by Jennifer J. Raymond

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

Smoky eyes describes the technique of using make up to create a dramatic look that really emphasises the eyes. It is best recognised in the modelling industry and by celebrities who use it to create a sexy and sultry look that is perfect for adding some glamour to any occasion.

As the make up used to create smoky eyes is dark, it is often assumed to be a difficult look to achieve. The key to smoky eyes is blending the colours and if you build up the colour gradually then even if you go wrong it is easy to correct by blending the colours together.

Step 1: Prepare the eye area
Remove all traces of previous make up with cleanser or eye make up remover. Then apply a base coat to the eye from the top lashes right up to the brow bone. For this, you can use a make up primer or your usual foundation. This acts to smooth the eye area and helps to keep the eyeshadow in place.

Step 2: Apply eyeliner
This is probably the trickiest part. Most people use a black eyeliner pencil or liquid but if you are worried that you do not have a steady hand you can use an eyeliner brush and powder. You need to apply the eyeliner along both the upper and lower lashes. If you are confident you can carry the eyeliner all the way towards the inner corner of the eye so that the eyeliner continues all the way around the eye. Vary the thickness of the eyeliner depending on how dramatic a look you are trying to achieve, you can also smudge the eyeliner with a cotton bud to enhance the look.

Step 3: Apply the eyeshadows
A classic smoky eye look involves using grey/charcoal colours, but you can create the look with any combination of three colours, a pale, a medium and a dark colour. Sweep the pale eyeshadow over the whole of the eye area and continue right up to the brow bone. Apply the medium colour over the eyelid from the lash line to the crease of the eye. With the darker colour, start at the outer corner of the eye and apply the colour using an eyeshadow brush in the crease of the lid, continue blending this colour upwards along the crease line and outwards along the lash line until approximately two thirds of the way around the eye. When you have finished applying the darker colour, take the eyeshadow brush without any colour and blend the medium and dark colours together so there is a gradual change in colour.

Step 4: Apply mascara
Finish the look by curling the eyelashes with an eyelash curler and applying two coats of black mascara.

If you still need a bit more of a helping hand, Stila Cosmetics have brought out the smoky eye palette' which is the world's first talking make up palette and guides you through the whole process step by step. So even if you have little experience of applying make up, you too can create this amazing look that will wow the crowds.

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