The “smoky eye” is one of the most popular looks around as we head into fall, and the subsequent holiday party season. It’s a look that is easy too over- and under-do. But with some practice, and the right tools, you can easily master the look of a 1920s silent-film temptress in no time.
There is a myth that the smoky eye is a look achieved only with brown or grey/black eye shadows. The truth is that blue, green, purple – even burgundy – can all be used with great effect, depending on your own eye color and personal taste. Once you get comfortable with the technique, try mixing colors – green with black, brown with burgundy. And one I’ve done that is a bit peacocky is a mix of emerald green with navy blue and black.
Choose three shades for maximum effect: highlighter, base color and intensifier. Use a different (clean”> makeup brush for each color and another for blending. (A fifth brush – angled – can be used if you want to line with shadow instead of pencil.”> I like to use small brushes (Loew-Cornell Maxine’s Mop in the ¼-inch size”> for precise placement of each color.
When doing smoky eyes, it is advisable to put your eye makeup on first because of the higher likelihood of dark shadow falling out on your freshly made-up face. I put a layer of skin cream or silicone primer underneath my eyes to catch stray flakes of shadow, while other people prefer powder. Then I apply a primer to my lids: Benefit Lemon Aid is my choice, but every major makeup company makes a primer product today, including Smashbox and Laura Gellar.
If you are going to use false lashes (either single or strip”>, apply these before starting your makeup.
There are two techniques that can be employed to create a smoky eye. The first involves applying the darkest color at the outset and then adding lighter shades. The second is more traditional – going from lightest to darkest.
My favorite every day (yes, I wear this to work sometimes”> smoky eye starts with Naked Lunch swept from the inner third of my eyelid over the brow bone, Mulch over the outer 2/3 of the eye, Mystery or Chocolate Brown pigment in the crease. I line with Showstopper. All of these colors are made by MAC. I finish with a dot of MAC Gold Bit or Stila Kitten in the inner corner of my eyes.
Some products to try:
- Smashbox Master’s Class Expert Eyes Set – $59 at Sephora
- Pop Beauty Eye Class – Smokey Eyes – $32 at Sephora
- Bare Escentuals Tutorials – Lesson 1: Smoky Eye – $32
- Cargo Eye Shadow Palette – Ten Thousand Islands – $28
- Tarte Peep Show – Smoky Eye Palette – $37
Stila has a Smoky Eye Palette – $40 at Sephora – that not only has the perfect colors to create a lovely smoky eye; it also has a voice recording in the case that you can play back to learn how to apply the shades contained within. I also recommend YouTube as a source of information. Many young ladies post their makeup looks to this site along with detailed instructions on how to achieve what they have created. A quick search reveals over 200 such videos, including those of MAC makeup artist Chantal Miller for Ford Models.
Remember that practice makes perfect with the smoky eye. Try different colors on each eye, wash it off and start over until you find something you like.
Pair smoky eyes with a great nude lip – MAC Viva Glam V or Nars Dolce Vita lipstick. Though the daring could try red for an über-goth punk princess look!
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It’s October again – Breast Cancer Awareness Month!Don’t just shop pink, volunteers are always needed to support fundraising events in your community.For more information:
http://www.breastcancer.org/
http://www.bcsc.ca/
http://www.nbcc.org.au/
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/
