In terms of eye makeup, is there anything sexier and more sophisticated than the classic Smoky Eye Look?
There sure isn't! That's why almost every page of today's magazines has a picture of a beautiful model or a celebrity sporting (what else?) - the smoky eye look!
So, if you feel you are ready to join this fabulous team, and you too want to master theSmoky Eye technique, you came to the right place!
Begin by applying a light shade of concealer to the under eye area, and all over the top lid. Your mineral makeup foundation is a great concealer for this step and prepares your eyes for the eye shadow that you are going to apply.
The next step in creating a perfect smoky eye look is to apply eye shadow. Start by applying a light shade of eye shadow to the entire lid, blending it up to the brow bone. Use a slightly darker shade of eye shadow in the crease, blending it outwards and upwards. For a more dramatic look, use a darker shade of eye shadow in the outer corner of the eye and blend it inwards, and then use a lighter shade of eye shadow in the inner corner of the eye.
To add more depth to the eye, use a dark eyeliner to line the top and bottom lash lines. Start with the top lash line and use short, light strokes to create a thin line. Then, use a slightly thicker line to line the bottom lash line. To create a smoky effect, smudge the eyeliner using a small brush.
Next, apply a coat of mascara to the top and bottom lashes, starting from the root of the lashes and working your way out. For a more dramatic look, apply a few coats of mascara.
Take a piece of scotch tape and stick it on your hand first to remove some of the stickiness. Then, place it under your eye against your lash line, up past the outer corner of your eye. Repeat the process to the other eye, making sure both pieces of tape are even.
This clever trick creates a sharp, clean line for your shadow and liner, which is essential for nailing that smoky eye look. It acts as a guide, so when you apply the darker eyeshadows, there's no risk of smudging them down your face. Just remember to carefully peel off the tape once you're done with your eye makeup to reveal the crisp edge. If you're worried about irritation, opt for a low-tack tape specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Apply a matte shadow that is similar to your eye color. Use a relatively large brush to cover your entire eye and blend it into the creases before moving onto the next step.
Brush a dark gray eyeshadow along the tape above your eyelid. You can make it dark, but not too dark—you still have a lot more shadow to go and don't want to cake on too much makeup!
The dark gray eyeshadow should be applied with short, light strokes, blending the edges. This will give the smoky eye look a softer, more blended appearance. To further enhance the look, use a fluffy brush to blend the eyeshadow up above the crease of the eye. This will create a more intense smoky eye look. To finish, use a smudge brush to blend the eyeshadow along the lower lash line. This will create a more dramatic effect and help to make the eyes look larger. Finally, use a light eyeshadow to highlight the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone. This will add a beautiful finishing touch to the smoky eye look.
Blend away the dark gray eye shadow with a much lighter shade, even lighter than your skin color. This will brighten up your eyes and make the dark color less intense and more natural.
To achieve a seamless gradient, use a clean, fluffy brush to meticulously soften any harsh lines between the dark and light eyeshadows. This buffing technique should be done with gentle, circular motions to meld the colors beautifully for that dreamy, smoky effect. Remember, the key to a great smoky eye is blending, so take your time to ensure there are no visible edges. Light, feathery strokes will help to disperse the color evenly and create a sultry, sophisticated finish that's perfect for any occasion.
If you want a more nighttime smoky eye, you can apply a black eye shadow over the gray shadow you already have on. Since there is a gray shadow already, the look is more gradual, but still striking. You can create a more defined cat eye using a black shadow along the tape. Remember to blend again after this step with a lighter eye shadow color!
First, line both the top and bottom rims with an eye pencil, paying close attention to going into the lash line itself.
If you have small eyes apply liner starting from the middle of the under eye to the outside of the eye. If your eyes are large feel free to line from corner to corner.
Hint: If you are using liquid liner you can place dots on the lash line and then follow the dots to get a perfectly straight line. I knew those connect the dot puzzles I did as a kid would come in handy some day!
Now, you can finally remove that uncomfortable tape from your eyes! Then, apply a lighter shadow in a neutral tone with a larger eye shadow brush, I like to use the wet/dry brush.
Encircling the entire eye area, be sure to soften and graduate outward for that perfect blended look.
Creating a smokey eye isn't just all about eye shadow, it's the overall look. So, while you want to do a precise job of applying the right eye shadows in the right places, you also wanted to pay attention to your lashes. Curling your eyelashes will help open up your eyes and really make them stand out.
After you curl your lashes, you'll want to apply generous coats of mascara. Some people find that waterproof mascaras hold curl better so that's always an option. However, some waterproof mascara formulas can be a bit drying on the lashes so it's not the best idea to use a waterproof formula daily. But for special occasions, why not?
Just like the black shadow was optional for a night out, you can choose to wear false eyelashes for a more dramatic look. In my opinion, smoky eye just screams false eyelashes to make a more cat eye look. However, if you are going for a daytime smoky eye, falsies might be too much.
Brush away any shadow that has fallen below the eye with a fluffy brush and clean up any areas that have smeared with a q-tip. If you have trouble getting rid of fallout from eye shadow, you can always try using Scotch tape to pick up any fallout without smudging your makeup.
Want a more dramatic look add more shadow and mascara! If you are looking for the most dramatic effect be sure to curl those lashes and apply 2-3 coats of black mascara!
Hint: Want your eyes to look larger - Pull your liner upward when lining your bottom lashes instead of out from the top liner! This will make your eyes look larger and rounder!
If you are going to make your eyes look flawless, you might as well go for the eyebrows, too! A bold brow looks great with a smoky eye because you'll draw even more attention to your gorgeous eyes!
If you want to go for a classic smoky eye look, lightly line lips with a natural color and add some sheer color in peach, caramel, or barely there pink.
You might try the Nude look on the lips with your smoky eyes - see these 5 Tips on Embracing The Nude Lip Look to learn more...
If you want to add more drama to your look, line your lips with a darker lipliner and fill it in with a deep color. Both, the nude lip and the deep dark pout are very "it" this season. So, it's up to you to decide which look is better for you.
Voila! You've got the look!
Now that you are all ready, please be careful with who you look at, because you are about to burn a couple of hearts with those fabulous Smoky Eyes! What other tips do you have for women trying to create the perfect smoky eye?
Like these celebs at Top 10 Smoky Eye Looks on Celebrities & 8 Celebrities with the Best Makeup…