This is the soft, romantic version of a smoky eye
Take your cue from Blake and try a fresh take on this makeup classic
Take your cue from Blake and try a fresh take on this makeup classic
Our love for the classic smoky eye will never wane, but sometimes it’s good to shake things up. The latest update favours matte finishes in softer shades – just like Blake Lively here. “The ever-popular smoky eye has changed from the Kardashian-esque intense, dark and difficult shades to a soft, romantic and less dramatic look,” says makeup guru Napoleon Perdis.
Choose colours such as peach, taupe and gold with warm or cool browns in matte shades. “Matte shades help contour the eye and are flattering for women of all ages,” Perdis adds. “Keep lashes defined and lips nude.”
Here’s Perdis’s guide to create a contoured, smoky eye like Blake.
1
Conceal
Tap concealer around the eyelid, brow bone and along the lower lash line to even out skin tone and create a base for your eyeshadow. We like Nude By Nature Liquid Mineral Concealer.
2
Base eyeshadow colour
Get that smoky look by pressing a taupe matte eyeshadow onto the eyelid and blend it just above the crease of the eye. Avoid harsh lines and create a seamless blend by using a fluffy, domed brush. Palette we love: Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Shadow Collection.
3
Contour the eyes
Sweep a matte brown eyeshadow onto the outer corners and lower lash lines to contour.
4
Brighten
Lighten and brighten up the inner corner of the eye with a pearlescent, pale gold eyeshadow. Golds add warmth to the skin and helps to make eyes appear bigger. Our pick: MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Nylon.
5
Add definition
Define eyes with a chocolate brown or black eye pencil. Smudge into the top and lower lash lines and blend smooth with a brush. Try Napoleon Perdis Eye Pencil in Brown Sugar.
6
Finish with mascara
Finish with an extra coat of jet-black mascara and even a false lash or two. We like L’Oréal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara. Individual lashes are also a good choice for a soft and natural look.
If you need a hand nailing the traditional smoky eye - here are the five steps you need to know.
For more makeup how-tos from New Idea, check out newidea.com.au
How do you like to shake up your smoky eye? Share your tips in the comments below.
Main image credit: Getty
Adriana has been writing about the beauty world for more than 15 fun-filled years and has a real passion for helping women navigate gracefully through those tricky 45+ years.
