by Krystyna Waterhouse

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

Smoky eyes are a classic eye style that can bring out the eyes and look both glamorous and sexy. They are very easy to create once you know how, and the effect is well worth the effort! The look is also very timeless, so you can use it time and time again! This guide assumes you are aiming for a grey/black smoky eye, however you can experiment with colours such as blue )navy or bright) , green or purple.

You will need:

Pencil and Liquid Eyeliner (Black)

Mascara (Black/Waterproof)

3 Shades of grey eye shadow (Light/Mid-tone/Dark)

Compact powder foundation

Eye shadow brushes (one large, one precise, one for blending)

1. Start off by brushing over the eyelid, from brow to base with a compact powder foundation that matches your skin tone. This will ensure the eye shadow stays and help it blend more smoothly.

2. Continue by applying the eyeliner and mascara. Line the inside of the upper lid closely with eye pencil and line the outside with liquid eyeliner. (or pencil, if you wish) To make the eyes look larger, extend the line out from the eye by a few mm. Then apply the mascara from roots to tips, several times until the lashes are thick and dark enough. If your eyes are tired looking, you can apply white eyeliner inside of the bottom eyelid to make them appear more awake because the white reflects light and make the eyes appear larger.

3. Apply the lightest shade of gray eye shadow. It should start a few mm above the crease in your lid. Try to keep it even and smooth. The shape doesn't have to be completely round, and you can apply the shadow to stretch out from the eye to create the illusion of larger eyes. You can play around with this shape.

4. Along the bottom of the lid, close to the eyeliner, apply the mid-tone eye shadow. Then apply it to the corners of the eye, more to the outside than the inside. Then use a smaller brush to apply the mid-tone shadow to the create crease of your eyelid.

5. Pick out the darkest shade of grey and apply it in the corners of your eyelid and close to the eyeliner. Also apply some on the bottom eyelid, close to the lashes, for an extra dramatic effect.

6. With a smudging brush, carefully blend the eyeliner and the darkest shade of grey, and then blend the lightest shade of gray out into the foundation.

7. Apply a small amount of grey under the bottom lid, blending with the darker shadow.

You now have beautiful, smoky eyes! Be careful not to overdo it though, and stick to either eyes or lips. If the eyes are dramatic, don't make the lips too dark and bold. If you have too many focal points with your makeup, it won't be flattering.

Paired with flawless skin and nude lips or lip gloss, you are ready to go for a night out... or a photo shoot! Happy Beautifying!

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