I often wonder if anyone in the U.S. knows who Alexa Chung is, but then I think, if you like reading fashion magazines and shopping, particularly at J.Crew's sister store, Madewell, you do.
Aside from being a former model and Vogue's "most stylish woman in the world," Alexa has been called a "phenomenon" by Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, "the modern girl ... beautiful and clever" by designer Karl Lagerfeld, and even the "new" Kate Moss. Here, she's perhaps best known for her work with Madewell and a brief stint on MTV's "It's On with Alexa Chung," and soon, she'll be on your TV as the host of Lifetime's "24-Hour Catwalk."
All that other stuff aside, what fascinates me most about her is her signature makeup look -- a simple yet elegant one that borrows from the '60s and really plays up her beautiful blue almond-shaped eyes. After researching tons of eyeliners and Alexa Chung makeup tips, and practicing a cat eye for months, I've finally figured out how to recreate it. Whether you're an Alexa fan or not, this is definitely a go-to look if you need to appear effortlessly glam within minutes.
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Step 1: Apply a sheer foundation
Good news! Alexa doesn't wear a lot of makeup, so you don't need to either to get this look. Start by giving your skin a nice, dewy finish. Apply a lightweight sheer foundation (try CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, $10) and blend. If needed, cover any blemishes or dark circles with a highly pigmented concealer like Benefit Erase Paste, $26.
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Step 2: Frame your stunning eyes
To help set off your soon-to-be cat eyes, shape and fill in your brows (Alexa's are quite dark) with a dark brown eye pencil (try CoverGirl Perfect Blend in Black Brown, $4) and eyelash comb (Sephora makes a great one for about $10).
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Step 3: Sultrify your eyelids
For a sexy effect that works both day and night, apply a light, neutral cream shadow all over your lids. Then apply a warm brown shadow all the way around your eyes (from lash line to crease on top, and just around the lash line on the bottom). I like Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Bone and Stone, $22 each; but a more affordable choice would be CoverGirl Intense Shadow Blast in Beige Blaze and Brown Bling, $8 each. Blend well with your finger or smudge the shadow outward with a smudger brush.
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Step 4: Add the cat eye
Alexa is rarely seen without black eyeliner -- the key to this look. To get her signature cat eye, line your top lid with a waterproof liquid liner (Alexa uses Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner, $34). Rest the base of your hand on your cheek or jawbone to keep your hand steady while you draw the line. (Practice, and patience, make perfect!) Flick the line up at about a 45-degree angle to the outer corner of your eye, being careful not to extend the line too far. Then fill in any gaps between the line and your lash line. If desired (she sometimes does this), line your bottom lash line, connecting it to the top line at the outer corner of your eye. Let the liner dry to avoid smudging. (Blow dry it if you must.) Then curl lashes and apply several coats of mascara.
I often wonder if anyone in the U.S. knows who Alexa Chung is, but then I think, if you like reading fashion magazines and shopping, particularly at J.Crew's sister store, Madewell, you do.
Aside from being a former model and Vogue's "most stylish woman in the world," Alexa has been called a "phenomenon" by Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, "the modern girl ... beautiful and clever" by designer Karl Lagerfeld, and even the "new" Kate Moss. Here, she's perhaps best known for her work with Madewell and a brief stint on MTV's "It's On with Alexa Chung," and soon, she'll be on your TV as the host of Lifetime's "24-Hour Catwalk."
All that other stuff aside, what fascinates me most about her is her signature makeup look -- a simple yet elegant one that borrows from the '60s and really plays up her beautiful blue almond-shaped eyes. After researching tons of eyeliners and Alexa Chung makeup tips, and practicing a cat eye for months, I've finally figured out how to recreate it. Whether you're an Alexa fan or not, this is definitely a go-to look if you need to appear effortlessly glam within minutes.
