I’m not your typical chick flick chick. Please don’t make me see The Notebook.  However, I can’t wait to see Salt, because I love to see a woman kick some butt.  More importantly than butt kicking, Angelina Jolie wears some kick-butt eye makeup.

Angeline already sports cat eyeliner, but the depth of the eyeliner here is HOT!  Check out my favorite eyeliner picks and check out the tutorial by makeup artist Cynde Watson on how to perfectly apply eyeliner.

One of these days soon I’m going to have those tutorials up and going…

The perfect accompaniment to seriously lined eyes is a pale blush and gloss lips.  Just check out Angelina.

Do you have a hard time creating a smokey eye? Most people do and I suppose that’s why there are a million smokey eye makeup kits, video how-to’s and tutorials on Youtube.  As a makeup artist, creating a smokey eye is second nature to me, but even I love shortcuts.  And I found a great short cut to an easy hot smokey eye.

In my goodie bag that I received upon check-in at the blogger event hosted by IMAN Cosmetics was an IMAN Cosmetics Eye Defining Powder in Black Magic .  Being the makeup junkie that I am, I couldn’t wait to play, so I wore the Eye Defining Powder that night.  And the smokey eye was HOT!  And simple!

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It’s spring, and time to lose the heavy dark eyeliner. Lighten up and brighten up.  With the floral trend in fashion, it’s easy to choose a pretty eyeliner color to compliment not only your wardrobe, but your eye color.  I am particularly smitten with brighter blues and greens  for spring, like teal, turquoise and seafoam green.  Look how gorgeous Thandie Newton is with eyes lined under and on top with a fresh teal eyeliner.

Thandie Newton Photo courtesy of thefashionbomb.com

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Kim & Khloe Kardashion 1/3/10 Staples Center Getty Images

What self-respecting woman doesn’t have a black eye liner — a pencil to be specific — in her arsenal of makeup must-haves? I have several…. (12-step program definitely needed, black eyeliner and red lipstick are not luxuries, they are necessities.) Imagine Kim or Khloe Kardashian without black eyeliner.  Shudder….

Well, I love Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil in Zero, it’s the bomb, the best.  But, when you are addicted to eye liner, that pencil can be worn down to a nub in no time.  So that’s why you have your cheap thrills, you know, the budget eyeliner from the drugstore.  I have tried them all and they are not all created equal.

Before I even get to the budget black eyeliner, I have to back peddle and admit that I cheated on my Urban Decay with Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes pencil.  Same price, but they are not created equal.  Urban Decay 5 blings, MUFE maybe 3.  MUFE didn’t have that easy breezy glide-on that capability that Urban Decay has, and I wasn’t able to rim my inner eye with ease.  It was a little too matte for my liking and  since I bought it at Sephora, I think it’s going back.

And of course there is Prince, he wouldn’t get caught without his black eyeliner and stacked heel  boots.

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I had a reader ask my opinion about permanent eyeliner. Well, number one, I have ADD, so I can’t really stand anything too permanent.  (My poor kids) It accounts for my multiple hair colors — including green, which was totally by accident– but nonetheless kind of different.  It also accounts for my need to quit a job at a moments notice and my ability to get fired at a moment’s notice.  (ADD’ers can’t seem to keep their mouths shut when they need to.) But it also accounts for my very long and wide creative streak, for which I am ever so grateful.

Back to the question at hand.  No, I am not a fan of permanent eyeliner.  Here’s why:

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Celebrities are popping up in blue eye makeup on the red carpet as well as  making the blue eye makeup trend and everyday staple.  As a makeup artsit and a general consumer of everything makeup, I have known for years that wearing some blue around the eyes can make the eyes shine!  Blue brightens the whites — perfect for those days when you are looking as tired as you feel.  It’s not as harsh as black, so blue eyeliner or blue eyeshadow can impart a more youthful appearance.  The key is finding the right blue.

Rihanna is the most recent celebrity to jump on the blue eye makeup bandwagon.  I love the way Rihanna is always at the forefront of fashion and beauty.  She is not afraid to take a chance with edgy looks.  Her edginess balances her beauty, making her a blinging beauty icon at her early age.  Check out Rhinna in electric blue eyeliner.  This is one of my favorite looks.  I have been a fan of blue eyeliner for years and this is one trend that I think is here to stay.  BLINGING BLUE EYE MAKEUP!

Rihanna's Eyes Look Even More Amazing with Electric Blue Eyeliner

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 Summer is almost here and it’s time to look like you are embracing the lively fresh face of summer.  I don’t care if you don’t feel like it, do it anyway.  It’s pretty easy.  First of all, get rid of black eyeliner.  Unless of course you are a die hard goth.  Leave that dark black smokey eye for fall and winter.  Brighten up, lighten up.  Look alive!  I have a few tips on how to give your best summer face without breaking the bank, and without adding a half hour to your makeup routine. 

Smashbox Bronze Liner

 I am a makeup artist and I’m a vain woman  concerned about my appearance.  So of course I know it’s crucial to wear eyeliner.  Leave me on a desert island, and I’m positive that my tip ten list will include at least nine makeup items– eyeliner most definitely included, in case a handsome hunk comes to my rescue —  and skin care — SPF is a necessity.  Back to eyeliner.  Floral prints are a huge  summer trend; you can find florals on every thing from footwear to designer wear.  What better way is there to link your fashion trend with your makeup than a pop of color eyeliner?  NONE!  Put the black eyeliner in the drawer and update your makeup arsenal with a couple liners in gel or pencil for a vivacious summer face.

I have already jumped on the bandwagon and here are a few of my favorite choices for colorful rims.  Not only will you look fresh, but more youthful.  Watch your eyes come to life!

MUFE Aqua Eyes

I am a long time fan of these eyeliners. For summer check out the colors with shimmer, Ivy Shimmer, Bronze Shimmer and Black Mauve Shimmer.  The addition of shimmer brightens eyes and is a perfect pick-me-up for tired eyes.  I have been wearing the Ivy Shimmer and have been getting puhlenty of compliments

 2.  Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes $17 or travel set of 5 for $35 

These waterproof pencils provide luminous lining and intensifies eyes with iridescent mother-of-pearl.  Love these! Perfect for humid summer weather, beach, pool or working up a sweat on the dance floor.  These pencils just glide on and are perfect for the novice liner or if you have been lining for years.

3.  Sephora Brand Nano Eyeliner $5

These petite pencils pack a powerful punch of pigment.  My personal favorite are Wild Spirit, Silver Green and Golden Sand.  Forumlated with Shea butter, they make lining a smooth experience.  Plus the price is right so you can stock up on a few of these color pops for an updated summer look.

One last tip:  So for evening maybe you do want to pump up the look, rim your eyes, upper and lower with your color of choice.  Top with lots of mascara on top lashes only and you will have a sexy, sultry summer look.  Finish with a dusting of light blush and nude glossy lips and you are good to go.

Color eyeliner — that’s blinging beauty!