How-To: Graffiti-Inspired Makeup

Although your grandparents may disapprove, graffiti is the perfect fusion of culture, expression and color. Inspired by the amazing graffiti beauty from our community, we created our own version of a paint-splattered wall with vivid colors and graphic lines. Then with the help of artist Malcolm Stuart, we turned our design color crazy!

• •  Eye shadow primer
• •  Eye shadows in:
  •    • black
  •    • shimmering pink
  •    • primary blue
  •    • black
  •    • nude
  •    • ocean blue
  •    • sea foam green
  • •  Black pencil eye liner
  • •  Black liquid liner
  • •  Mascara
  • •  White cream crayon
  • •  False lashes
  • •  Blush
  • •  Aqua color paints

After applying an eye shadow primer, lightly create a crease line with a black pencil liner (we chose Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 0L) and a thin angled brush (use your brush to apply the pencil pigment). Then, take the same brush and pencil liner and make a parallel stroke starting from the outer corner of your eye. Trace another parallel shape below your lash line that follows the above marks you just created. These repetitions will make up the base of your eye shape.

Using a wet brush and loose pink shadow (we opted for Sugarpill Loose Shadow in Decora), create a paste and shade under your crease line. Then, take a blue shadow (we used Inglot Matte Eye Shadow 388) and blend from the outside of your eye, gently mixing it into the pink.

Take a matte black shadow (we chose Inglot Matte Eye Shadow 391) and darken the lines you drew earlier. Make sure to keep the line as thin as possible to retain a sleek look.

Use a nude shadow and blend from your inner corner to meet the pink shadow (we chose Inglot Matte Shadow 350). This will give your eyes a dewy look.

Shape a graphic line just below your brow with a blue shadow (we opted for Inglot Matte Shadow 371). Then blend a shimmering kelly green hue (we used the Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette Mi Vida Loca in Drama For Yo Momma) and extend that line inward towards the bridge of your nose.

Using a brush-tip black liquid liner (we chose K Palette 24-7 Tattoo Eyeliner), draw a thick and dramatic cat eye for your false lashes to blend into. Then define each line below to create a triple-wing effect.

Take an angled brush and blend the same ocean blue shadow into the green shadow below the second linear shape. 

Apply a pair of spiky false lashes onto your lids (we used Sugarpill Precious False Eyelashes).

With a white liner (we opted for Ben Nye Magicolor Creme Crayon), line your waterline and set with white shadow. Because this look is so heavy, the white pigment will make your eyes appear larger.

Apply a pink rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks to give a warm and healthy glow (we chose Benefit Bella Bamba).

With a brush and a selection of aqua colors (we used Mehron Paradise AQ Palettes), mix water into the paints to create a thin consistency. Make sure the brush is saturated with the pigment and flick the bristles onto your face. This will create a paint spatter-effect. Layer multiple colors on top of each other to give dimension.

Malcolm Stuart goes graffiti fabulous and paints a traffic-stopping masterpiece!