#1
Remove Existing Makeup
Makeup is always applied better when the skin is completely clean and
fresh, so cleanse your face of natural oils or existing makeup before
you begin to apply this look.
#2
Experiment First
Practice, practice, practice! Experiment with different eye shadow
colors, different brushes and even techniques – it is important to
perfect your look first!
#3
Find the Right Tools
To achieve a great smoky eye, you’ll need the right tools! We recommend
having at least two shadow brushes and some cotton swabs handy in case
you need to clean some of the eye shadow or eyeliner off!
#4
Don’t Forget Your Brows
The perfect accompaniment to smoky eyes is perfectly shaped eyebrows.
This will allow your look to remain polished and really stand out.
#5
Color Coordinate
Use contrasting colors to your own eye color to make your naturally
beautiful eyes stand out even more. Brown eyes look wonderful against
purple, and green teamed with blue creates a mermaid palette!
#6
Different Brands, Different Quality
Don’t be afraid to try different brands of makeup for your eyes. Some
brands you may find have better quality eye shadow or liner, and some
also offer a wider range of colors.
#7
Embrace Primer
Primer, in the form of powder or a neutral eye shadow, will even out
your skin tone, especially on the often more pale eyelids. This will
create an even base and starting point for your smoky eyes.
#8
Consider Your Lashes
If you’ve chosen to team your smoky eye makeup with super glam false
lashes, then now is the time to do so – before you begin to layer on
your eye shadow and eyeliner! Remember to allow the adhesive to dry
completely before continuing.
#9
Don’t Forget Underneath Your Eyes
You may have evened out the skin tone on your eyelids, but underneath
your eyes is just as important! Banish dark circles using concealer, and
lightly massage any unsightly puffiness to make your eyes seem less
tired.
#10
Get Your Eyeliner Ready
The first step in creating that sultry smokiness is to line your eyelid
as close to the lash line as possible. Pencil eyeliner, rather than
liquid liner, works best to create a softer, almost smudgy line.
Remember, you don’t have to use black – color works just as well if that
is the look you’re after!
#11
Eye Shadow Time
Now we’re working our way up, from the lash line, all the way up to your
brow. Begin with the darker shade, applying it gently along your entire
eyelid. To add extra emphasis, you can also apply the dark eye shadow
lightly under your bottom lashes. Using your second and lighter eye
shadow, begin to gradually blend this up to just underneath your
eyebrow.
#12
Slow and Steady
Don’t forget to gradually build up the intensity of color, rather than
trying to apply it all at once. This will give your smoky eye more depth
and consistency, rather then appearing flat and one-dimensional.
#13
Natural Lashes
Apply a coat of dark mascara to your natural lashes and allow it to dry.
Once it has dried, apply a second coat, making sure that there are no
clumpy bits between lashes. This step is only necessary if you chose not
to apply false lashes as mentioned earlier.
#14
Cotton Swab Time
Remember the cotton swabs we told you you’ll need earlier? Now is the
time to dip them in a small amount of makeup remover to begin cleaning
up any messy lines or eye shadow that may not look quite right. This
will perfect your look, allowing it to be neat and extremely stylish!
#15
Less is More
Now that your eye makeup is dramatic and sultry, the key is to take care
in keeping them the major focus of your look. Avoid overdoing your
cheeks and lips by steering clear of bright or heavy hues and keep the
rest of your makeup palette neutral – easy!