How to Create Smoky Eyes

Smoky eyes  are ultra sultry and great for nights out on the town. However, it is not a pretty sight when smoky eyes go wrong. If you don't know what you're doing, you could end up looking more raccoon than fox. Here's your step by step guide for mastering sexy smoky eyes.

Step 1: Prep

Apply a cream concealer  over the eyelids to create a smooth base for your eyeshadow. 

Step 2: Line

Use a dark eyeliner pencil  (black  or dark grey  is best) to line the upper lashes from the inside corner to the outside corner. Then, use the same pencil to dot between your lower lashes (the key here is to fill in the blanks, not to outline completely). Smudge both lash lines with a cotton swab  or eyeliner brush. 

Step 3: Powder

Sweep powder shadow  (avoid black and go for brown,  dark green,  dark navy,  grey  or dark purple ) on your lids and into the crease between your eye and eyebrow. Blend the shadow up and outwards (think Cleopatra but toned down and blended) rather than blending in a downward direction. If you want your smoky eyes to last the whole day, apply a cream shadow  before the powder shadow. Wait five minutes to make sure it is dry, then sweep a powder shadow on in the same shade.

Step 4: Lighter Powder

Sweep loose powder  in a neutral shade that matches your skin tone above the crease and just below your eyebrow.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Sweep on 2-3 coats of black mascara.  Use an eyelash curler  to look ultra feminine. Make sure the rest of your makeup  is toned down. Keep lips pale with a clear lip gloss  at the very most. Use a cream blush  in a natural shade if you need some extra colour on your cheeks. Avoid smoky eyes during early mornings or if you didn't get much sleep. Dark eyeshadow  can bring out bags and lines under your eyes, so rest up the night before!

Products You'll Need 

Concealer  A great blank canvas.	Loose Powder  Sweep between the crease and your brow.	Eye Shadow  Avoid pure black eye shadow and stick with dark colours that go well with your eyes and skin tone.

Other Products

Eyeliner  black  brown  olive  plum  navy  gold  blue	Eyeshadow Brush  These brushes dust on shadow and give a lighter look than the sponge tip applicators.	Mascara  Black  Brown  Navy  Purple	Sponge Tip Applicator  Great for applying eyeshadow and smudging!	Eyelash Curler  Make your eyelashes scream feminine!

External Links

• MarieClaire.com-- How to master the smoky eye look.
• BellaSugar.com-- Tips for creating smoky eyes.
• Beauty-Cosmetic-Guide.com-- Useful tips for smoky eyes.