How to apply a smokey eye like a pro

Meghan Wick | Posted on May 19, 2014 |

Have no fear of the smokey eye any longer! Here are a few techniques and tips to keep in mind the next time you feel like rocking this smoldery look. The real mystery behind the smokey eye is layers people! It’s all about creating depth and dimension which means adding a bit of warmth. Building and layering your shadow with beiges, rich browns and chocolates beneath that darker top layer will add the perfect amount of intensity without you looking like a vamp or racoon.

Contrary to belief the smokey is eye look is not just for the young. Again, it’s all about intensity/layering and you harness the power of how bold you want to be. Again, most people fear or think it’s not for them because they don’t understand it or in this case don’t know how to apply it. There are so many different variations and colors to the smokey eye it’s endless so find an intensity that works for you and your personality. Trust me, in most cases less is more anyway.

If you are just starting out with experiementing I suggest starting out light (again, build in layers). It’s easier to add on then it is to take away especially if you are working with darker colors.

Key steps

Prime – This should be done before any shadow is applied to your eye. It will allow for a smoother application and prevent creases throughout the day/night. Prime your eye lid with any concealer and set it with a loose or compact powder. Other variations include using an eyelid primer like Laura Mercier or a shadow paint pot like maybelline’s tattoo color stay.

Build your look in layers – Start with browns, chocolates and grays. Invest in some decent blending brushes to help speed along this process. I really like IT Cosmetics brushes. Start by building intensity along the crease of your eyelid and blend inward towards the middle of your eyelid. Make sure to keep blending your edges above your crease too. Line your lower water line with a dark brown or black eye pencil then soften the edge by adding a shadow along your & upper lower lash line.

Blend your edges – Prevent the severe racoon, gypsy, trash look by blending both the top crease edge and your bottom lash line edges with an angle brush, Q-tip or sponge applicator.

Keep the rest neutral – It’s best to play up one feature. In this case we are focusing on a seductive intense eye which is where the attraction should lie. Leave the lips a neutral tone so they don’t compete with your eyes. I also suggest highlighting the brow bone with a matte shadow like Makeup Forever’s (buff/eggshell). It creates a subtle highlight and doesn’t overpower the lid like using a shimmer shadow would.

Don’t forget your brows – There is no point of going through the work of making a smokey eye and then ignoring what frames the face and finishes off your entire look. Fill in or polish up those brows ladies it will help complete and make the look pop. Use a brow gel like MAC’s brow set or a matte shadow like Bobbie Brown’s eye brow palette.

Smokey Eye Color Pop Accents

Brown eyes are very versatile and can do a lot of different color variations but I find adding pops of plums and purples really make this eye color pop