3 easy steps to master a classic smoky eye
It’s like a LBD – it never goes out of style!
It’s like a LBD –it never goes out of style!
If there’s one eye makeup look that every woman turns to at least a hundred times in her life, it’s a smoky eye. While the makeup trend is always being re-invented with new colour twists or next level smokiness being added, the classic version will never go out of style. Victor Henao, director of global makeup design for Estée Lauder, shares his tips for creating smoky eyes with just one key product.
1
Start with liner
Forget multiple shades of eyeshadow and various brushes –Henao believes creating the perfect smoky eye is about two things: “A good eyeliner and the correct blending technique.” Begin by applying a pencil liner like Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx along the inner upper eye rim, then thicken the line accordingly, depending on how smoky you want the finish to be.
2
Blend, blend, blend
“Place the tip of your finger just above the line you have drawn and slowly blend it upwards to the crease of your eye,” says Henao. You should get a soft, smoky look. Use a different finger to neaten the edges, then take your liner and repeat the steps along the lower lash line.
3
Add colour
While the traditional smoky eye is typically cast in shades of grey and black, you can also use coloured shadow, says Henao. “It can be any shade –as long as you apply it on top of the black liner. To me, that’s the smoky eye,” he says. Using a clean fingertip, pat your chosen hue over your eyelids. Finish with mascara. To add a wintery pop of colour to your smoky eye, try MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Antiqued - the dark copper tone has shimmery finish that makes eyes pop.
For more beauty tips from InStyle, visit instylemag.com.au
Main image credit: Getty
Hayley has contributed to a range of online and print titles including InStyle and Gritty Pretty
