Want to be a real knock-out? Check out these power packed color combos that are far from what you might expect. Most of us turn and run from any shade of black or blue around the eyes. According to makeup artists who are responsible for trend setting and dressing the most famous faces in the world, black defines the eye while blues add a dynamic flash of color that ranges from ultra sexy to soft and natural. The trick is to choose your shades wisely and learn how to apply them in ways that suit your skin tone and eye shape.

Black liquid eye liner, black eye shadow and a precision application brush are the building blocks that create the perfect shape for your eyes and face. One great thing about black as a base is that you can fudge droopy eyes, wide-set and close-set eyes because the look is bold enough to draw attention to wherever you apply the color.

To lift eyes that drop at the outside corner, use an angled brush made for liner application to draw a slight swoop up toward the ear. If you have dark circles under your eye, draw the swoop out from the upper lid. To minimize large eyes, draw the swoop from the lower lid. For wide-set eyes, apply liner thicker on the outer rim of the top lash line; for close-set eyes, take liner all the way to the inside corner and make it thickest just before the highest point in the curve of your lash line.

It goes without saying that black mascara is also a must. What you have to learn is where and when to use it. If you have crow’s feet or dark under-eye shadows, use little or no mascara on the bottom lashes. Apply mascara just as you did you liner to further compliment the affect.

Go ahead and put on your liner as dark as you please. Now go darker than you would ever dare and have some fun with the amazing affects that blue shadows can have. Shimmery blues help soften the harsh edge that liquid liner can create. Swipe shimmering shadow over the liner almost to the edge of the lashes for an icy shine.

As a rule, if you have pale skin you’ll want to stick with light and sheer shades of blue. Don’t shy away from turquoise, cobalt, navy or sea colors, just stay at the palest end of the color spectrum. And try charcoal gray liner instead of black.

To look your best in black and blue: Always apply the black first then make blue your accent color. Layer shades of blue from the same color family to create a velvety, smooth look and use a wet brush for alternating layers. Keep blues very close to the lower lash line. While they look great at the edge, too far down makes it look like you were TKO’ed. Lips and cheeks need to stay pale when your eyes pack this kind of punch. Soft pinks work well with black and blue eyes.

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