A Subtle Approach, 10 Stunning Bollywood-Inspired Eye Makeup Looks

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This shot of actress Madhuri Dixit from the film "Devdas" is slightly more subdued than other Bollywood looks, thanks to the brown liner (instead of black) smudged along her lower lashline. Keep the wing of your liner thin and angled to the outer edge of your brow to replicate the look.

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The brightly colored eye shadows used for this look play off of the vibrant colors in the jewelry and outfit. A peachy blush subtly contours the cheeks.

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Mickey Contractor, M.A.C. director of artistry in India (and renowned Bollywood makeup artist) created this smoky eye worn on Rani in the film "Chalte Chalte;" he says it was the first time he had done that look on her, and it was a big hit.

To get a similar look, use a smudge-able kohl liner like M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Black to rim your eyes, and then blend it out with a short-bristled shadow brush or Q-tip to keep it looking sultry, not heavy.

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Actress Aishwarya Rai's look pays homage to the bold cat eyes and smudged liners so prevalent in Bollywood films.

Instead of traditional black liner, she opted for a shimmering purple cat eye. To keep eyes defined, trace a thin line of black liner along the top lash line and the lower waterline. A touch of shimmery shadow keeps the look soft and romantic.

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To get a smoldering smoky eye, like this one seen on model and actress Deepika Padukone, it's all about the blending. Sweep a nude shadow over your lids, and then add a rich brown shade over your crease. Layer a matte black shadow over top, and use a clean, fluffy shadow brush to blend all of the shades together. You'll know they're blended enough when there are no harsh lines between the colors.

Add a thick line of kohl liner, like Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner, to your upper and lower lash line. Then use an angled eyeliner brush dipped in the black eye shadow to smudge out the lines and give it a smoky look.

Singing, dancing and happy endings define Bollywood (Bombay's version of Hollywood) films. Grand, sweeping musical numbers fill the screen and suspend moviegoers' reality for three to four hours (unlike "Lord of the Rings," Bollywood films kindly have an intermission).

Beyond inspiring us to break into song and dance (oh, if only life were a musical), Bollywood movies feature dramatic eye makeup that enhance the dancers' performances. Bollywood makeup traditionally focuses on the eyes (think: cat eyes, smoky eyes and colorful eye shadow). Play up your best assets with inspiration from these Indian eye makeup looks.

10 Stunning Bollywood-Inspired Eye Makeup Looks

Perfect your cat eye (and your eye shadow blending skills) with these intense, swoon-worthy looks

A Subtle Approach

Colors of the Rainbow

Simply Smoldering

A Modern Update

Never Forget to Blend

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