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Beauty Look to try: Dua Lipa’s ‘90s supermodel

Feb. 19, 2020
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The Grammy Awards this year were packed full of amazing makeup looks—but no one stood out more than Dua Lipa. Her combo of blue eyeshadow, brown lips, and chunky highlights sounds like a ‘90s nightmare on paper—but in reality, it was absolutely stunning. If you’re looking for a dramatic look that’s still undeniably cool, well, look no further. 

An out-there makeup look always benefits from a smooth and glowing complexion. Think of it as the backdrop to the star of the show. Apply a lot of the Tarte Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer to ensure skin is as plump, smooth, soft, and dewy as possible. 

I tend to steer away from foundations, but this sort of look requires a flawless base. You don’t want anything to distract from the eyes ‘n lips, right? The Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation is perfect for those who have similar qualms. It’s extremely thin, so it feels lightweight—but packs a punch in terms of coverage. Apply just a few drops in the center of the face, and then buff outwards for a naturally perfected look. 

For an extra boost of coverage, the Tarte Shape Tape is ideal. It’s intensely pigmented but has a slightly glowy, radiant finish, which helps it look more natural. Use a teeny bit under the eyes and on any blemishes—a little goes a long way. 

With a look like this, I find it’s better to keep brows soft and natural. To add some definition without overwhelming the rest of the look, go for the Colourpop Brow Boss Gel. This stuff is crazy good—adding beautiful texture and color. (Also, it costs a fraction of the price of Boy Brow. But shhhh.)

Okay, let’s start with the fun stuff: eyes. First, you want to apply a primer. The Smashbox Photo Finish 24 Hr Shadow Primer is, IMO, the best one you can buy. It’s a boring purchase, I know, but one that’ll make all the difference to basically every eye look you try. 

You’ll want many shades of blue for this look, and the Huda Beauty Sapphire Obsessions Palette has everything you could desire. I’m in love with these Obsessions palettes, simply because they make colorful eye looks so easy. The quality of the shadows is also top-notch.

Start by working the matte turquoise shade into the crease with a fluffy brush, and then add the matte royal blue on top to further intensify the shade. 

Once you’re happy with the blend, take the mid-toned shimmery shade on a flat brush, and press on the mobile lid. Work the same shade into the lower lashline. Use a clean brush to apply the silver shade liberally to the inner corners. For even more drama, take the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in “Into The Blue” and line the lower lashline. Tap with a finger to blend. 

Now, finish the look with black mascara—and lots of it. The Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift is a new favorite of mine, because rather than adding clumpy volume, it sculpts the lashes upwards—giving a wide-awake look. Apply a coat, wait until it’s almost dry, then apply another to really get your lashes standing to attention.

Almost as fun as the blue eyes are the brown-toned lips. For true ‘90s vibes, line and fill in the lips with the MAC Lip Pencil in “Whirl.” On top, apply the Glossier Generation G in “Leo” for a soft, hydrated, matte finish.

Dua Lipa’s cheeks were kept pretty neutral to allow the rest of her makeup to shine. A soft pinkish cream blush—like the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in “Werk”—and a hint of dewy highlighter give the illusion of healthy, glowy skin, but don’t really look like makeup—or detract at all from the rest of this rather loud look.

I’m always pro finishing spray, but when you’re wearing a lot of makeup, it becomes even more important. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir helps ensure that all your makeup becomes one with your skin, while adding a hint of radiance and smelling delightful. And there you have it—you’re ready for the Grammys! Or, like, whatever other event you might be going to.