Smokey Eye for Blue Eyes

Smokey eyes are a dramatic and glamourous makeup style that has become very popular. The makeup gives the eyes a smokey look with heavy shadow and blending techniques. It’s ideal for evening looks or special events as it can look a little too dark for during the day. Usually, you would use at least two different color shadows to add depth and the smokey effect. Most people use three. A base color, a lighter color and a darker color. Eyeliner and mascara are also essential to the smokey eye. Generally you would use black, but browns, charcoals or purple colors are other great options.

Things you will need

• Eye shadow palate
• Eye shadow brush set
• Black eye liner
• Black mascara
• Primer
• Eyelash curler
• A mirror

Choosing complementary colors

When choosing the color to best compliment your eye color, take a look at a color wheel. It’s basically a circle with different color sections that represent the relationship between colors. You probably remember learning about primary colors, secondary colors and tertiary colors in art class. But if not, here’s a crash course. Primary colors are red, blue and yellow. Secondary colors are the hues that you get when you mix primary colors – violet, green and orange. Tertiary colors are the colors in between secondary colors, such as red-orange, yellow-green, blue-violet, etc. Certain colors “complement” each other, which really means that they are opposites. Opposite colors make each other really stand out next to each other.

For blue eyes, orange would be the complementary color. Fortunately, there are many very pretty alternatives to a neon orange eye shadow that will still make your eyes pop. Blue eyes are a cool color, so anything warm complements them really well. Try bronzes, golds, coppers, peaches and champagnes for the ultimate pairing. Also, consider your skin tone. Lighter colors won’t show up on a darker skin tone, whereas dark colors can look too harsh on a light skin tone.

Priming the eyes

The first, and arguably most important, step to create a smokey eyed look is creating a perfect canvas. Primer works to smooth out the skin’s surface and help your eye shadow to adhere to the lid. It will allow your eye shadow to last longer and keep oil and shine at bay. There are all over face primers out there as well as primers formulated specifically for the eyelids. In addition to priming the lids, use concealer to cover up any dark circles around your eyes.

Outline the eyes

Once you’ve created your base, it’s time to outline your eyes with eye liner on the upper and lower lids. Try concentrating the eye liner towards the outer edges to avoid making the eyes look smaller. You can use either pencil or liquid eye liner, but take special care to steady your hand for a smooth line.

Highlight the eyes

Choose your highlight color. A highlight color is a light, sometimes shimmery color used to brighten up the eyes. Most people choose white or a light beige. Apply this color to the inner corners of the eyes and just below the brow bone with a small makeup brush.

Accent the eyes

After you do that, it’s time to apply an accent shadow such as a rich bronze. Apply this color with an eye shadow brush from next to the highlighted inner corners of your eyes to about ¾ of the way across your lid. This color will influence the entire look of your smokey eye so choose carefully. Make sure it’s light enough to contrast the final dark color, but also dark enough to contrast the highlight color.

Define the eyes

For your darkest color, choose either a black or a very dark brown to go with the bronze of the accent color. Apply it close to the lash line and to the outer edges of your eyelid. Blend this color with your accent color so it looks smooth and there aren’t any harsh lines.

Blend your shadow

Use a medium hue in the crease of your eye to subtly blend the accent color with your highlight color. This creates that smudged and faded smokey effect.

Enhance your lashes

To finish off the look, curl your lashes and apply 1-2 coats of mascara. This adds definition and finishes off your smokey eye!