How to Wear the Smokey Eye Look the Right Way

The smokey eye look continues to be one of the most popular types of eye makeup trends that can be found everywhere from the local mall to the red carpet. The great thing about this look is that virtually anyone can pull it off. However, the actual technique used and the end result is sometimes anything but glamorous due to common mistakes. One way to avoid making this look go up in smoke is to know a few basic dos and don’ts that you’ll be able to use at home so you’ll be picture perfect each time.

Perhaps one of the most useful tips for using the smokey eye is to practice, practice, practice! Don’t just spend a few minutes on application and think you’ve got the technique down pat. When applying darker shades and building the smokey look, it is extremely easy to go wrong and wind up with a mess. Go online or browse through your favorite magazines and get pictures of the perfect smokey eye look you want to try. Use the Internet to your advantage and browse through the numerous video tutorials that are available online. Follow the tutorial instructions step-by-step. If your end result looks nothing like the tutorial’s does, start over. Or if you have a friend whose smokey eye is always on point, have them show you the steps involved.

Beware of using too much eye liner and dark eye shadow. The last thing you want is to look like is a raccoon. If you’re having a hard time with the “less is more” concept, then opt for a smokey eye that uses lighter eye shadow. Believe it or not, you can still successfully pull off this look by using golden eye shadow and other shades of color - some people have even been able to flaunt a smokey eye using blue, purple or green eye shadow. Oftentimes choosing a lighter shade for this look is more flattering for some people’s skin tones. Smokey eye does not always have to mean black and gray.

One thing you’ll notice when browsing through pictures of celebrities that wear the smokey eye look correctly is that there is a gradual change from dark to light. Notice the word “gradual.” This means that when applying your eye shadow colors, there should be a subtle change from shade to shade. However, blending is the key to making this eye makeup trend work. There should be no definite lines that mark when the shadow goes from dark to light. Additionally, if you want to have the best of both worlds, the latest trends call for adding a touch of white eye liner to rim the bottom of your eyes. Because the smokey eye can overwhelm a gal’s peepers, this trick brings a nice balance. To further open up the eyes, make sure to curl your lashes and apply mascara that will curl your lashes up and away from your eyes.