Big Is In For Beauty
Just as thin is in when it comes to fashion, "big" is the buzzword in the world of beauty.
From hair to eyes to lips, big is the way to be.
The Early Show's stylist to the stars, David Evangelista, offered pointers on incorporating the trend into your everyday routine. You can try just one of them, all of them at once, or any combination!
It's truly a trend women of all shapes and sizes can embrace, Evangelista says.
Taking cues from former Hollywood stars such as Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn, and modern ones such as Angelina Jolie, big saucer-like eyes, big hair, and big, plush lips are the "in" in beauty
BIG HAIR
"Voluminous hair needs some serious prepping," Evangelista says. "Picking styling products that infuse the cuticle with boosting abilities will definitely insure that you get the 'big' look. Pick products that say 'volume, lift, fuller'; those products have ingredients such as panthenol that will swell the cuticle and give you that full look."
Directions:
When hair is damp: Saturate the hair with a volumizer or mousse throughout. Blow dry with a large round brush. Next, set hair with large hot rollers, or use a curling iron and Velcro rollers. Hair should have time to set for at least 30 minutes. You can also set hair in pin curl clips when hair is damp and leave to dry.
When hair is dry: Try using a dry shampoo such as Bumble and Bumble's. Spray on the roots and mist the shaft and ends lightly. This absorbs any oil on the scalp or shaft; oil is the enemy of big hair. Next, use tools to set the hair like a curling iron, hot rollers, or Velcro. Another option: Try clip on extensions for a thicker, fuller mane.
BIG EYES
The aim here is to get your eyes to look as big and round as possible, like saucers. The key: light, natural shadows, eyeliner, and fabulous lashes. You want to stay away from the smoky shadows that close your eye up. Shimmery peaches, pinks and light taupes will open up your eyes. Another trick: Apply a bit of concealer over the inner three-quarters of your eyelid, then sweep a light shimmery shadow over it; that'll make eyes pop in a flash.
Liner is the next must-use item in getting big eyes. The key with liner is to apply it as close to the lash line as possible. For precise, eye-popping liner application, dot liner (liquid, pencil, or gel will work) all along your lash line between the lashes. Make certain you get as close to the lash line is possible; you don't want thick bands of liner, which will make your lids look heavy. If you want, you can thicken liner out at the outer corners for a doe-eyed look.
Eyelashes are also a must for the "big" look. "Strips are easier for home use," Evangelista says, "but clusters are most natural looking, and if you have the patience for applying these, you should definitely go this route." When using a strip or band eyelash, try using half-a-strip; apply the half-band as close to the lash line as possible in the center of the eye (lashes applied to the outer corner of the eye can drag the lid down; applying in the center will give that wide-eyed saucer look). If you're using clusters, embed them right into your lash line, again, focusing on the center of the eye.
If you're not a fan of the false lashes, you can still pump up your own lashes to make your eyes look huge. Use an eyelash curler to spread and curl lashes, which will help the mascara lengthen your lashes and make the hair look fuller. Get a dark, volumizing mascara (Lancome's Hypnose is one of the all-time best; you can use up to six coats without clumping) and, starting at the roots of the lashes, wiggle the wand all the way to the tip of your lashes.
Another tip: If you have skimpy lashes to start with, try a lash booster — a volumizing base for your mascara that serves as a sort of primer. Apply the booster after lashes are curled, then apply mascara over the base coat. If you have any clumping, use a lash comb between coats to get clumps out.
BIG LIPS
Most women weren't "endowed with pillows for lips, like Angelina Jolie's," Evangelista observes. But that doesn't mean women can't magnify their pouts. Evangelista is a huge fan of lip plumpers, such as Lip Fusion and DuWop Lip Venom. Evangelista suggests applying them, and letting them sit for a few minutes before applying gloss or highlighter to the mouth. "Using light colors will give the illusion of a fuller lip," he says. "Darker colors tend to close the mouth up. Think about using a highlighter in the center of the lip to create that bee stung look." Another note: Don't do the old trick of lining your lip outside its natural line with a matte lip-liner — it looks clownish. A trick to try: Line the outer edge of your lip line with a glossy liner (much softer and more subtle, which just extends the lip line a smidge).