Whilst we weren’t convinced by Leighton Meester’s androgynous ensemble at the 2010 Gotham Independent Film Awards on Monday, her sultry smokey eye stole the beauty show.
Mixing vamp-inspired makeup with masculine tailoring by Thom Browne isn’t a look that would usually work, but Leighton’s grey eyeshadow and thick black mascara bring out the colours in her suit perfectly, even if we aren’t keen on the two-piece.
But Ms. Meester knows how to keep it simple – without overdoing the black eyeliner she remains ultra sleek alongside her au naturale base and lips.
We love how effortless her makeup is, and though this timeless look will transcend seasons and occasions to come, it’s perfect to amp up after-dark dressing now. Naturally, we couldn’t wait to recreate it in this week’s get the beauty look, so take a peek below at our top picks…
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, £27.00, House of Fraser
A good primer will help maintain your makeup throughout the night and is the key for recreating Leighton’s barely-there base. Acting as a buffer to the outside elements, and containing vitamins A, C and E to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements, Laura Mercier’s primer is our go-to secret. Work a small amount into your skin before you apply your favourite foundation and watch it keep your base in place all night.
Starburst Soft Lights, £21.00 £18.00, Debenhams
This bronzer and blusher compact is ideal for adding a natural flush of colour to your facial features a la Ms. Meester. Just add a light sweep on the highest points of your face – your cheekbones, forehead, bridge of your nose and chin – to achieve an effortless glow just like Leighton.
Topshop Makeup Kohl Liner in Coal, £4.00, Topshop;Topshop Makeup Eyes in Silver Sand, £6.50, Topshop;Topshop Makeup Mascara in Raven, £8.00, Topshop
For sultry eyes just that shine like the Gossip Girl star’s, start with a stroke of Topshop’s kohl pencil eyeliner in coal for a dark and mysterious velvety base, then add a sweep of Topshop’s silver sand eyeshadow and blend across the contours of your eyes to add a sparkling metallic finish.
To complete Ms. Meester’s midnight eye look, use Topshop’s mascara in raven to add volume to your lashes. Layer strokes on the upper and lower lines for dramatically fuller and thicker lashes that will open up your eyes.
Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick, £13.00, Benefit UK
To keep all attention on her statement smoky eye, Leighton opted for new-season neutral lips – and we think Benefit’s full-finish lipstick is a perfect for this look. Our favourite shades are Pinking on You, On the Sly, and Finders Keepers – the key is to pick a shade nearest to your own natural skin tone.
Add a slick of clear gloss to keep the lipstick in place and protect it from fading – plus, it’ll add a high-shine finish just like Leighton.
