Let’s face it, the smokey eye look is one of the most flattering when it comes to make-up, but what happens if you don’t have the skills or time to do it like your favourite YouTube MUA? We turned to the experts at beauty website, Cosmetify, who’ve whittled down the complex stages to just three steps to help you achieve the perfect smokey eye.
Not all smokey eye looks were created equal, and when it comes down to it, there are a hundred different ways to nailing the look, be it a casual day time look or a more dramatic night time one. However, the following three steps are a good place to start.
Step 1: Brush and Blend
The right brushes are a must when it comes to eye makeup, especially for smokey eyes, and professional flat, blending and thin-angled brushes are some of the most important tools. Using a flat brush, apply a neutral-toned eyeshadow over the entire lid, making sure most of the pigment is near the lash line. Now blend! By blending in circular buffing motions you’re able to smooth out those harsh lines.
The Bourjois Quad Smokey Eye Shadow is a great example of a pigment that packs a punch. Its darker complimentary colour will give you a more widened and defined eye, and a smouldering look is created when you blend a V-shape into the outer corner of your eyelid.
Step 2: Lines
Use a soft kohl liner like the Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil to gently trace along the top lash line, making the lashes look thicker and adding a pop of drama. Use the flat brush to blend out any harsh lines from the kohl eyeliner. Once you’re satisfied, opt for the same dark eyeshadow that you used for the V crease and overlay the liner, smudging out what you just created with the kohl pencil. Finally, using the same liner, trace along the lower waterline to join the look together.
Step 3: Desk to Disco
At this stage your smokey eye look covers you from the office to the bottomless prosecco brunch. But after dark, this look needs the kind of vamping up that only glitter and shimmer shades can provide. Apply a shimmer shade to the middle of the eyelid, using your finger to press a small amount of pigment over the ball of the eye, and tap out, focusing on the centre.
There’s smokey eye, and then there’s smokey eye! All hail MOTHER, Pat McGrath with this killer look!
Grab your favourite thin-angled eyeshadow brush to apply a slight amount of the darker shade along the lower lash line, adding even more drama to your look. You could also try using the Real Techniques Miracle Mini Eraser to smudge out the eyeshadow for a soft glam finish.
Finish off with a slick of mascara to the top and lower lashes and just like that, you’re done!
Top tip: Ensuring you have the correct brush kit is an essential part of achieving a professional-grade smokey eye, so be sure to stock up on high quality, clean brushes.
