Sultry Holiday Eyes

Our makeup guru gives us the scoop on how to create the smoky eye look.

By Kathy Krakora
Scosh Makeup & Skincare Studio

The smoky eye look doesn't mean just grays and blacks any longer. It's all about shimmery color this season, so jump into some of those sparkling golds and bronzes or juicy jewel tones and play. Here are the simple steps to creating a basic smoky eye look.

But first, you already know this but it is SO true, your makeup will only look as good as your skin. So before any makeup application, make sure that your face is clean, exfoliated and moisturized. Allow your moisturizer to absorb. Normally, I would start with foundation, concealer and powder first BUT, because some shadow might fall onto your face, do your eyes first. Here we go:

1. Start by prepping your lid with a dusting of translucent powder, eyelash to eyebrow. This creates a velvety canvas that makes your shadows glide on nicely.

2. Don't forget to fill in your brows next. This is important as it really finishes off the total look. I prefer to use shadow a shade or two lighter than your brow color.

3. Line the upper and lower lids with a dark liner shade; it can match the darkest shadow color you're going to use or try dark brown or black. I'm not a fan of liquid liner here -- it's a bit too harsh -- so stick with a pencil.

4. Starting on the upper lid getting as close to the lash line as you can, apply the darkest shade of shadow over the pencil line (to set it) and blend up to the crease. Don't go north of the crease or outside your eyeball, as you start getting that "wing" thing and lose the smoky aspect of this look. On the lower lid, apply the darker shadow over the pencil to set and add some sultry drama.

5. Now take a lighter shade in the same color family and lightly sweep into the crease. Again, blend, blend, blend. It's very important that you don't show a severe line of demarcation in the crease, as it's the "we know what you're doing and it's not quite working" kind of thing! You cannot blend enough here. You won't blend away what you just applied; you'll actually help create that gradated, airbrushed effect. Are you blending?

6. Apply an opalescent or shimmery highlighter directly under the brow. And for that added pop, place a tiny amount at the tear ducts.

7. To really open the eyes, curl your lashes prior to applying many coats of mascara. Just make sure your mascara doesn't look like you slept in it! Better yet, add lashes. After all, it is the holidays!

To complete this look, brush away any fallout on the face and cheek and apply a matte foundation and blush. Just remember if the focus is on your eyes, you want to keep your lips soft with a neutral lipstick, gloss or lip shine. The smoky eye look has many variations. To learn more makeup tricks and techniques, join me in my Scosh Makeup & Skincare Studio makeup workshops!