SIMPLE STEPS TO ACHIEVING A SMOULDERING PARTY MAKE UP LOOK

Who says you should focus on {eyes} or {lips}? The only {make up} 'rule' is that there are no rules - and our simple tutorial shows you how to create a smouldering, after dark beauty look that's dramatic without being over-the-top.

Strong make up requires a fuh-law-less canvas, so spend time applying, blending and buffing your base. Opt for something semi-matte and buildable, and add a hint of shimmer (and a drop of oil) - to maintain moisture levels and create a gorgeous, dewy glow. Mix BECCA's {Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème} with a spot of the brand's {Backlight Priming Filter}, and work into skin with a flat-topped foundation brush for an airbrushed finish - Morphe's {Gunmetal Buffer Brush} is perfect.

Brighten dark circles and neutralise imperfections with concealer - warm between your fingertips then use the heat to 'melt' the product into your foundation for a seamless, totally flawless effect. Anastasia Beverly Hills' {Concealer} has an ultra-creamy, long-wear formula that blends beautifully and stays put.

Starting with the eyes, our make up artist applied several shades from Laura Geller's BEAUTIFUL {The Wearables 12 Eye Shadow Palette} - beginning with 'Chocolate' pressed all over the upper lid with a flattened shadow (or concealer) brush, then smudged along the lower lashline with a fluffy, tapered brush to achieve a diffused, smoky look. This was followed with a bit of 'Sunstone' along the crease and brow bone to illuminate, before black eye pencil on the waterline, and 'Carbon' shadow at the roots of the lashes for added definition.

Claudine (our gorgeous make up maestro) then used a brush to apply Stila's {Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick} in 'Fiery' - it's a deep, one-shade-suits-all scarlet, that stays put through canapés, cocktails and kisses.

This finishing touches? No party look would be complete with some false eyelashes, and Huda Beauty's {Carmen #9} are full-on and fluttery for 'knock 'em dead' drama. Once glued (and 'stuck'), Claudine curled them with Kevyn Aucoin's {Eye Lash Curler}, before finishing with several coats of Laura Geller's {DramaLash Mascara} on both top and bottom.

Jen - our model - was then granted even more enviable cheekbones with a dusting of Kevyn Aucoin's {The Loose Shimmer Shadow in 'Candlelight'} along the 'high points' of her cheeks - blended with fingertips for a subtle, 'lit from within' luminosity. Then W3LL PEOPLE's {Bio Bronzer Stick} was blended in the hollows, to create some subtle depth and definition.

Et voila! The finished look! Very 'Rive Gauche' don't you think? The perfect accompaniment to 'Le Smoking' - or an itsy bitsy sequinned number. Get thee to the nearest disco ball.

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