Smoke Signals

I was pleasantly surprised to see Kristen Stewart on the cover of next month's Allure. It wasn't the fact that she was on the cover that was surprising--she is a celebrity. Rather, it was the fact that she was looking so fresh-faced and pretty! Not to be a hater or anything, but she does seem to channel an unfortunate strung-out look on the regular--and heroin chic is sooo passé.

I attribute the New Moon star's new look to her fantastic eye make-up. Instead of subscribing to the school of smokey eye most often embraced by all MAC employees and the Taylor Momsens of the world, Kristen's eyes are softer, more subtle. This look is all about the earth tones. Fortunately, the beauty gurus at Allure have provided a convenient DIY guide so that readers can achieve the same irresistable eyes that make-up artist Dick Page created for Kristen. As you'll see, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1.) With your color palette in hand, use a gentle sweeping motion to apply the bronze to your lids. I love Lancôme 's Color Design in mannequin.

2.) Then, using a pointed brush (I like Sephora's own Professionnel Platinum Smokey Eye Brush #24), lightly apply the grey shadow in and around the corners of the eyes. I'm partial to Urban Decay's gunmetal.

3.) Finish with a fine line of black pencil around the upper and lower lash lines, and polish with a coat of mascara. As far as liner, nothing can part me from Chanel's Le Crayon Kohl in noir, and I feel just the same about Dior Show Iconic mascara (also in noir).

Yet another pleasant surprise: this look isn't so hard to recreate! With just a few basic tools, Kristen's come-hither eyes can be yours. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll find your own Rob Pattinson/Edward Cullen too. Such is the beauty of smoke signals.



Psst: For more information on how to recreate Kristen's complete look, click here.

Image: Allure November 2009 cover, featuring Kristen Stewart (www.allure.com).