How to Apply Smoky Eye Shadow Step by Step

Smoky eye shadow produces a rich, mysterious effect that enhances the eyes and makes them appear brighter by contrast. The overall effect is soft and dark, relying on gradations of dark, shimmering colors. Applying smoky eye shadow effectively takes a little practice, but the appearance when it's done is strikingly impressive. All you need to do smoky eye makeup of your own are a few colors of eye shadow, some mascara and an eyebrow pencil.

Things You'll Need

• Eye pencil
• Base color eyeshadow
• Sponge applicator
• Contour color eyeshadow
• Brush
• Mascara

Instructions

1. Choose your colors. You will need two colors of eye shadow -- a base color and a darker shade of the same color for contours.

2. Outline your eye with black eye pencil. Draw a line around the whole eye, making it thicker along the lower lid and thinner across the top lid.

3. Use a sponge applicator to apply base color makeup to your eyelid and the area above the eye, up to about half the distance between the eye and the eyebrow.

4. Apply contour color eyeshadow in a line around your eye. It should be thicker than the eyeliner.

5. Apply contour color in the crease at the top of your eyelid.

6. Apply contour color in a point at the sides of your eyes.

7. Blend the base and contour colors above your eyes so that the color fades gradually upward.

References

• Makeup Sense: Smokey Eyes