Life’s a little more fun when you read between the lines—especially if those lines are composed of zinging color. With this in mind, I’ve just launched a new pencil collection with arresting shades for eyes, lips and brows. A stellar pencil is both the first and final touch to any look, from winged eyes to power pouts and groomed arches. Look for a pencil that’s ultra soft, glides on easily and blends beautifully. Here are some pencil pointers to really sharpen your makeup skills. Journals ready? Take note.
The new pencil collection from Napoleon Perdis
Gold Rush: Gold pencils are remarkably versatile and everyone should have one in their kit. Use a warm shade like my Gold Standard eye pencil to define the peaks of the cheeks, enhance a cupid’s bow and enliven the inner corners of the eye. Gold adds luminous definition, and is a great accent to finish a client’s look.
White On: Lining the inner rim of the eyes with white pencil makes a client’s peepers appear larger—and fresher since it softens redness. The same shade can be used to define the brow bone by applying just under the arch and blending. To give the appearance of fuller lips, line the edge of the lip line with a white pencil and blend before you apply lipstick.
Lip Lesson: Lip pencils can also multi-task: Why not apply a mauve pencil to the eyes? Scribble on the back of your hand, pick up the color with a brush and apply it to the client’s lids. Or mix a red or berry pencil with a primer to create your own cheek stain. It creates a gorgeous flush when blended into the peaks of the cheekbones.
Wow Brows: Give your client’s brows some extra pizzazz. Apply a brow pencil to the end of the arch, feathering against the natural direction of the hair growth. Brush hair back into place with a brow comb and set with a brow gel. Now that’s what I call brow-tastic.
Holy Smokes: Instead of potentially messy powder shadows, use dark pencils to create the basis of a smoky eye. Start with a semi-sharp pencil and, in a scribbling motion, work the pencil onto the lid. Start at the base of the lashes and continue over the rest of the lid and lower lash line. Use a medium-size eye brush to blend the product and take into the socket. Set the pencil with a powder of your choice.
In 1995, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis debuted his line of cosmetics and launched his first concept store and Makeup Academy in Sydney. Today, Napoleon Perdis has 59 stand-alone concept stores and more than 800 point-of-sale locations across Australia and New Zealand. In the U.S., the brand has three Napoleon Perdis stores and is sold in select independent retailers. Celebrity fans of the brand include Jessica Szohr, Lady Gaga, Becki Newton, Debra Messing, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, Shenae Grimes, Whitney Port, Adrienne Bailon and more.