Perfected Imperfections

Upon politely telling him his sweater was unevenly buttoned, one of my best friends, Ryan, nonchalantly responded: "Oh that? No I meant to do that, I think the uneven, asymmetrical look looks better." And with a carefree shrug of his shoulder, my fashion iconic friend looked the other way as if scanning for something to dare him to elaborate. 

The fashion industry is owning it. Sharp shouldered, masculine blazers; washed, worn and studded leather; metallic, acidic washed denim; heavy metal arrays of gold and silver chains; gardens of rich laces, ruffles and bows -- all thrown casually over elegant frocks. Pair it with sky riser heels and jewelry that has the women of the Elizabethan era rising from the dead, it is the romanticized blend of masculinity and femininity. The casual, carefree, oh-this-old-thing? look that renders its trendsetters cutting edge and high fashion. My friend Ryan defines it: a look so severely planned out that only the truly unique can pull off casually. 

The beauty industry is redefining it. Giving the world of fashion it's extra oompf by revamping and complimenting the hardcore, masculine look a sexy, seductress edge. The classic smokey eye has skyrocketed to new levels, done up in shades ranging from dusty, sizzling hot bronzes to cool, crisp gunmetal hues to out of this world, let-the-paint-splatter-where-it-may colors. This season the nude lip is taking the stage, daring the eyes to boldly make a statement; daring women to break loose through the power of heavy, khol lined eyes. 

To me, its the perfected imperfected look that will soon reign its comeback in the industry. Eyes washed in dark, metallic colors; lashes full; cheekbones defined like the Sierra Mountains; highlighters catching the light at every angle; lips so nude they flirt with the illusion of being erased. All elements combined to look thrown together, messy, sexy -- the temptress that rolled out of bed and threw on black leather pumps to compliment her worn in, dark sunken eyes. Little do they know the precise, exact techniques of the makeup brushes; purposely adding a touch of color here and there. It's sexy, it's seducing, it's contradicting; it's so over the top it's Ryan, daring the world to question it, so comfortable and unique -- and so carefully planned out it's astonishing. 

Best Nude Lipstick: Fleshpot by MAC (exclusively sold in Pro Shops); Myth by MAC

Best Black Eye Shadows: Carbon by MAC; Oil Slick by Urban Decay

Best Smokey Eye Colors: Gunmetal by Urban Decay; Mauvement loose pigment by MAC

Best Bronzer: Sun Bunny by Too Faced; Terracotta 4 by Guerlain

TIP: Try MAC Cosmetic's Pro Gloss as your eye shadow primer; it'll liquify and vamp up your smokey eyes.