It might seem that smokey eye makeup is all about the eyes. Especially, since the rest of the smokey eye makeup looks like it’s barely there: soft lips, delicate cheeks. Eyes are the key and you can learn all the neccessary techniques in my smokey eyes ebook. But don’t ignore the face. It might be playing a supporting role but it is a very important supporting role. Just look at Jennifer Lopez when she has smokey eyes. She always manages to look defined, sultry yet healthy. How? Mainly because she knows how to enhance her complexion when wearing strong eye makeup.
Let me introduce six steps to getting a face that really suits dark eye makeup. As a result your eye makeup will melt beautfully into your face and you will look fresh and feminine. These steps are: concealer, foundation, highlighter, bronzer, blush, blotting papers.
Step 1: make sure to use an under-eye concealer. It gives that awake look and creates beautiful contrast with the dark eye. Kim Kardashian is a big fan of under-eye concealer: especially when she is wearing smokey eyes. There are three things to keep in mind here. Use it very sparingly: this delicate area should not be caked with product. Make sure to blend: you don’t want to give yourself white under-eye circles. Choose a shade lighter than your foundation.
When wearing smokey eyes it’s best to wear foundation. Dark eye makeup, when combined with a totally natural face, might look too harsh and out of place. Whatever product you choose: foundation, tinted moisturizer, powder foundation, make sure it matches your skin as perfectly as possible. Not only would it look more natural but also you would be able to cover only where needed, like the areas around the nose and mouth. Then powder your face to set the foundation.
The modern way to use bronzer is to sculpt your face for definition and a healthy glow. That’s why it should not be too dark nor too shimmery. A sheer and rather matte formula would be perfect. When applying, think of two 3s facing each other and encompassing your face. Do your hairline, continue under the cheekbone, then below the chin. As with all cosmetics: harsh edges need to be avoided. Bronzer should be felt not seen.
For a pretty and flattering result make sure to add a hint of color to liven up the dark eyes. Most makeup artists swear by the powers of a blush. Avoid blush that is too dark or too bright, especially with smokey eyes. The classic way to apply it is to smile: the cheeks lift and it’s easier to dust it on the side of the apple of your cheek.
Highlighter, which might also be called illuminizer, is a great invention which allows you to make some areas of your face stand out more, cheekbones for example. Its delicate shimmer creates the effect which is more youthfull, less dull and more defined. There are many places where highlighter might be applied for lovely results. Here we will restrict ourselves to areas that affect the black smokey eyes situation. That would definitely be your brow bone and the inner corner of your eye: it would enhance and open up the eye. The next step is highlighting the top of the cheekbone going out towards the temple. This technique accents the cheekbones and contrasts with eye makeup, which is great.
No smokey eye benefits from a shiny face. As highlighter provides just enough selective shimmer, other places should stay matte. While powdering your face every now and then is super, doing it often throughout the day or night might be just too much powder. So it’s best to fight the sheen with something else: a genius product called blotting papers. They absorb oiliness and don’t add anything onto your face: I recommend the plain, un-powdered ones. Heidi Klum always blots with them before getting out of her limo – and see how fab she looks on the red carpet photographs?
By cleverly combining coverage, definition, color and light you can look amazing in your black smokey eyes. Put these easy strategies into action and attract attention immediately!
Before starting on that smoldering look be sure to get Ewa Linsey’s illustrated ebook on smokey eyes : complete with brilliant tips and techniques that guarantee results. For the ultimate sultry look get more of Ewa’s advice on black smokey eyes .