How to Create a Clean Smokey Eye

Perfecting a smokey eye seems like messy work. The smokey eye effect can sometimes turn into raccoon eyes without proper care and technique. These tips will help you create a clean smokey eye that looks polished enough for the office.

Things You'll Need

• 2 makeup pencils in neutral colors (navy and black, or auburn and black work best) Eyeshadow (suggested: pewter gray or violet) Mascara Blending eyeshadow brush Makeup remover Cotton pads or swabs

Instructions

1. Start with a clean canvas. Wash your face. This is rule No. 1 for any and all makeup application. Once your face is clean, sharpen all makeup brushes and be sure your blending brush is clean of all previous makeup.

2. Make a half-line on your lid, just above the lashes (start at beginning of eye and end at middle of eye) with your first color. Finish the line with your second color.

3. Apply one solid color liner under the eye, lightly. Blend with the brush in light, downward strokes to avoid sloppy strays of color.

4. Apply your top shadow to the top of your lashes carefully and sweep up to just below the brow bone. Do not get any color on the brow bone. If this happens, use a cotton swap and makeup remover.

5. Apply just a bit of shadow under the eye, using light tapping motions.

6. Apply a bit of makeup remover to a cotton pad or swap and clean up any stray color that appears outside of the shape of your eye.

7. Apply a layer of mascara and fan your lashes outward.

Tips & Warnings

• This look will last longest on moisturized lids.

• Be certain to have clean brushes: Eye infections can and do happen.