Midnight hues, bold brows and serious contouring was a “nod to India in Paris” from Giorgio Armani international make-up artist Linda Cantello. Emirates Woman headed backstage at the Armani Privé Spring 2014 show to find out how to recreate the magical look.
THE SHOW: Armani Privé Haute Couture Spring 2014
THE MAKE-UP ARTIST: Linda Cantello
THE STORY: Giorgio Armani brought exotic glamour to the French capital with his One Night In Paris couture show. Armani envisaged a ‘nomade’ persona – a glamorous woman viewing the world through a strong eye.
Embracing this thought, Giorgio Armani’s international make-up artist, Linda Cantello, created “intense kajal eyes” in keeping with the Indian theme, yet made a subtle nod to “the midnight sky in Paris” through the use of opulent layering of grey, lavender and blue shades.
THE SKIN:
What you need for a flawless base:
From Left to right: Maestro foundation Dhs295, Maestro Eraser concealer Dhs195, Lasting Silk UV compact Dhs265
THE EYE:
For the ultimate smoky eye: “Firstly, line the upper lid with a black pencil close to the eye as much as possible, get right into the roots, then blend it out.”
From Left to right: Eyes To Kill solo eyeshadow in Black Light 7 Dhs133, Eyes To Kill solo eyeshadow in Ecaille 11 Dhs133, Eyes To Kill eye pencil in shade 1 Dhs155
“Layer two different Eyes To Kill shadows in #11 and #7 – they are so reflective they look like four – blend upward slightly, into the inner corner and into the brow to create a slightly square shape. Then emphasis the outer corner of the eye by softly smudging the product. Finish with a slick of Eyes To Kill mascara on the top lashes only.”
THE BROWS:
At the show, brows were strong and straight, using the all-singing and all-dancing Eye&Brow Maestro, to be released later this year.
THE NAILS:
For the finishing touch, the models’ nails were given a custom “manicure minuit” (a midnight manicure). Firstly, nails we’re given a lick of Nail Lacquer in Bleu d’Armani (Dhs110) followed by a top coat of Navy Glass (due in September) to boost the shine.
THE FINAL TOUCH:
“Like Mr Armani, I’m obsessive and compulsive,” says Linda as she checks a model’s make-up before she heads off to get changed.
Style Editor Jade scribbles down Linda’s beauty instructions for her beauty team, getting a better idea on how to achieve this special look.
LINDA’S TOP TIPS:
• If you make a mistake then grab a Q-tip, dip it into foundation and simply clean the mistake away – I’m all about speed and efficiency.
• In warmer climes, powder your face at the very last moment rather than keep applying throughout and building up too much make-up.
• My beauty no-no is too much foundation. Don’t try to change your skin tone with your foundation. Warm up your skin with a blush or a tinted moisturiser, not a heavy foundation.
• A cool smoky eye is one that is least thought about. My trick is to do it as quick as possible. Don’t structure it, that’s when it won’t work.
All make-up is available from All Giorgio Armani beauty at all leading beauty counters across the UAE,
Main image: Backstage at Armani Privé Spring 2014
