FOTD: The Classic Smokey Eye. A Step by Step Tutorial! | Zoe Newlove Guest Post
Hello Guys! Before I begin thistutorial I would just like to say a massive thank you to Megan for inviting meto do this guest post.
THAAAAAAAAAAANKYOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMEGAN!! So thrilled to be here:)
Being a make-upartist, I regularly get asked the question: “How do you do a smokey eye?”
There are numerousways to create this look, and I have found that some girls panic as to whetherthey are doing it the “right” way. I am here to tell you there is no “right”way. No rules. No make-up bible that you have to swear by. Make-up is abouthaving fun and experimenting. There are only guidelines, and then the rest isdown to you. On that note, Ithought I would take this opportunity to talk you through this timeless look,by showing you a step by step tutorial. Simple guidelines – no rules allowed ;)
Caption (Shu Uemura Shader, M.A.C 217Blending, Nars Smudge Brush, Illamasqua Eyeliner)
OK, you will need afew things for this.
First up, brushes! Good brushes definitely help, they will become your new best friends. Inthis tutorial you will need a brush to apply the shadow, one for blending, aneyeliner brush and a “smudge” brush for more accurate application. If youcannot get your hands on all of these, do not worry – most eyeshadow brushesare really versatile so just find what works best for you. I even used myfinger tips for part of this tutorial!
Onto make-up. Think ofa smokey eye as three colours. Dark, medium light. There are many palettes nowon the highstreet or in beauty halls to choose from that have ready made“smokey eye” palettes containing these three shades. If you have one of thesefeel free to use it. In this tutorial, I am using a selection that I just loveto work with. I decided to grab from my kit:
Jemma Kidd Make-upSchool – Essential Smokey eye kit - “Light”
Maybelline Colour 24hrTattoo in Immortal Charcoal – “Medium”
Urban Decay Alice andWonderland Ltd Palette - Jabberwocky – “Dark”
I could have just goneahead and use the Smokey Eye Kit, but instead decided just to use the lighter shades in the palettefor this guide. You can use whatever you like, just remember the guidelines for a Classic Smokey Eyeare greys and blacks, and select three colours in a range of dark to light. Youalso need mascara, a selection of dark eyeliners and you may like me choose touse an eye primer.
I used:
Urban Decay EyeshadowPrimer Potion in Original
Laura Mercier OnyxBrilliant Gel Liner
Maybelline Eye StudioLasting Drama Gel Liner
A Clinique Mascara
Step One:
Apologies for thenaked face, but you need a blank canvas. Yes, that is right we are doing theeyes first. Why? If you make a mistake, or eye shadow powder falls onto yourbase it will look messy and be difficult to fix, so start your eyes first andthen do your base. Apply eye primer and here I also like to fill in my brows.
Next, take your black liner (pencil or gel– personal preference) and then line the inside of your eyes, both the top andbottom water line. This will really make your eyes pop.
Step Two
Apply your mediumshade to your lid. I used the Maybelline Colour Tattoo here, applying it allover the lid with the flatshader brush. Build up the colour to create depth. Take your blending brush,and going backwards andforwards along the crease really buff the colour into your socket line. If youare using this creameyeshadow, I suggest you work with the product quickly as I find it sets reallyfast. Keep blending andblending along the crease, into your socket and slightly below your brow bone.
Do this until you arehappy and there is no “line”. A soft finish is much better than having a harshline.
Take this colour under your water line, usea cotton bud to neaten up any edges when you do this, as you may find theline you create is too thick.
Step Three
Time for somedefinition. Take your dark shade, preferably a black, or like mine one with alittle bit of glitter in. Apply with a smaller brush, as suggested a “smudge”brush and tap off excess powder or apply to your hand first. This is importantas you do not want to make a black mess.
Use the dark shade tocreate this V shape. On the top of your lid start from the outer corner of the crease and sweeptowards the centre then stop. Then, still on top of your lid go from the outer corner of the lashline and line the top of your lashes, stopping just before the centre. Blendthe dark and the mediumtogether here slightly. You will also need to line underneath the lower lashline with this dark shade – use the picture above as your guide.
Hopefully, you can nowsee your Classic Smokey Eye coming together.
Use the above picturehere for a guideline, this is how your eyes should be looking. We all have
different shaped eyesso do not panic if the shape is not the same, but you get the idea.
Nearly there ;)
Step Four
Highlighting is next.Take your light shade and using a finger or a clean brush dab the lighter shadeinto the inner corner of your eye and sweep along the brow bone. I like toblend the edges together too.
Ok, we are at thefinal stage now guys! Using the same liner as before, or like me, choose aslightly different shade – Ichose one with more shimmer – line the top lash line. Give yourself a flick orjust keep it simple, all weare doing is adding that tiny bit more definition. Give your lashes a good curl and wack on lots ofyour favourite black mascara.
Are you happy? If soclean up any mess with a cotton bud and then apply the rest of your base,contour and lip as normal.
That is it! Followthese guidelines, practice and do not be afraid to blend!
I truly hoped thispost has helped you guys. If you have any questions, or would like to see more posts like this thenplease get in touch.
Zoe xx
http://www.zoenewlove.com/