Feb 2020, Image

Sultry Eye

February 1, 2020 | by Cristina Beecham

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Smokey Eye

Everybody wants a smokey eye. But nobody knows how to DO a smokey eye.

It’s the most popular, yet most elusive makeup look on the planet (just ahead of winged eyeliner).

If you were hoping to nail the smudgy, sultry eye in time for your next big event, you’re in luck. Here is our step-by-step guide to creating the perfect smokey eye without creating an inevitable mess of shadow and liner.

“Keep it simple! Stick to no more than 3 shadows and a liner to pop your eyes.”

3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR SMOKEY EYE

• The key is to always keep the darkest point at the lash line. It keeps the makeup really modern and fresh, and ensures you are drawing more attention to the eye vs. the makeup.

• Keep it simple! Stick to no more than 3 shadows and a liner to pop your eyes.

• Blend is your friend. Brushes are super important to get that blend. When it comes to a smokey eye, it doesn’t matter how dark you go, or what colours you use, it’s how well you can blend the liner and shadow up into skin tone. That’s what gives it that sultry look.

HOW TO CREATE A CLASSIC SMOKEY EYE

1 Start by applying a mid-tone shadow all over the lid. Opt for greys, browns or heathers to create a subtle smokey base.

2 Apply a liner along the lash line, making sure you’re coating and depositing colour between the lashes to instantly pop the eye. Opt for a gel formula for easy application that won’t budge all night!

3 Layer a dark tone shadow like espresso, charcoal or smoke over the liner, blending halfway up the lid and into the lid shadow. Apply along the lower lash line by softly pressing the brush on to the root of the lower lashes. Then smudge out with fingers for a smokier finish.

4 Add those all-important final touches with a mascara, like Bobbi Brown’s Smokey Eye Mascara, layering 3-4 coats for a full lash effect.

5 Finally, layer a sparkle shadow with your finger to give it that real party finish. It’s great for smoothing out the lid and giving that blend through the crease of the eye.

SOUND TOO HARD? HERE’S AN EASY CHEAT…

Sound too hard? Here’s an easy cheat…

A long-wear cream shadow and a long-wear gel eyeliner blended together is a quick and simple way to create a smokey eye with minimal products.

Simply apply the shadow all over the lid, blending it over and over towards the outer corner for the smokey effect. Then apply the gel eyeliner along the bottom lid and lash line, smudging it with a small eye brush.