Makeup

The New York Look Book – The Rock-a-billy

By Justin St. Clair

Unexpected for NY? Perhaps, but it’s for real: The classic, sexed-up, red lipped, wild child/“lady” combo, is a NYC institution! The spirit’s been around since the 50’s, reinvented for each generation. Today’s permutations come in many varieties but think of Kat Von D, Amy Winehouse or the incomparable Dita Von Teese, or the queen of the look, Betty Paige to get the picture.  So if you’re not blonde, not a “classic” beauty, and not a good girl, then you might make a great NYC Rock-a-billy chick! Whether or not you do the dance, listen to the music, get you’re hair cut in a barber shop, have tattoos, or ride a motorcycle, a look is a look and this one might be just right for your inner vixen.

This is how to whip it up!

1.  Start with a lovely matte finish to the skin, think porcelain or coffee, chocolate smoothness.

2. Eyebrows! Arched, pointed and elegant. This eyebrow is refined yet strong. Try Lancome Le Poudre Crayon in Brunet or Almay Brow Defining Pencil in Dark Brown.

3.  Line the upper eyelid/lash line with a black pencil and the lower inner rim with a white pencil. The contrast will make for a dramatic and wide open eye. Try Bourjois Two-tone Eyeliner Pencil in Noir/Blanc.

4.  Curl lashes and follow with a fabulously thick mascara. Try Diorshow Iconic Extreme. Apply 2-3 coats on the upper lashes and a very light touch on the lower lashes.

5.  The next step is optional. You can add a very soft pink blush or hint of bronzer depending on your skin tone. I recommend powder blush and bronzer for this look.

6.  And finally the lips. Think fire engine red, true red. Avoid blue or brown based reds, the brighter the better, just not orange. You’ll need the lip liner and the lipstick to match. Pretty much any brand of lipstick and lip liner will do. First line your lips creating a full mouth, then fill in all of the upper and lower lips with liner – keep within the lines. Next follow with the lipstick. A moist, opaque texture is best, not sheer, not matte and not glossy. Carefully cover the lip liner already applied on your lips with the lipstick; a lip brush is helpful here. This will ensure long-lasting impact. Red lips are sort of like red nails: the application can be hard to master, but with practice you’ll be a pro. Keep a little creamy moisturizer and pointed cotton buds (q-tips) on the side to clean up any smudges or mistakes. You can always go over the area around your lips with a bit of concealer or foundation on a brush to perfect the look at the end.

Look yourself in the mirror and take your step into vixen-hood!