For the 2021 Emmy Awards, writer, producer, and director Ava DuVernay embodied modern Hollywood glamour. DuVernay—who helped to present the iconic Governors Award to actress and dancer Debbie Allen, the first Black woman to receive the honor—wore her sleek signature locks in a high ponytail, executed by hairstylist Vernon François, and a regal blue Cushnie gown, styled by Jason Bolden. However, the pièce de résistance was the stunning navy blue smokey eye.
To create the look, makeup artist Adam Burrell tells Coveteur that he used a flat eyeshadow brush to diffuse a cream blue shadow along the lash line. Then, he lined DuVernay's eye with a deep blue eyeliner to amp up the color before blending it all out with the super-pigmented Clarins 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Midnight Gradation. To complete the eye look, Burrell swiped on a few coats of Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D to lengthen, define, and curl DuVernay's lashes. A dusting of Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Peach coated her cheeks and added a dose of color to create a gorgeous lit-from-within complexion.
Prepping the skin was an important first step in order to ensure a smooth and seamless makeup application. Burrell prepped the skin with a trio of Clarins skin-care products: The Double Serum, the Total Eye Lift, and the Extra-Firming Energy moisturizing cream. Together, according to Burrell, they work to boost the skin's radiance, promote an even skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores.
The artful combination of blues and textures allowed for a fresh take on a classic eye while tying DuVernay's look together seamlessly.
Photos: Courtesy of Adam Burrell
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