When it comes to sex appeal, the sultry smoky eye is perhaps the only thing that rivals Kate Upton‘s killer curves. Ranging from classic black to playful jewel tones, the smoky eye is the ultimate, glamorous makeup look that speaks for itself. When sporting a smoky eye, you really don’t have to do much else to your look; even skin and a touch of lip balm or nude lipstick and you’re ready to go.
But layering powder shadows and pigments and blending like there’s no tomorrow can be daunting, not to mention time consuming. Powders fly everywhere and get under the eyes, it can be a messy business for the most experienced of makeup aficionados. Pencils however, do not. Eliano Bou Assi, Director of Artistry and Education for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, shares his secrets to getting Kate’s exact same look in ten minutes flat, without a single powder shadow in sight.
– Apply Long Wear Eye Base all over the eyelid to unify the skin tone and create a long-wearing base for the rest of the makeup.
– Try the new Long Wear Cream Shadowsticks in one of the new shades like Rich Caviar or Bark and apply on the eyelid up to crease blending with a brush.
– Apply the Noir Kajal Eyeliner along the waterline and along the lower lash line, then smudge it a little to amp up the smoky effect.
– Add some drama with a stronger eyeliner in a long lasting gel formulation, try Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink or Caviar. Make sure you choose an eyeliner that is darker than your natural eye colour, and make sure there are no gaps between the eyeliner and the lashes. Lining underneath the eyes is optional, but it gives a more striking effect.
-When lining the lower lash line, always make sure that the line is slightly thinner than the liner on the eyelid to prevent eyes looking rounded or droopy.
-Apply an ivory or champagne-coloured shadow to enhance and lift the brow bone. Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Vanilla highlights beautifully.
–Defining eyebrows is a must; they frame the eyes and give the face an instant lift. Try Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil, filling in gaps with feathered strokes.
-Don’t be shy with the mascara, load on three coats. Smokey Eye Mascara works beautifully, giving volumised and separated lashes.
-When doing a smoky eye, concealer is essential to keep eyes looking bright. A good yellow toned concealer is ideal for covering dark circles, as a strong smoky eye can emphasise any shadows under the eye area.
Click through the gallery for a closer look at some of Eliano’s favourite smoky eye products.
