Timeless Beauty

It's all about unique expression and having fun

By Maia Wagle
Published: Dec 13, 2007

Every era from the past decade has something to contribute...be it lips from the ‘40s, Elizabeth Taylor's incredible eyeliner, punchy color and form from the ‘60s mod revolution, or even a highbred brow from the ‘40s and ‘80s again. So, where do we go from the present tense? Simple: forward.

So Serene:
Natural colors and soft accents all culminate into, what appears to be, effortless beauty. Pull your hair back into a turn-of-the-century hairdo. Split your hair down the bohemian middle and twist it back into a ponytail or knot. Perfect your complexion with concealer where needed by applying a tinted moisturizer and a dab of powder to finish. Stain your lips and cheeks in a berry color. Use a clear brow gel to comb out your brows ever so softly. On the eyes, apply a soft nude color to the lid and a lengthening mascara to your lashes. Quick, low-maintenance and timeless.

Silver Screen:
Classic glamour from the ‘40s and ‘50s is making a strong resurgence, and we’re ecstatic. Clean and clear porcelain complexions, soft curls, full lips, strong eyes, and very manicured brows are all part of the beauty in this look. Pick your favorite pin-up then recreate their signature faces. Brows need a lot of attention to perfect this look. If you are feeling lost about how to develop your brow shape, most drug stores and makeup lines carry stencils that can help you. Pluck or wax the strays then use brow powders and pencils to fill-in the color. Remember to keep the arch defined. Matte skin and full lips are also essential. If you are following Marilyn or Elizabeth, strong eyeliner is also a standout—choose one of the long-wearing formulas that will assure you less fuss and more fun. Try Dior's Dior Show Mascara ($23) and Anastatia Classic Stencils ($20) both at www.sephora.com

Urban Warrior:
Well you already are, but now you will want to look it. Keep your hair parted clean or pulled back to be ready for the concrete jungle. Polish off your complexion with concealer and bit of powder to set. Balance your clean lines with fierce smoky eyes. Start with a gray shadow and blend tightly around the eye. On the upper lid, blend slowly towards the crease. Follow the natural shape of your eye. Accent your lash line a bit more and use a charcoal liner, smudging it out into the shadow. Follow with your favorite mascara. Keep your lips and cheeks toned down to bring out the intensity of your eyes. This look is sure to transition with you into your many environs. Product to try: Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ($19) in graphite from www.nordstrom.com

Royal Color:
Rich blues, purples, and reds are being used as punchy accent colors this season. Give new life to monochromatic stylings and use these charismatic colors to draw attention somewhere you want to keep it. Blend a purple shadow with deep charcoal shade for a sultry smoky eye. Feeling a bit more femme fatale? Switch it up and keep the eyes simple with just mascara and use a rich red color on the lips. Who said that blue eyeshadow would never make a comeback? Take a trip back to the ‘60s and dash a bit of blue on your lid followed with a sharp, black eyeliner. Voila, instant Mod-ification. Try: Mac Lipstick in Rebel ($14) and Mac Lip Gele in Moistly ($14) both www.nordstom.com

Rock On:
What scene is more influential than rock-n-roll in expressing our inner rebel? To get the look without looking like a Pat Benatar impersonator, use a dab of your favorite styling product and let your hair down, giving it a good tousle. Bold brows are next, with a feminine arch from the ‘40s and fullness of the ‘80s brow. To do this well you will probably need to extend you brow line a bit and fill in the breadth of it with a pencil or powder color. Keep the complexion clean, buffing out only the imperfections. Lengthen your lashes with good mascara and pick out a vibrant color, such as a rich red for your pucker. Line your lips to keep the shade from bleeding, as brighter colors often do, then hit the stage! (Or the sidewalk).

Maia Camille Wagle is a celebrity makeup artist residing in Los Angeles. She loves to de-bunk the myth that beauty is pain. She is a self-proclaimed product junkie but we know it is because she's always on the hunt for the new and fabulous.

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