Hands up – who else is a fan of a smokey shadow? I love how effortless or intense a look can be based on the shadows, tools and formulas used. For me, a smokey eye is practically a daily essential. I’m not talking cut crease, blended out wings and under eye smudging here, even with a single shade you can create a daily look which gives that hint of smokiness without requiring a night out in the calendar or half an hour on the clock.
If you want to see my fave one wash shadows check out my post here, these get called into action when I’m looking for a more fuss free look however when I’m wanting to rock a full on glam smokey eye these are my essentials.
Prep & Prime – this step is key. To prevent creasing, to keep pigments looking bold and powerful, don’t begin on that smokey eye until you’ve prepped those lids. First step – primer. Just like you would with foundation, for any oily lid gals like moi out there this step is even more vital to prevent creasing throughout the day. My failsafe will forever be the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base aka shadow glue ;) For those planning a dramatic look with some serious smoked out shadow, give some post it notes a try to act as a barrier and guide to keep that blending in check,
Tools – aka the brushes. Where would a smokey eye be without a MAC 217 am I right? For me these three brushes are my saving grace when I know my blending needs to be on point. 1) Sigma SS219 from back in the day, now called E30 Pencil Brush. 2) Morphe Pro Firm Blending Crease Brush M441 3) Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush. The Sigma brush gives me precision to add in colour under my lash line, in the outer corner or through my crease. Once the colour is applied I blend it out with the Morphe brush (yes these are incred and yes I already have more on their way to me!) Finally once all the shadow is applied I do a final blend with the Bobbi Brown brush aka my secret weapon. Giving that soft focused look it ensures there is no harsh lines and leaves you wanting to kiss the brush.
The Shadows – what would a smokey eye be without beautiful buttery shadows that blend out with minimal effort and ease? To keep everything seamless I start off with a cream base, the MaxFactor Excess Shimmer Shadow in 20 Copper* gives a dose of colour alongside a whipped texture. Finally – the shadow. It’s got to be the holy grail of all smokey eyes achieved on Instagram, the Urban Decay Naked Palette original. You seriously can’t beat this palette, it’s the original, it’s still the best and it creates some killer smokey eyes.
What are your favourite products when rocking a smokey eye? Do you have any tips or tricks?
