The smoky eye is perhaps the most daunting eyeshadow look of all. Too conservative and it looks like eyeliner; too liberal, you’re one step away from carousing with the pandas and raccoons. Fortunately, our expert is here to share her step by step guide to a smoky eye that’s simple, elegant and impactful.
Whilst the traditional smoky eye is black and grey, Expert notes that other colours can work just as well, especially if you don’t feel ready to dive headfirst into bold, rock ‘n’ roll territory. “A smoky eye with neutral shades can work just as well greys, browns and blacks,” she says. “A smoky eye with taupe shades is a great way to soften the look for any age. Use a creamy crayon eyeshadow, like the expert goes for a light or dark smoky eye and blend with your ring finger.”
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s to apply your shadows gradually, and not to avoid layering colour. Doing this will minimize patchiness, harshness and shadow fallout on your cheeks. The same basic rules of application apply, with lighter colours towards the inner corners of your eyes, and darker shades blended out at the edges out and towards the brow bone.