The attraction of black smokey eyes lies in their impact and smoldering effect. But sometimes too much of a good thing might be over the top. It is especially the case if you are fair-skinned or have delicate facial features. How to make black smokey eyes look softer while still keeping their defining and “magnetic” powers? It can absolutely be done! Read on to learn how.
Yes there is! Or, to be precise, there are six ways to tone down your black smokey eyes. Here they come.
For starters, you might consider skipping a black eye pencil. I know. It is a smokey eye makeup classic. But a very dark eyepencil in brown might be as effective. It would still define and accentuate your eye while creating less contrast with your skin tone.
Instead of a black eyeshadow, choose an “almost-black” color like espresso brown or very deep plum. Creating black smokey eyes without a black eyeshadow? Precisely. Listen to the pro: Molly R. Stern (who has applied makeup on many celebrities) advises to use dark (as opposed to black) eyeshadow even when aiming for the smokey look: “These shades give you sexy shadow without being too overbearing or dark.” ( Emily Hebert, “Makeup Tip: Black Eye Shadow”, elle.com). It is a really effective technique and very user-friendy. I saw it done recently on Ashley Olsen with aubergine-brown over a tough black liner. And the effect was just right: a really strong but earthy and flattering smokey eye.
A third suggestion is to use a lighter colour before (or after) applying your black eyeshadow. Dust it on for a more subtle and blended effect. Choose a hue depending on your coloring: a natural pink and beige for fair skin, and for darker skin: someting with peachy tones.
As I observed some time ago on Kate Moss, bronze and black make a combo that works great on wearable smokey eyes. Alternatively, you could substitute bronze with a shimmery brown. The black gives the “ooomph” and the brown/bronze tones it down. The overall look is a bit more organic than pure black and might make blending easier.
Tip 5. Always and ever: please blend. And even more so when you want those black smokey eyes classy and on the understated side. If you blend well you won’t go wrong. Become a blending specialist and read the chapter about this specific topic in my complete smoky eyes ebook.
What to do when you already did your black smokey eyes, including blending, and you still find that it is too much for you? Resort to powder. Dust a bit with someting soft like a cotton ball. Or, as Bobbi Brown suggests, opt for a powder puff. Keep in mind one thing: don’t powder under your eyes since it might make your fine lines appear deeper.
Follow the techniques above to make your black smokey eyes just strong enough without the harshness that might bother you. And then work the magic with those eyes!
If you really want amazing smokey eyes get Ewa Linsey’s illustrated ebook on smoky eyes : it’s complete with smokey eyes know-how that works time and time again. Also grab more tips about black smokey eyes : the key look when you want to make an impression!