Smokey Eye Makeup Application

Getting Stared

Before applying smokey eye makeup, gather all the necessary tools and "prep" the eyes to begin receiving color. To prep the lids, consider using some kind of primer (try Fresh Freshface Perfecting eye Primer). This will keep eyes oil free and allow them to accept color readily. Next, collect the following tools:

• Two eye shadows: one light and one (contour) darker
• Eyeliner
• All necessary makeup brushes
• Mascara

A Word on Color

Here, choosing a black eye pencil, or a deep plum, will yield fantastic results. The base color can either be rich and shimmery (but not metallic), or matter and powdery in nature. For a sophisticated finish, choose a neutral beige or grey and for a more dramatic look, reach for a brighter base. The contour color needs to be dark, mate, or slightly shimmery. Depending on the color palette, consider:

• Dark Brown
• Blue
• Green
• Purple

Black is stunning as well and it will look good with any outfit.

A third shade of eye shadow may be added, but this should be a slightly shimmery shade (a highlighter) that is then applied just under the eyebrows. This highlighter shade serves to enlarge the entire eye area and it will soften any leftover demarcation lines. If in a pinch where no highlighter shade can be found, reach for normal facial powder; this will produce a sophisticated look.

When it comes to eyeliner, soft black or kohl works nicely to enhance the entire eye, but leave the liquid eyeliners to the side. Liquid eyeliners are perfect for crisp lines, but will look out of place for this soft-focus, sultry eye makeup look.

Begin Smokey Eye Makeup Application

Now it’s time to begin the smokey eye makeup application. Consider the following steps:

• Outline the entire eye with a black (or other deep color) pencil. Take care to make the line thicker along the upper lashes.

• Using a brush or a sponge applicator, apply the base color eye shadow on the eyelid and all over the crease (about halfway up to the brows).

• With a pointy applicator, apply the contour color eye shadow all the way around the eyes and blend it well with the previous pencil line.

• Now, half-close eyes and apply the contour color in the crease of the eyelid.

• Define the outside corners of the eye by using a horizontal "V" shape. Note that the position of the pointy end of the "V" will control the overall "shape" of the eyes.

• Taking a medium-sized soft round brush (a flat one can also be used as long as it’s held sideways), blend the eye shadows on the upper eyelid. With the flat brush, blend the eye shadows on the lower eyelid.

Repeat these steps with the contour color as many times as need to achieve a deep shade, but remember to blend again with brushes after every application.

Complete the smokey look by applying several coats of mascara.

Pressed For Time?

If pressed for time, follow this faster routine:

• Use a primer or powder to make eyes oil-free.

• Apply eyeliner as usual.

• Smudge some of the eyeliner onto the bottom of the eye.

• Apply a light base color in bone or cream across the entire eye.

• Follow up with a light shimmery shade under the brow bone.

• Blend in the darker color, being sure to keep this below the crease line.

Use an eye shadow brush to blend in the color. Start at the lash line and blend up. The key is to keep blending into the lash line until the eyeliner previously applied has disappeared. Remember to keep the deep color at the crease line.

From there, check your handiwork and if need be, clean up with a cotton swab. Finish up as usual by applying several coats of mascara. Once this smokey eye look as been achieved, keep the entire face in balance by coloring lips in a soft nude or pink color. Survey your handiwork, and voila! Beautiful.