The smoky eye effect transforms your countenance from everyday ordinary to dramatically eye-catching! This well loved look is achieved using contrasting shades with simple blending techniques. The application is easy to learn by following a few basic steps.
Choose your colors.
Select a rich, vivid liner, three shadows (light, medium & dark) and a deep mascara. The darker the colors, the more dramatic the look. If you want a soft smoky appearance, choose lighter, softer shades. Almost any color can be used to make the smoky effect including purples, greens, browns, and classic black. Deep purple with light gold is absolutely beautiful. The colors should contrast (light/dark) but yet compliment one another. For example, if you want a brown smoky eye, choose a rich dark brown liner and cream, beige and nude for your base and blending colors.
Add the primer.
Before you begin applying the color, prime your eyelids with a good oil absorbing powder or mineral. Crease lines form from the oil that collects on your eyelid through out the day. Consider using mineral veil with a cornstarch base due to its super oil absorbent properties.
Apply the liner around your entire eye.
With your favorite eyeliner brush or pencil, glide the darker liner shadow around your entire eye. The thinnest line should be near the inner eye while the thickest line should be drawn near the outer corner. The thicker the lines are, the bolder your eyes will appear.
Put the base shades on.
Next, apply the the medium base color from the upper lash line to about half way up to your brow, blending upwards.
Trace the contour shadow (darkest shadow) over the eyeliner and in the crease area.
Gently, trace over your eyeliner with the contour shade and smudge until well blended. This gives the soft, sultry, smoky look. Using the popular "V" shape, add the contour to the crease. To find your crease line, take your finger and gently move it from the inner corner of your eyelid to the outer corner. You should feel your eyeball right underneath your finger. The crease line is where the facial bone and the eyeball meet. Keep blending and contouring until you get the level of smokiness desired. If it doesn't look soft enough, smudge some more without adding more color. The key to the perfect smoky look is blending the shades. Add the medium shadow base color to help blend the bottom lash line.
Highlight the brow.
Using a semi-shimmer or your light shadow, apply just underneath and above the brow. This will make your eyes seem bigger and brighter while giving the appearance of uplifted eyes.
Applying smoky hues to your eyes gives an alluring effect that is truly captivating. It's beneficial to all types of faces and its simple to create. Try experimenting with different colors and you are sure to bring irresistible eyes to any occasion.
