SMOKEY EYES - How To...

How to Pull Off Smokey Eyes with Ease
(pictures soon to come)

It is safe to say that smokey eyes is not just a trend for a season. Initially, we found them harsh and a little too dramatic for most of our hearts when we first saw them on runway models. After the years went by, we've grown to accept that its not so bad after all. Most of us have even adapted to the look and many prefer the look over all others.

As a makeup artist, telling me that you want "smokey eyes" doesn't say too much and you'd better believe that I'd ask you a few more questions about the supposed smokey eyes that you are referring to. There are many different "looks" that fall under the smokey eyes category. Which one do we go with and how do we get it? Like most everything else in life, it depends on what we want and are looking for.

BASIC: A simple and somewhat subtle smokey eye that is achieved with black eyeliner drawn closely to the lashes and on the inner rims of the eyes. There is no rule that this can only be done with black liners - any dark shade will do... just be sure that the color is strongest at the lashlines and softly feathers out.

SHADOW: Using a powder eyeshadow, apply it close to the lashline and blend it outwards. The shadow should be past the crease to prevent you from looking like you have a black eye. The key to this is blend, blend, blend!

GLAMMED: You don't have to stick to just one color for a smokey look. Try using a different color with the dark tones to add dimension, glitz, and glam. Use the lighter color around the dark and feather the dark outwards to blend it into the lighter shade. Use a shimmery color and you'd be impressed.

Helpful Tips

• You can blend the colors into any shape that you'd like. A popular look is the cat eye... in which you can achieve by dragging the dark color slightly upward toward the outer end of your eyebrows.

• Enhancing your browbones will make your eyes look deeper and more dramatic. Sweep a light, shimmery, beige color a few shades lighter than your skin tone below the arches of your eyebrows. This is where shimmer is good, but again, don't overdo it because it is reflective and will take away from the depth. Try to avoid using a white color... too obvious and may end up looking ashy.

• Don't be afraid to use shadows below your eyes... this is what gives it more depth and drama.

• To finish the look in a sexy and dramatic way, line your eyes with liquid eyeliner (more intense). Don't forget mascara to lengthen and darken your eyelashes (and cover the eyeshadows that found its way onto your lashes). If your natural lashes aren't strong enough for the look that you are going for, false lashes work wonders!