I'm not quite sure why Alexa Chung is famous, but I don't think it matters much. She's an It girl -- if only for being perpetually clad in Peter Pan collars, having a British accent and quirky sense of humor, and constantly rocking the perfect cat-eye liner.
Naturally, it's the liner that interests me most. So when I got a chance to chat with Chung at the launch party for
her collaboration with Eyeko (an all-eye-makeup brand from across thepond), I assaulted her with questions about her technique.
She was coy -- giving me the gist and then telling me to go watch
her video tutorials. But I was able to slip in a few other beauty and style questions before she wandered off. (Answers below.)
The next morning, I broke out my Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Liner (an
eyeliner marker -- Chung won't use pencils because they smudge), $19, drew a quick cat eye and felt instantly cooler. Now, if only I had the wardrobe and accent to go with it.
1)
TB: What's your trick for the perfect cat eye?
AC: Basically, just do the flick bit first. Other than that, it's about practice -- because everyone's eye is a different shape. It took me about 45 years to get it right.
2)
TB: What are your fashion staples?
AC: Navy blue jumpers [sweaters to us non-Brits], Converse, and black eyeliner. They're the cornerstones.
3)
TB: Do you have any bad beauty habits?
AC: I don't take my makeup off before bed. And I smoke.
4)
TB: What are your New Year's resolutions?
AC: Quit smoking. And start taking my makeup off before bed.
5)
TB: Who are your style icons?
AC: Mick Jagger, Kurt Cobain and Jane Birkin when I'm feeling girly.
6)
TB: What products do you keep in your bag?
AC: I don't really have anything in there. I don't even have a wallet. I just have one card, and if it gets declined, I'm at a loss.