Love a smokey eye, but find black can look a little heavy? Angela Rippon has given us some gorgeous inspiration for a softer alternative.
The broadcaster, 82, stepped on to the red carpet at the Onwards And Sideways UK premiere wearing a navy smokey eye, showing just how flattering this simple shade swap can be.
The navy eyeshadow brought depth to Angela’s eyes, with a softer feel than classic black. Alongside defined cheeks and lips, the overall effect was elegant and polished – the sort of evening makeup that makes you want to dust off your eyeshadow collection before your next dinner out.
‘Angela’s look is wonderfully chic and modern,’ says celebrity makeup artist Ruby Hammer MBE. ‘What works so brilliantly is the balance: she has defined all her key features: eyes, cheeks, and lips, without any single element competing for attention.’
‘Introducing that subtle wash of navy into her smokey eye harmonises beautifully with her outfit, resulting in an elegant, pulled-together finish that looks effortless rather than overdone.’ So if you’ve been reaching for the same black pencil for years, navy offers an easy way to change things up without losing the definition you love.
And, as Ruby explains, there’s a reason this deep blue works so beautifully. ‘Navy is an absolute unsung hero in any makeup bag. A traditional black smokey eye can sometimes look stark or heavy, particularly on mature skin, where harsh lines can settle or drag the eye down. Navy gives you all the depth, strength and sultry drama of black, but with a much softer, velvety edge.’
Tempted to try it? You don’t need an elaborate collection of brushes or a complicated eyeshadow routine. A softly smudged pencil is the perfect starting point, with placement making all the difference.‘The secret to keeping it soft, modern and lifting is strategic placement,’ says Ruby.
‘Avoid circling the entire eye or taking dark colour heavily along the lower lash line, which can close the eye down. Instead, anchor the lid with a neutral taupe base, then concentrate your navy pencil or shadow strictly on the outer ‘V’, blending upward and outward toward the temple for an instant, flattering lift.’
Choosing a formula that gives you time to blend will make the process easier, too. ‘Look for creamy, high-pigment pencils that give you just enough playtime to smudge before setting. Two exceptional options are Sarah Creal Beauty’s Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Longwear Liner in Maritime and Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Navy Noir.’
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
For the finishing touches, Ruby says: ‘Frame the look with well-curled lashes, lashings of mascara and a few individual cluster lashes placed solely on the outer corners to elongate the shape.’
Consider that our next occasion makeup sorted. If Angela’s red-carpet look is anything to go by, a little navy could be a very welcome addition to your makeup bag.
