When it comes to eye make-up, can there be anything sexier and more sophisticated than the classic smokey eye look? One of the easiest 'glam' looks to create with make-up, the term smokey' simply refers to the technique, not the colour. Which means a smokey eye can be any colour you want, so you can match it to the colour of your dress if you want to stand out even more.
So, if you want to master the smokey eye technique, here's my guide and top tips on doing just this.
What you will need:
• Kohl pencil (I suggest Bourjois Smokey Effect Kohl Pencil, which is available from Boots stores).
• Eye shadow (preferably in a multi-tonal palette, MAC cosmetics do some great palettes, and you can choose the colours you want!).
• Mascara.
• Two small, soft, round eye shadow brushes. Preferably one bigger than the other. Make Up For Ever do some gorgeous brushes.
• Powder highlighter (optional)*.
How to:
1. Take your kohl pencil and draw along the top and bottom of your water line. Also line above your top lashes. The thickness depends on how dramatic you want the eyes to be; keep it thin for natural definition, or thicken up for a more dramatic look.
2. With your eye shadow, and using your smallest brush, blend the colour into the kohl pencil and around the top and bottom lash lines.
3. Next, use a clean brush to blend the colour into a smokey effect, rather than a harsh line. A good idea is to get an eye shadow palate with multiple shades of the same colour - when I use palette like this I work from the darkest colour up to the lightest as I get further away from the lashes. The key is building the shadow up and blending it in. Smokey eyes only require a maximum of three colours.
4. Apply mascara, and lots of it! Cover your top and bottom lashes with a good volumising mascara like Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumising Mascara.
*An added option is to highlight your brow bone and inner corners of your eyes (near the tear ducts). This isn't necessary to complete the look, but it does give an extra pop!
Tip: Blending and building is the key to this look. Don't load the eye shadow on all in one go or you'll look like you've been in a fight with a make-up counter! Add it little by little, starting with the darkest colours, and blend as you go along. You'll get a much better result.
And well there you have it, a smouldering stare in no time!
With thanks to Hannah Lisa, celebrity make-up artist. Visit www.hannahlisamakeup.com.