How to Apply Eye Makeup to Create Smokey Eyes

Designers at fashion shows often use smokey eyes as a way to achieve smoldering looks to match the apparel but this style of makeup isn't just for the runway. Creating bold smokey eyes can be done easily with several colors and in just a few minutes. Try smokey eyes when going out for a date, dressing up during the day or just because you like the look. Here's an easy way to apply black makeup to create that deep traditional smokey style.

Cleansing

After washing your face and applying moisturizer make sure any left over makeup residue has been removed. Depending on your your skin type, moisturizer and eye cream may cause your lids to have excess oil causing your eye shadow to crease. Dust the eyelids with your choice of powder to absorb oil and apply a base color for your smokey eyes. Light golds or bronze can really accentuate the brow bone with smokey lids.

Create a Base

Coat your eyelid from the crease to the lash line with dark gray or light black eye shadow. Follow up by using a black eye liner at the inner corners and follow it down the lashes creating a solid dark line. Use a q-tip, finger tip or a smudger to blot your eye liner. This thickens the look of your liner and creates a good base for smokey eyes. Don't run your makeup tool along the eyeliner though because it will actually remove it instead.

Eye Lid

Dab a spot of black eye shadow on the outer corners and stroke it across the crease of your eye lids. You won't need much to get the job done but it's your choice to go as heavy as you want. Once a layer is placed on the lids use a blend brush to smooth and even the eye shadow along the crease of your eyelids. Be careful not to get carried away or you'll have black eye shadow on your brow bone which is what you don't want.

Redefine

Reline your lash line with dark black eyeliner to make sure it wasn't removed from the blotting or covered by the eye shadow. Finally, finish off your smokey eyes with your favorite black mascara.

Alternatives

If black smokey eyes are too extreme substitute dark purple, brown, blue or gray eye shadows instead. Also, keep lip color to a minimum because it takes the attention away from your focal point; which is your eyes. Stick to light neutral shades of lipstick or high shine glosses.