Bebe Rexha [1] knows how to shut down a red carpet. Whether that's showing off her gorgeous curves [2] with a plunging neckline, sauntering in front of the cameras in a thigh-high slit, or, like in the case of last night's 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York City, flashing smoky eyes so glittery and glossy, we're sweating just looking at them.
The singer's bronze-y winged shadow was the handiwork of makeup artist Vincent Oquendo [3], a man known for creating ultrasexy looks on ultrasexy celebrities like Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow, Elsa Hosk, Indya Moore, and Tessa Thompson. Everything about this eye makeup is seductive: the sleek black cat eye that ends in a sharp flick at the outer corners, the full, feathery lashes that nearly touch her perfectly arched brows, and of course the fine gold shimmer that creates the illusion of wet, glossy lids (minus the goopy mess, that is).
And as it turns out, re-creating this look at home (which we highly suggest you do, as it's practically made to wear on hot Summer nights) doesn't require you to shell out a ton of cash. Oquendo dipped into his stash of Maybelline Color Tattoo shadows [4] for the night (he's an ambassador for the brand). Other than that, a great volumizing mascara, black liquid liner, and a black pencil is all you need. Keeping reading to see Rexha's sexy, smoky eyes from every angle.
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
"This was my first time working with Bebe and when I saw her, the first thing I thought was that she has eyes like Bette Davis," Oquendo says. "When it comes to my makeup style, I'm an eye guy, so this was a dream come true."
Rexha also reminded Oquendo of another beauty icon: Debbie Harry. "She has Bette Davis eyes with a Debbie Harry flavour, so for me it was important to mix those two icons together and this is what we came up," says Oquendo. "She's very down to play, which is great. She was basically like, 'Do whatever you want.' "
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
To create a glossy, bronzy eye that wouldn't budge, Oquendo masterfully layered multiple waterproof shadows and liners. "First, I used the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil in Bold Brown [5], tracing it close to the lashes and buffing it out." Then, on top of that, Oquendo added the new Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eye Shadow in Socialite [6], a shimmery bronze hue. "I mixed that with a black cream shadow and applied it along the lash lines to build depth. As I blended it up towards the crease, I began just using the bronze shade."
But Oquendo wasn't done layering. Not by a long shot. Once the shadow set, he topped it off with Flesh Beauty Flesh Pot Eye & Cheek Gloss [7], a product only available in the US at the moment. "I actually had my assistant test it out on her arm first," explains Oquendo. "While I was working on Bebe's skin, she layered the Flesh Pot over the Maybelline shadow to make sure the gloss wouldn't break down the shadow. Turns out, these two products play very nicely together."
Finally, Oquendo finished with liquid liner and false lashes (Haus of Lash strips in Siren [8] to be exact). "You can think of what I did like how you paint a nail," he explains. "The gel pencil is the base coat and then you add your color, which is like the Maybelline pots. Then you finish it off with the liquid liner, which is like the top coat. All together, they're the perfect combination to do a glossy eye."
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
For her contour, Oquendo broke out Benefit Hoola Bronzer, which he then topped with a touch of blush. Her dreamy highlights came courtesy of Maybelline Master Strobing Stick in Iridescent [9].
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
Showing off her bronze lids — and some serious bling.
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
Hairstylist Ursula Stephens added a deep-side part before slicking Rexha's hair back behind her ears.
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
Rexha arriving at Lincoln Center in New York City, the site of the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards.
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Fragrance Foundation Awards
Rexha showing off her rose-shaped Judith Leiber clutch [10] on her Instagram stories.