Spring '11 Trend to Try Now: Statement Inner V Eyeshadow

by POPSUGAR Beauty AU 0

The "inner V" of your eye isn't exactly a technical term, it's just a term that makeup pros use when talking about the inner corners of your eyes. By adding a highlighter or brightener to this area, you can really make your eyes POP. It's a fail-safe red carpet look, but it got a little zhush-ing on the Spring '11 runways with some attention-grabbing pigment . . .

Runway inspiration: Elie Saab, Mark Fast, Peter Pilotto, Roksanda Ilincic, Alberta Ferretti

Celeb spots: Scarlett Johansson at the Mango Fashion Awards in Spain on Wednesday, Florence Welch at the MTV Video Music Awards last month, Toni Collette at the Emmys

TIP #1: Learning how to play up your inner v is easy. If you're after a run-of-the-mill look to open up your eyes, simply use a gold, pink, white or cream highlighter, eyeshadow or liner pencil and draw a horizontal V along the top to the bottom of the inner corner of your eye. Blend the product with your fingers and extend the colour just under your lower lash line.

TIP #2: This trick works wonders on all eye shapes and it's especially effective when you are trying to give close-set eyes more balance.

Keep reading . . .TIP #3: Always opt for a shimmering shadow. A matte product will always look a little flat and chalky. We love Smashbox Shimmering Single Eye Shadow in 24K ($24.95), L'Oréal Colour Appeal Gold Shimmer ($18.95) and BECCA Powder Shimmer Eye Colour in Venise ($44).

TIP #4: The new way to wear this trend is with colour. It's a statement look but one that isn't too look-at-me. In other words: it's the lazy and cool girl's way to wear colour. Try Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer in Peacock ($33) for an on-trend hue or Clarins Soft Shimmer Eye Colour in Tender Lilac ($32) for the perfect Roksanda Ilincic look.

TIP #5: For a different finish entirely, opt for a cream shadow in a metallic shade à la Peter Pilotto and ScarJo. We recommend Illamasqua Solstice Liquid Metal ($44), Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Skinny Jeans ($34) or Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowCreme in Ivory Lace ($44).

Image (L-R): Elie Saab, Florence Welch, Peter Pilotto, Scarlett Johansson