Smoky Eye Makeup for Fair Skin

If you have fair skin, there is a fine line between looking like a raccoon and having a chic, smoky eye look. Just because your skin is light doesn't mean you can't try the smoky look, it just means you have to modify it a bit.

Smoky eye makeup is not just limited to the gray and black palette, but rather just blending light with dark colors to create depth. Ideal colors for fair skin are navy, forest green, lavender and copper. Create a smoky eye with these colors by applying eyeliner on the upper lashes, and then use the eye shadow in a lighter shade to provide the contrast.

Here is how you can create your very own smoky eye look:

Prep your eyelids with a primer. You can find primer at Ulta or Sephora, and the primer helps to keep the eye shadow looking fresh all day. The primer also prevents the eye shadow from developing creases as the day goes on. Just dab a little on the eyelids and rub it.

Line the eyes with your eyeliner. Since you have fair skin, choose liners in rich jewel tones like green, navy or purple. They will give you the smoky look without being too harsh. Wearing other colors besides black makes it perfect to wear during the day. Swipe the eyeliner along the upper lash line starting out in a thin line near the tear duct, and gradually get thicker towards the outside of the eye.

Apply eyeliner to the bottom lashes very gently. You want just enough color to complete the smoky eye look, but not appear as though you have circles around your eyes. Smudge the bottom lashes with your finger or smudge brush to soften the color.

Apply your lighter eye shadow color over the entire eye. You can choose to stick with a lighter shade of the eyeliner color, or opt to go with a complementary color all together. Apply the eye shadow to the eyelids, being sure to add color up to the brow bone. Stick with a cream-colored shimmer powder for the base if you want a subtle look.

Take a darker eye shadow color that pairs with the base, and blend it in from the lash line to the eye crease. Do not extend the darker color past the crease or the look will be too heavy.

Apply a coat of mascara. Since you are not going with the traditional black and gray eye shadow, keep mascara application light. If you want a dramatic look for night, apply a pair of faux eyelashes to the upper lashes.

When you do heavy eye makeup, be sure to always stay minimal on the rest of the face. Use light or nude lipstick or choose a clear gloss.