While in Madrid last November on a last minute romantic getaway with my love, I fell in love. With Kiko. An Italian professional cosmetics brand with an international cult following. It was love at first site as we left the touristy Sol area in search of a locals’ wine bar. A detour I could not have planned but knew was fated, as is often the case with the best love stories (and also true for my bf + me).
I had heard of Kiko from other makeup artist friends, but to experience it in its full retail glory was to truly know that ‘is-this-lust-or-something-more’ uncertain desire that marks the very beginning of any relationship that excites you.
I wanted to buy EVERYTHING.
But given my promise to pack and travel light, I purchased just two limited edition Kiko Supreme Eyeshadows in #03 and #04 (11 euros each) and one Kiko Color Sphere Eyeshadow in #31 (5.90 euros). It was not an easy decision to make as the shop is basically a cosmetics candy store with temptations in every corner. But I pulled on my (invisible) editor hat and made some tough cuts to a growing basket of goodies.
In researching my picks since the trip, I was more than pleased (read: psyched) that Pixiwoo reviewed and raved about the Supreme limited edition souffé shadows in the exact shades I had bought. SCORE.
Fast forward to now and me thinking, what better way to test a brand I discovered in Madrid, that is rooted in Milan, than in Brooklyn, on my forever intern Jess who is a perfect mix of Chinese and Filipino. Can you say, international glamour??
Of course, the look would require a lip and cheek so I supplemented with two personal faves: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist lipstick in N52 Naughty Nude + Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in #03 Miami Pink.
And viola!
HOLA BONITA. CIAO BELLA. HELLO HOTNESS.
To get the look, first dust on the color sphere eyeshadow (or any dark brown/deep taupe semi-shimmery eyeshadow)from the lashline to the browbone and around the lower lashline, leaving the inner corner bare. Blend with a clean fluffy brush until the effect is truly smoked out. (They don’t call is a smoky eye for nothin’.)
Then layer on the supreme eyeshadow in 03 (or any rich olive green cream shadow with gold shimmer) to the upper lid from lashline to crease and along the outer corner of the lower lashline, still keeping the inner corners bare.
Finally glide the supreme eyeshadow in 04 (or any gunmetal grey cream shadow with silver shimmer) tightly along the upper lashline.
As for the rest of the face, we took a cue from recent runway looks and left lashes and brows bare. For skin finish, go for something that offers dew and radiance. This is danced-all-night, lived-in makeup. Sweep on the lightest layer of nude-peach lipstick and a flush of peachy-pink blush. Done & dusted, divas!
And since this was a look Jess & I DIED over, I pulled out the new beauty light for a little impromptu modeling sesh.
I mean……. how do you say PERFECTION in Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Filipino?!
XOLC
Note: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access.