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Exclusive: Laura Mercier reveals the secrets to winter's key make-up looks

By Laurelle Gilbert | Posted: Fri 08 Aug 2008

Celebrity make-up artist Laura Mercier talks exclusively to ELLE about what her key looks for the new season are and how to get them just right.

‘If you buy one piece of make up this winter invest in a black eye shadow.’ says Laura. ‘For a subtle smoky grey eye that can be worn day or night, use a base white eye shadow over the lids before gradually layering on black. For a more intense eye, brush black shadow over your lids, focusing along your lash line. Then dot some white in the corner of your eye to open them up - and take time to do your eye make up!'

To get the look she recommends, invest in The Eye Colour Quad in Tuxedo, £30 by Laura Mercier, which hits stores in November.

She also filled us in on how to wear this season's berry lips which were all over the catwalk. 'I’d suggest a shiny longwear lip colour. Use your finger for a smudged stain or a lip brush for full-on intense colour. For a sheer effect use a lip balm underneath your lip colour, and for precision use a berry lipliner. This trend is versatile so can be worn in different ways depending on your mood.’

We love Estee Lauder's Pure Colour Lip Gloss in Berry Swirl, £14, which is perfect for a sheer look that will take you from summer to early autumn. YSL's new Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 12, £20, hits the stores in September and its intense berry-red colour is our favourite shade of the season.

And finally, the catwalk look every girl wants this winter is flawless, glowing skin.Laura says, 'use a tinted moisturiser to keep your skin looking fresh and clean, followed by a high-pigment pearlescent cream concealer over your lids. It will give you a glossy polished look – the very fleshy look that was all over the catwalks.' Laura also told us to 'use concealer around your cheekbones and brows to naturally highlight your face' to look like you've just stepped off the runway.

By Susannah Edwards

Posted: 8th August 2008