This season, it’s all about the smoky eye that can turn up the heat and leave the eyes with that come-hither appeal.
Forget Capt. Jack Sparrow and think of stars like Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway, Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley, who beautify their eyes with dark eye shadow and liner that leave them looking dramatic and defined all year round.
Holly wood just can’t get enough of this smoldering sultry look.
The smoky eye can be imitated as long as you don’t let it intimidate you. With a little practice, you’ll get it in no time. When it doubt, reach for the makeup remover and try again.
While the colors and textures of the smoky eye have changed throughout the years, one dictum remains the same: the rest of your makeup should be simple, to keep your eyes the center of attention.
Go easy on the blush, and always choose a neutral lip color to complement your heavily-lined eyes. It’s best to polish off the look with a sleek up-do, and slip on a pair of statement earrings to draw the eye upward.
Makeover
To steer us in the right direction, I asked celebrity makeup artist Bianca Valerio to do a makeover with this eye-popping look.
Fidji Miranda was hoping to channel Kim Kardashian’s smoky eyes, which have been her trademark look. Here are Bianca’s tips on how to create the look:
1. Black Kohl eyeliner is the key to a dramatic smoky eye. Line the whole eye from upper lash line to lower lash, including the top and bottom of inner rims.
2. Cotton buds make for a great smudge brush. Use it to smoke out the eyeliner to soften the harsh line.
3. Three coats of volumizing mascara on curled lashes pump up the eye glamour. Wait for two minutes in between coats to allow each coat to slightly dry up first.
4. Skip the shine. Other than her lips, Kim K rarely uses shimmer on her face, so make sure to use matte blush and bronzer.
5. Smoky eyes call for full attention, so balance the eyes, like Kim does, with glossy nude lip color.
“A smoky eye doesn’t have to be dark. Use as little or as much color as you want, whether it’s a charcoal black shade or a soft plum,” says Bianca. “When you blend the eye shadow along the eye socket area, always blend inward instead of outward. If you keep blending outward with your makeup brush, you could easily end up extending the shadow too far… The most important thing you need to pull off a smoky eye is confidence. Don’t be afraid to try it out.”
Top tip: To achieve the perfect smoky eye, you’ll need black mascara to make lashes appear long and thick. Try glue-on fake lashes! Make sure you’re using an eyeliner in a dark shade so your eyes will be clearly defined. Finally, use an eyeshadow that blends well with your mascara. You’ll be smoldering in no time.
