A softer, more updated version of the smoky eye
A BOLD, METALLIC GRAY shade called gunmetal is a softer, more updated version of the standard smoky eye.

No longer limited to evening makeup, gunmetal is an effortless choice for day as it can be worn as a hint of silvery gray shadow on the lids. Transforming the look from day to night is just as easy?just add layers to heighten the eyes? intensity, perfect for evening.

While black shadow is a classic choice for creating smoky eyes, it tends to look too dark and gothic when applied too heavily. Gunmetal has the sultriness of black shadow with an effortless, glam appeal.

It is easy to be drawn to metallics, especially with this season?s assortment of colors, ?chic hues in burnt or antique gold, coppers and a variety of greys look stunning,? says Shu Uemura makeup artist Omar Ermita.

When choosing eyeshadow, Ermita suggests to play with textures, ?metallic wins over matte shadows, but you can mix them as well, using matte beige on the brow bone instead of a shimmery beige shadow.?

To achieve this look, Ermita prepped the skin by cleansing, toning and moisturizing it. He then selected the foundation shade closest to the model?s skintone, and applied it evenly on her face. Concealer was applied to problem areas and the makeup was set with loose powder.

The eyebrows were then groomed and a shimmery beige shadow was applied on the brow bone. A sweep of gunmetal gray shadow was blended all over the lids and a metallic white shadow was dotted on the eyes? inner corners. Ermita then lined the rims of the eyes with black eyeliner and added a thin line of liquid liner on the top lash lines to give the eyes more definition.

The model?s lashes were curled and swiped with two coats of black mascara. Ermita finished the look by working in peach blush on the apples of the cheeks and applying a coat of pinkish beige lipstick on the lips.

Other tips

When applying gunmetal eyeshadow, Ermita recommends spreading the shadow from the center of the lid and blending outward toward the edges.

?This gives a nice gradation of color,? Ermita said. ?Or, you can start with a light swipe of color, then layer or build it up to get a dimensional gradation.?

To avoid going overboard on metallic makeup, ?keep the skin matte, the cheeks a little dewy and the lips semi-matte,? suggests Ermita. Again, playing with textures is ideal when wearing makeup.