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While the smoky eye trend may look difficult to pull off, it’s deceptively simple with the proper tools and knowledge. The following step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to achieve the perfect smoky eye in minutes!
Step 1
Before applying eyeshadow, it’s a good idea to prep the eyelid. In doing so, you’ll avoid getting those ugly eyeshadow creases that form when the makeup has melted halfway through your evening. If you don’t already have eyeshadow primer, try Garden Botanika Shadow Primer or, my personal favorite, Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base.
Step 2
If you’re going for the typical black/gray smoky eye, grab a dark eyeliner pencil and apply liner from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner of the eyelid. For bottom lids, dot liner between lower lashes and blend everything with an eyeliner brush or Q-Tip. Proper blending throughout the process is key to pulling off the perfect smoky eye.
Step 3
In order to pull off the smoky eye look, you need to pair a dark shade with a lighter, shimmery base shade. Pick a lighter eyeshadow hue and blend the color from your eyelids to your brow bone.
Step 4
Now it’s time for the darker color! Start by blending the darker shade from your lash line and working upwards for a sultry, smoky effect. While blending, take care to stop the darker shade from passing your eyelid crease.
Step 5
Once you’ve determined both eyes look smoky and fab, dab on two coats of rich black mascara (I love Benefit’s BADGal Lash Mascara) for the finishing touch. Voila! You’ve just achieved the perfect smoky eye in a matter of minutes.
Now, you can rock the look at your next evening get-together or for a night on the town. Just remember, when wearing the smoky eye look you should keep the rest of your makeup light and neutral to keep the focus on your eyes and to avoid looking too overdone.
(Photo from WikiHow)
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October 18th, 2008 at 7:40 am
So, you’re only using one shadow? You’re only using the eyeliner to get the look of a second eyeshadow, and you blend that outwards and upwards from about mid eye or so?
Thanks!
October 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Fringed,
Sorry for the confusion! If you take a look at step three, you will notice that you need to pair a darker eyeshadow with another eyeshadow (a light, shimmery shade) to serve as a kind of base for the darker shade. The eyeliner helps define your eyes for the perfect smoky look. Hope that helps!
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 am
my wife is gave this a try and turned out looking like a great smokey eye!
June 19th, 2009 at 10:34 am
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