Smoky eyes is a classic look but it's a fine line between having smouldering smoky eyes and looking like Ling Ling the panda. MAC retail artist Michelle Brindle, of Dunedin, demonstrates step by step how to create the look yourself.
Picture 2: Eyebrows are often forgotten but actually play an important part in framing the eye, says Brindle. Start by smoothing out the eyebrows and filling in any gaps with a medium-toned pencil. Use tiny strokes, which mimic hair growth, to add height and length.
Picture 3: Apply a cream base in a soft, neutral colour to the lid. This adds shimmer and creates a good base for the powder to follow. Add a light shadow under the brow and in the centre of the lid - black on its own is too much.
Picture 4: Apply eyeliner in a dark shade to the upper lid with lots of little strokes as close to the lashes as you can. Set the line with a shadow in the same shade. "When applying it yourself, lift your chin and look down so you can see clearly. You can lean your wrist on your chin for balance," says Brindle.
Picture 5: Blend with a small flat brush - the line should be thicker on the outer eye, becoming thinner toward the centre, to make eyes stand out. Smudge the line up into the outer corner and eye socket and set with a dark shadow. Add more shadow in your lighter shade to the centre of the eye, blending into the darker colour.
Picture 6: On the lower lid, apply eyeliner only to the outer quarter of the lashline then blend all the way along. To make eyes look bigger, add white eyeliner to the inner quarter of the lower lashline.
Picture 7: Always curl lashes before applying mascara as they can break if you curl them after. Press the curler on to lashes in three stages - at the base, centre and tip - to create more curl. Repeat.
Picture 8: For added drama, Brindle recommends using a mascara primer or `natural' mascara followed by a more dramatic, thick mascara, to give a false lash effect. For lower lashes, hold the wand vertically to avoid smudges.
Top tips
- If you're unsure about your skills, start with the eyes and do your foundation afterwards, as product is likely to drop down off brushes.
- Otherwise, have a concealer on hand to fix any mistakes.
- Build the shadow up slowly and blend, blend, blend.
- Do each step on each eye as you go, not one eye at a time. Brushes make a difference.
- Invest in at least one good blending brush.
- Experiment with colours - smoky eye is a technique, not a palette.
- When highlighting eyes, keep lips natural.
