Brown smokey eye is one of the most flattering eye designs. And definitely the easiest. Plus: celebrities love it! Why? Because it simply does the job: it defines the eye and makes you look naturally pretty. What’s the trendy way to apply it? Let’s check out the red carpet for some great tips.
Eva Mendez is an expert at making brown smokey eyes look natural yet glamourous enough for the red carpet. Her look consists of three elements. One: the eye is sculpted with brown eyeshadow and then blended perfectly. (Depending on the mood she keeps the brown eyeshadow closer to the lashline or goes over the crease for a stronger look.) Two: the eyeliner is winged for a slightly sixties look. Three: The brow bone is accentuated with a fair highlighter. A honey complexion (with the aid of bronzer) and almost nude mouth complete the look. This is the perfect way to appear sultry but still create the impression of natural beauty.
Brown smokey eyes can also look amazing on light-skinned women. That’s why it’s Alexa Chung’s makeup of choice. This low-key look works perfectly with her immaculate style. And reflects Alexa’s personality: it’s functional, sophisticated and looks really good! For a look that is absolutely “on trend” check out what Alexa wore to the fashion show of Burberry’s collection for next spring. Her brown smokey eyes were complemented with a coral- hued lipstick: a fashionable shade called persimmon which beautifully lights up the face.
Brown smokey eye is not reserved for dark hair only. It’s suitable for blondes too. That’s why Diane Kruger, the blonde beauty of impeccable taste, is faithful to it. When she aims for drama, she does her smokey eyes in very dark brown. For more ethereal looks she loves to use lighter browns. Whatever smokey eye makeup she wears, Diane always lights up her face with satin lipstick in pink and a matching delicate blush. For an update on the hottest styles check out my advice about choosing great lip color to complete your smokey eye look.
Does brown sound a bit too low-key to you? Make no mistake: brown smokey eyes can make you look like a bombshell too! Just think Kim Kardashian. She wears it quite often, and when she does she is not shy about it. With elaborate shading she sculpts her eyelids to the maximum (this makes her eyes stand out more.) With shimmery and metallic textures she adds the fabulous factor. And she really pays attention to her lashes: they are huge! Plus nude lipgloss with a touch of colour. And voila! Smoldering and proud of it!
If brown as such seems a bit mundane to you then add to it! For example, by choosing an eggplant-hued brown you can create a totally different effect. That’s how Keira Knightley did it at the Chanel Spring Summmer 2011 show. To balance out the eye makeup she used a pale ballerina-pink lipstick and a refreshing color on her cheeks. Try out this look as plum and eggpant-infused colors are all the rage this fall.
As with every color, there are some things to watch out for. When going for brown smokey eyes make sure to use a flattering color on cheeks and lips: shades of pink, rose, peach and coral are recommended. Especially the coral and peach hues are “in” this season, as seen on Alexa Chung and Eva Longoria Parker. Spicing brown up with color will ensure that you look lovely and fresh.
Brown smokey eyes are user-friendly. And as the celebrities featured above show, there are many ways to do it. Lady-like and subtle a la Eva Mendez and Diane Kruger. Or over the top and fabulous Kim Kardashian-style. So choose your look, apply and stay pretty!
For the perfect smoldering eye be sure to get this ultimate free report about choosing the right color of smokey eyes . Get more of Ewa’s advice on looking amazing in smokey eye makeup .