About Smoky Eyes

The availability of smoky eye kits on the market attests to the popularity of the look. Red carpet regulars show up at various events with smoldering eyes. Give yourself the star treatment by being your own makeup artist as you learn how to achieve smoky eyes without attending beauty school. Even if you don't regularly wear makeup but are curious about this beauty phenomenon, photographs and information on the subject are plentiful.

Misconceptions

A common belief is that the eye makeup used has to be gray or black in order to create the smoky style. In fact, any shade of eyeshadow can be appropriated to the look--a gradient effect is all that is necessary for eyes to appear smoky. The darkest hue on your palette should at least be of a mid tone intensity and this is applied close to the lash line. As you move upwards towards the brow bone, the color slowly fades, thus resembling smoke.

Benefits

Smoking up your eyes is an effortless way to glamorize your look. If all you have for a formal event is a simple dress and you are worried that your hairstyle is not so sophisticated, making your eyes up in the stunning smoky fashion will instantly add drama to your overall vibe. You don't even have to wear more makeup along with it, because smoky eyes are flattered by pale lips and cheeks, with a hint of a glow. You can use smoky eyes for special daytime occasions as well. Simply tone down your color selection if you are more comfortable with lighter makeup before the sun sets.

Significance

The fashion and cosmetic industries, along with Hollywood, are responsible for making smoky eyes popular in contemporary times. If a makeup wearer can successfully pull it off without the help of a professional, her skills and knowledge are sought after by beauty lovers who are novices to makeup application. This is due to the idea that it must be difficult to create smoky eyes, as evidenced by the numerous inquiries, tutorials and requests for such on the subject (see Resources). Get professional quality results by not committing the typical beginner's mistake of forgetting to apply makeup on the lower lash line--doing so will make your eyes appear imbalanced and top-heavy.

Warning

Sometimes, the insides of the lash lines are darkened to produce a sultrier effect while wearing the smoky eye look. Practice sanitation, particularly when you utilize this technique. If you apply makeup on the waterline of your eyes, be certain that your tools are clean and that you do not share makeup with others to prevent the spread of bacteria. A professional makeup artist especially should not double dip, considering the number of clients who employ his services. Scraping the product off into a palette is one way of being sanitary. Carelessness can result in waking up with a sty or eye infection the following day.

Prevention/Solution

Remove makeup thoroughly before going to bed. Doing so will not only assist your skin in the regeneration process as you rest, it will also help prevent staining your pillow covers with sooty eye makeup. Neglecting to clean off smoky makeup prior to falling asleep can leave dark shadows underneath the eyes, which you might be challenged to conceal in the morning if you have limited time to get ready for work or school. Be sure to get rid of every last trace of mascara and eyeliner lurking in between your lashes.

Resources

• Smokey eyes tutorial
• eHow article about applying bridal smoky eye makeup
• eHow article about creating the smoky eye for teens