Always wanted to achieve that ‘smokey-eye’ look without looking as though you have been punched in the face? Here is an easy and quick step-by-step guide on how to do just that…
In order to transform your make up from day to night, a ‘smokey-eyed’ effect is the perfect way to go. Having become a big trend, with no sign of dying out, mastering this technique is a must. It is a popular choice by celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria, to ensure that their eyes stand out on the red carpet.
What You Will Need:
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Eye shadow brushes
- Darker and lighter shade of eye shadow (e.g., black and grey)
- A highlighter
- A base colour (slightly darker than your natural skin colour)
(We swear by Benefits’ ‘Smokin’ Eyes’ make up kit and at £28.50 it is such good value for money considering it has everything you need in an ideal travel-size case which lasts for ages!)
Step–by–Step Guide:
- Firstly, apply a primer or a base colour all over your eye lid, ensuring complete coverage. This could be a light pink or beige – important as it will help you blend your other darker colours and keep your eye shadow in place.
- Apply the eyeliner to your eyelid, as close to the eyelashes as you can, for a striking effect. For an extra dramatic look, you can apply it to the area just under your bottom lashes, but be sure not to over-do it here or you could end up looking more like a panda! (not so hot)
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Using the contour colour (e.g., grey), apply it to the crease in your eyelid and the side corners. This accentuates the shape of your eye and makes them look bigger. - With the darker colour (e.g. black), delicately apply a little just above the lashes and from the outer corner from your lower lashes, three-quarters of the way in. This works as a blend between your eyeliner and the lighter shade to create a more subtle effect. Focus on the side corners to make the eyes look bigger.
- Starting from the base of your eyelashes, wiggle your mascara brush and flick out to lengthen your eyelashes. You’ll want several coats to ensure thick and bold lashes. (If you don’t have naturally long or curly eyelashes you could cheat here and use eyelashes curlers, to make your eyelashes look fuller and longer)
- Finally, with the highlighter, lightly apply it just under your eyebrow curve (brow bone) and the inner corners of your eye, blending with your finger. This will make your eyes look bolder as it contrasts with the darker colours completing the ‘smokey-eye’ look.
Useful Tips:
- Keep the rest of your face simple and let your eyes do the talking. This means keeping your lips nude; when applying strong make up (like smokey-eyes or deep red lipstick), put the focus on one of your features, having huge eyes, or huge lips, NEVER both, otherwise you’ll look like a clown – not the most attractive look when it isn’t a themed night!
- If you want to make your eyes ‘pop’ then try experimenting with blue or purple mascara, but make sure the colours don’t clash – might not give the desired effect!
- If you have small eyes don’t apply eyeliner in the inner part of your eye. You want to make your eyes big and bold so apply eyeliner along your bottom eyelashes to make them bigger.
- Although the standard ‘smokey-eye’ colours are greys and blacks, you can experiment with other colours such as browns and purples or greens. All you need is a lighter and darker shade of the same colour.
- The key to ‘smokey-eyes’ is BLENDING, so use a bigger eye shadow brush to create a smooth transition from one colour to the next.
Simple really, so have fun with this one girls!