I missed out on the smoky eyes response the first time around, so I’m glad to have a second chance. Bust magazine published an article on smoky eyes a few months, maybe a year or so back, which I found very helpful.

Go to your local Indian grocery store and purchase some real kohl, often called kajal. Mine is “Dancing Baby” brand, but I’m sure there are many to choose from. It comes in a little pot and only costs a dollar or two. You must paint it on with a brush or a Q-tip. If you apply lightly you can just smudge the line with your finger until you achieve the look you want. If you really want to go smoky/borderline goth, paint it on thick and close your eyes very tightly while rubbing with your fingers a little. This will cover both the upper and lower lash lines. Also, it is fairly waterproof, so unless you use a waterproof mascara remover, you will retain your smokiness for days.

J

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I got many lengthy responses to this, so due to space constraints, I won’t list those here; everyone has a different technique, some people use shadow and others use liner — experimenting to find what’s right for you is probably best. Specific suggestions for products and places to get instructions appear below.

“Practice, practice, practice”
Almay Intense I-Color in Black Pearl
Any liquid eyeliner
Kevyn Aucoin’s website for lessons: www.kevynaucoin.com/lessons/?vanessa
Go to the makeup counter of your choice, have them do it, and pay careful attention
Don’t forget to line inside the lower lash line
Delush.com’s step-by-step instructions
Online video instructions

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Hi Sars —

I’m looking for a good translation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding. A friend of mine, Mexican, asked me to read it, but he only read it in Spanish and has no idea about different translations (and he’s gone to Prague, so can’t help me look). Any thoughts?

Thanks, H

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Dear H,

Not a one — when I read Lorca, I had to do it in Spanish, for school.

Readers?

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Dear Sars,

Any advice on finding a good tailor for jeans? I seem to be shrinking.

Best regards,
Hemming and Hawing

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Dear Hem,

I’d ask around among my friends, or go to your regular dry-cleaner/tailor and see if you can take a look at their work. I had a pair of jeans shortened recently, and not cheap ones either, and I can’t say enough good things about the guy’s work — you can’t even tell they were touched.

Whatever you do, make sure the tailor understands that you don’t just want it folded and re-hemmed; you want the yellow/contrast thread replaced as it was originally.

Readers, anything to add?

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[7/7/06]

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