SMOKE IT UP

Smokey eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. Nothing can be more dramatic than the smoldering sexy smokey eye look! Especially for the Fashionista who wants to make a dramatic entrance for the holidays. However, If you are anything like me you haven’t quite mastered that whole smokey eye technique just yet. I can tell you I have tried and tried and it never comes out the way it did when the technician did it for me at the M.A.C. counter. They say the eyes are the window to one’s soul – well if this is true we can definitely make sure everyone we meet is peeping through our beautifully stained glass windows “so to speak”. With these easy to follow steps I'll have you creating the perfect smokey eyes. The key to the perfect smoky eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors.



1. Now I know you all like to put on foundation first since normally that's what your told to do, but for the smokey eye, ix nay that idea! Its always best to put the eye makeup on before the foundation when doing the smokey eye! This way if you get some on the rest of your face you will not ruin your already applied foundation, and you won't have that nasty raccoon eye! Sorry...raccoon is not in this season.

2. Then start by prepping the lid. The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to keep eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer"). I prefer to dab a bit of M.A.C.'s 'paint' on lids before shadow application.

3. Apply eyeliner. If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of the colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye lid. If your opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smokey eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.

4. Blend in color on bottom lash line. For color on the bottom (a key smokey eye look) you'll want a lighter eyeliner. The key is to "smudge it." You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect. For the smudging technique use an eyeliner that has the soft sponge tip on the other end. After applying the liner gently use sponge for the desired smudge effect.

5. Apply light base color again to the upper eye lid. The key to a smokey eye is pairing a lighter base with a darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for a base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your brow bone.

6. Blend in darker color just below crease in eye lid. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smokey effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease. The key to the perfect smokey eye is proper blending. Again, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors.

7. Double check your work make sure your eyes match. Blend colors with a Q-tip if they are not equal. Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara. I highly recommend M.A.C. fiber filled mascaras.

8. For a fun flirty look, curl your lashes with a curler before the mascara.

9. Don’t forget to groom and trim your wild brows if needed. If your brows are sparse like mine use an eyebrow pencil to fill them in. The pencil should of course be the same shade as your brows ladies. With a feathering motion of the hand lightly sculpt your brows to perfection. Be careful not to over draw them.....the key is to make them look natural not drawn on.

Tips:

• Remember to keep lips nude. When applying strong makeup (like smokey eyes or red lips) put the focus on either eyes or lips, never both. (Think Angelina Jolie: She either plays up her huge eyes or her huge lips, never both. If she did, she'd look like a clown).



• For a bit of fun, try a blue or purple mascara. Liner doesn't have to come in pencil form. Makeup experts know eyeshadow make some of the best eyeliners. To do this take an eyeliner brush (available at any dept store), wet it, then dab wet brush into the dark shadow. This allows for a deep, precise line. You can also use the dark shadows without wetting brush first. Either way, eyeliner is necessary for smokey eye.



• This season go for some sparkle. Stay away from dark browns and black opt for deep purple, a gold-brown or any of the many vibrant colors that are in this year.

Things You Need:

Eye primer (you don't need it, but it's great for keeping shadow in place)
2 Shadows: One light, one darker
Eyeliner
Makeup brushes
Mascara

Here's a freebie....You have a very special event and you want to have your face done by a professional make-up artist, but you don't know where to start. You can saunter over to your nearest local M.A.C. cosmetics store and get it done for free. No purchase is necessary. The staff is friendly and very talented. Take my word...

Now there you have it. The perfect smokey eye. Practice this technique and before you know it you will be a pro at it. Now put on your best ensemble and hit the town. Let them have it with a vengeance. Be FANTABULOUS!!!!