While the classic look may seem like a make-up look only the pros can master, it’s surprisingly quite simple to perfect, all you need is the right products and a few pointers.
11
May
Nicole Walker
A “smokey eye” is a timeless look that is universally flattering; the touch of intensity instantly makes your eyes the centre of attention and adds just the right amount of drama. The beauty of all smokey eye looks are their soft, diffused effects. It’s also incredibly versatile for pretty much any event, opt for show-stopping glam or for a classic fairly neutral day look with lighter shade and skip the heavy eyeliner for a more subdued version of the glam makeup look. Here, Gorgeous are breaking down all the steps to the perfect smokey eye.
Step 1: Prep and prime your eyes
Guinot Anti-Ageing Sun Cream with SPF 50+ for the eyes works fantastically under makeup to protect the eye. Gorgeous Shop Brand Manager Review – “As you get older you need to protect the delicate eye area from sun and premature ageing. This eye cream is perfect under make up and sinks into skin, giving a slight glow and protecting against UVA, UVB and blue light. A firm favourite in my makeup bag!”
Next you’ll need to prep your skin. We recommend using the Super Facialist Skin Perfecting Primer, packed with nourishing minerals and vitamins to protect and moisturise your skin.
Then, even out the colour on your eyelids by applying a nude matte shadow or foundation. We recommend bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation. This provides a clean canvas and makes eyeshadow application easier.
Step 2: Eyeliner application
An eyeliner is a base that instantly provides intensity. We love both bareMinerals Mineralist Eyeliner and delilah Cosmetics Eye Line Long-Wear Retractable Pencil. Apply a thick line along your upper lash line, staying as close to lashes as possible. Blur the line and smoke out edges using a small, tapered brush, such as the small end on the bareMinerals Essential Blender Eye Duo Brush, blending outward. Repeat on the lower lash line. Top Tip: For added drama, add more liner along the lower waterline.
You can create a little bit of a shape by elongating it on the outer corner of the eye. It doesn’t have to be perfect, since you’ll be smudging it out with a brush. For a winged effect, extend the corner of the line to create your preferred shape, joining the outer corner with the bottom line.
You can also team a liquid liner with a pencil for added intensity for bold, dramatic looks, Sigma Beauty Liquid Pen Eyeliner would pair beautifully with either pencil.
Step 3: Eyeshadow shade selection and the right brushes for a smokey eye
Dark eyeshadow
Start with selecting an eyeshadow colour that’s similar to your eyeliner shade. For black liner choose a deep intense colour such as plum to compliment your look and provide dimension. For a brown liner opt for a warm shade that picks up some of the same tones to create a graduation.
Apply this with a compact brush that will lay down colour, like the smaller end of the bareMinerals Essential Blender Eye Duo Brush. Apply eyeshadow over the liner on your top and bottom lids. Blend so that there aren’t any hard edges where the shadow ends and the liner begins. Keep blending! It only helps soften the overall effect and creates a seamless transition.
Mid-tone eyeshadow
Next, grab a fluffy brush, we recommend using the larger tapered fluffier end of your bareMinerals Essential Blender Eye Duo Brush and an eyeshadow colour that’s in the same colour family as you’ve been working with, but a little lighter. The finish doesn’t matter, butt we love a shimmer because it can help brighten and create a more multi-dimensional effect. Apply this shadow in the crease and blend where the dark shadow ended, blending the edge to act as a transition between the dark and light-coloured eyeshadow.
Light eyeshadow
Soft, shimmery eyeshadow is used to add brightness to balance the look and bring it all together. Using a small brush, like the smaller end of the bareMinerals Essential Blender Eye Duo Brush, place the shadow on the inner corners of the eye.
The perfect mid-tone and light shadow duo! Stila Kaleidoscope Eye Shadow Duo in Classic Cashmere, these luxury eye shadow shades effortlessly blend together for seamless application. With rich pigments and a velvety-soft texture, these prismatic shades provide lasting wear and intense colour for show-stopping, beautiful eyes.
Step 4: A smokey eye look isn’t complete without a dramatic set of lashes!
Finish with a quality mascara, bareMinerals Maximist Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara Mini in Black will complete your breath-taking smokey eye look.
If you want to go all out…. lashes by Sigma have you covered, with so many styles to choose from! We love this pair, Sigma Beauty Sultry False Lashes.
