A huge trend seen on the runways for Fall 2008? Eyes that were so heavily defined, you could see them from outer space! Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But in all honesty, eyes were a huge focus this season. There were romantic looks seen at Alberta Ferretti, Bill Blass and Giorgio Armani, and traffic-stopping versions on the runways at Balenciaga, Christian Dior and Monique Lhuillier. Some designers really stepped outside the box, like the winged green liner seen at Miu Miu and the dramatic cat eyes at Viktor & Rolf. Whatever the case was, it was definitely all about the eye. So this week’s Trend-Filled Thursdays column is, of course, about heavily defined eyes!

THE NEW ROMANTICS
Black liner rimmed the top and bottom lashlines at many a show for Fall 2008. This was often paired with clear, glowing skin and a nude lip to really draw your focus up to the eyes. The overall effect? Pure sexiness, but with a romantic inclination that makes these looks perfect for everything from work to cocktails. This look is definitely the most wearable.
gorgeous cat eyes at Alberta Ferretti
pairing liner with lush lashes at Giorgio Armani
slightly smudged at Karl Lagerfeld

TO GET THE LOOK:
Try a liquid eyeliner to get those precise lines. NARS Liquid Eyeliner in Angel Heart ($27.50) is a gorgeously deep black.
Lips should definitely be left alone here — or at least people should think they were! Philosophy Big Mouth in Nude ($22) will give your pout just the right amount of shine.

THE FANTASTICAL
It was all about showing off for some designers this season. Forget muted, these looks were over-the-top and not apologizing for it! While they might not transfer so well to every day life (unless you moonlight as a drag queen or are going to a Studio 54 party), who cares? Makeup is all about having fun and experimenting, and these looks took that idea to new heights!
winging it at Balenciaga
mixing it up with blues and purples at Monique Lhuillier
a total whiteout at Christian Dior

TO GET THE LOOK:
Add pizazz to your eyes with a sparkly liner, such as LORAC Eye Shadow/Liner in Midnight Sparkle ($16). Since it doubles as a shadow, you can really go all out and sparkle like a disco ball!
A glossy nude lip packs just the right amount of punch for this look — it doesn’t detract from the eyes! Try Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot ($22).

DRAMATIC IN BLACK
Taking it one step further than the romantic looks seen above, these designers decided to play up the eyes even more. Instead of keeping liner close to the lashline, it thickened and winged out. While it’s a bit much to try this for the office, why not do your own interpretation on your next night out?
using a hint of shimmer at Chado Ralph Rucci
deep black rims at Givenchy
bringing it to the inner corners at Jean Paul Gaultier
bold and dramatic at Lanvin

TO GET THE LOOK:
Try Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Black ($22). Rimming your eyes with this crease-resistant cream liner will really make them pop!
Give your lips and cheeks a subtle flush with Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain ($10). It’s formulated with red wine extract to give you just the subtlest hint of color.

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