipped up five eye looks that are bright, colorful, and incredibly beautiful. Then, we paired them with another major and unexpected fashion trend: bold (not dainty) accessories. Are they subtle? No. But that's kind of the whole point.
The Wing 2.0
If you want to try your hand at graphic eyes, consider this impossibly cool (and actually quite easy) feathered wing.
Using a liquid eyeliner, Miyake sketched on a traditional line first. Then, she added flicks along the outer edge. "It's a little more fun," she says.
MAC Fluidline Pen in Retro Black, $22, available at MAC.
This approach upgrades typical cat-eyes, and these earrings upgrade typical hoops. Instead of wearing them in both ears, just pop on one for maximum impact.
Dior jacket.
Rag & Bone Brass Hoop Earrings, $175, available at Rag & Bone.
Bolt Of Light
Blue eyeliner continues to be a huge trend— which is why we decided to take it to the next level. A lightning-bolt detail adds some major attitude to this look. Pairing it with a '60s-inspired cut crease gives a minimal, yet impactful, look.
Miyake opted for royal-blue liner, which she sketched on in a normal cat-eye fashion. Then, she extended the line into a zigzag at the temples. "You can do any shape you want," she says. Finish with a white line along the crease.
Kat Von D Ink Liner in Nerdrum, $19, available at Sephora; Nyx White Liquid Liner, $6.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
The swoop earrings offset the graphic lines in a gorgeous way.
Alexander Wang jacket.
Prabal Gurung x VOJD Studios Peacock Earrings, $296.62, available at VOJD Studios.
Heavy Metals
One of Miyake's signature looks is paint-swipe eyeshadow. It's a simple and fresh way to change up your typical smoky eye. We took it a step further and mixed in gold and silver hues instead of traditional bright colors, which ups the edge factor in a major way.
There's no rhyme or reason to these swipes, Miyake says. Simply place them wherever you'd like, using a short, fluffy brush and firm pressure.
ColourPop Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Get Lucky, $5, available at ColourPop; L'Oréal Infallible 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Silver Sky, $6.64, available at Target.
Keep with the metallic theme by slipping on a huge statement necklace like this one.
Alexis Bittar necklace; Topshop jacket.
Asos Bandeau Tunic Jumpsuit, $94, available at Asos.
Colorblocked
We can't get the fantastic graphic eyeliner from Chanel's spring 2014 show out of our head. Our take on it was a little toned down, a little pinker, and a whole lot of fun.
"Painting on this look is like putting together a puzzle," Miyake says. She'd do one eye at a time, painting on the different swipes of color until it all came together. "It's like a cherry blossom in a painting," Miyake says. "You do it swipe by swipe. Figure out the initial shape and then swipe away."
Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Shadow in Intense Blue, $23, available at Sephora; Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Pink, $3.99, available at Drugstore.com; NARS Eye Paint in Porto Venere, $25, available at NARS; Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Shadow in Yellow, $23, available at Sephora.
With a fun shadow look like this, you need a fun accessory. These corkscrew earrings look extra cool when paired with swept-back strands.
Emilio Pucci White Faux Pearl Trim Rib Knit Dress, $1,780, available at Lyst; Lillot Helix Earrings, $170, available at Lillot.
Superhero Stripes
The second Miyake swept on this liner look, there was only one thing we could think of: a superhero mask. And who wouldn't want to go out into the world with a little Marvel spirit?
This is the perfect cat-eye for an EDM festival. Miyake sketched the oversized shape around each eye, and then filled it in with a shadow stick. Then, for extra dimension, she defined the lower lashline in a darker hue.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadow in 1-20, $22, available at Make Up For Ever; MAC Eye Kohl in Minted, $16.50, available at MAC.
This wraparound bracelet looks super-cool worn on the hand. Pair it with a toned-down earring, and you'll look like you're ready to kick some serious ass.
Stella McCartney Chili Polo Neck Top, $1,130, available at Stella McCartney; Sorelle Sophie Hoop Earrings, $140, available at Sorelle; Lillot Helix Bangle Bracelet, $393, available at Lillot.
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