8 Steps to the Perfect Smokey Eye

What you need:

Black Eye Shadow – M.A.C. Cosmetics Carbon $16 or NYX Nude Matte Shadow Stripped $4.50 (Both of of these shadows are amazing.  They are TRUE blacks, none of that bluish tinted crap you find in other brands.  I can’t say which I love more, though my VISA prefers the NYX.  I must admit I lean more toward NYX over MAC as NYX is Cruelty Free.  MAC, though amazing, tests on Animals so they lose my vote when I have a choice between their product and another good brand.)

Highlighter Shadow – Chimera Cosmetics Gold on White $18 (If you want a golden undertone) or NYX Cosmetics Hot Singles Shadows Vixen (for a nude undertone) or Whipped Cream (for a bright white) $4.50

Black Liquid Eye Liner – Wet & Wild H20 Ultra Black 881 $3.99 (Easily Found at Wal-mart) or if you prefer Gel Chimera Cosmetics Black Gel Liner $15

Mascara – NYX Doll Eye Water Proof Black Mascara $9.50

Rounded Eye Shadow Brush

Medium Firm Blending Brush

  1.  With a light tapping motion, place the highlightshadow. Place the highlight directly under the eyebrow on the brow bone.Work from the inside corner of the eye, toward the arch of the brow, stopping at the outside edge of the brow.
  2. Apply the highlight shadow over the entire lid, leaving the crease empty.
  3. Choose a medium-sized eye shadow brush for the shadow portion of the application. Press black shadow into the outer edge of the crease.  DO NOT take it past your pupil towards the inner part of your eye.
  4. Blend out into the crease softening the edgewith a medium firm blending brush.
  5. Using an angled liner brush apply the Liquid Eye liner to the upper lid. On yourself make sure you lift your brow high to give a smoother application and line. Start at the outside edge of the eye and feather in towards the inside corner of the eye. Eye liner application is best done in fluid, consistent strokes.
  6. Holding the wand horizontally, apply mascara from underneath the upper lashes, working from the base of the lashes to the tips. Apply evenly from the tear duct to the outer corner.
  7. Re-load the wand and apply mascara to the lower lashes, working from the base to the tips. If thicker lashes are desired, apply a second coat of mascara.
  8. The smokey eye requires a stronger brow then a more natural eye. Using an angled brush, use a shadow that is the same toneas your hair, choosing a color that is one shade lighter than your hair. Using the angled brush start filling in your brow with small upward, hair like flicks, working your way towards your arch. At the arch continue filling in the brow using longer more fluid motions down the length of the brow’s tail.

And there you have it!  A true smokey eye. (Note of Caution:  Not ALL eyes look good with a Smokey eye, not ALL people can pull off a solid black.  If you think that might be you, choose a dark brown as base crease and then softly blend in some black.)

Method Makeup, Sacramento’s Makeup School