It might seem that smokey eye makeup is all about the eyes. Especially, since the rest of the smokey eye makeup looks like it's barely there: soft lips, delicate cheeks. Eyes are the key and you can learn all the neccessary techniques in my smokey eyes ebook. But don't ignore the face. It might be playing a supporting role but it is a very important supporting role. Just look at Jennifer Lopez when she has smokey eyes. She always manages to look defined, sultry yet healthy. How? Mainly because she knows how to enhance her complexion when wearing strong eye makeup.
I will show you six key steps that will help create a perfect and sculpted canvass for your dark eye makeup. In short they are: conceal under your eyes, apply foundation, bronze, blush, highlight and blot.
By applying an under eye concealer you can create a flattering contrast to the darkness of your smokey eye. Additionally, it lifts the eye and makes you look more awake. And it can also take care of the black under-eye circles. Just look at some photos of Kim Kardashian: this woman knows how to use this great cosmetic. If you want your under eye concealer to serve you as well as her follow these three rules. Dab on only a little bit and than pat it on with your fingertips. Blend well to avoid having white patches under your eyes. Choose a shade or two fairer than your foundation.
There are exceptions to this rule, but usually bare face and strong eye makeup don't go well together. A strong eye demands foundation. And by that I don't mean a thick layer of foundation. As with most cosmetics, foundation also goes by the rule that less is more. But do use something even if it is just a colored moisturizer. And a few tips on applying foundation. The color should be as close to your skin color as possible. Apply it mainly to the areas that need it: usually the chin and the center of the face. Finish it off with powder (loose or pressed) to take away the shine.
Ok, the base is there. Now let's add a healthy glow and defintion with bronzer. But instead of applying it all over the face which one does in order to look tan, use it on selected areas to sculpt the face. Dust it on your temples and along the bottom of your cheekbones, remembering about your ears too. To add that little bit extra, sweep it under your jaw and chin, as Sienna Miller does (Jessica Hogan, "Beauty Experts", vogue.co.uk).
Although these days bronzer sometimes substitutes blush, I always apply both: blush on top of bronzer. A touch of color is welcome when doing dark eyes. As a rule of thumb, blush goes a bit higher than bronzer. It should not be too harsh or too dark: just a wash of colour is the desired effect.
Highlighter, which might also be called illuminizer, is a great invention which allows you to make some areas of your face stand out more, cheekbones for example. Its delicate shimmer creates the effect which is more youthfull, less dull and more defined. There are many places where highlighter might be applied for lovely results. Here we will restrict ourselves to areas that affect the black smokey eyes situation. That would definitely be your brow bone and the inner corner of your eye: it would enhance and open up the eye. The next step is highlighting the top of the cheekbone going out towards the temple. This technique accents the cheekbones and contrasts with eye makeup, which is great.
No smokey eye benefits from a shiny face. As highlighter provides just enough selective shimmer, other places should stay matte. While powdering your face every now and then is super, doing it often throughout the day or night might be just too much powder. So it's best to fight the sheen with something else: a genius product called blotting papers. They absorb oiliness and don't add anything onto your face: I recommend the plain, un-powdered ones. Heidi Klum always blots with them before getting out of her limo - and see how fab she looks on the red carpet photographs?
By cleverly combining coverage, definition, color and light you can look amazing in your black smokey eyes. Put these easy strategies into action and attract attention immediately!
If you need that perfect smokey eye read the illustrated ebook on smokey eye makeup : it's complete with smokey eyes know-how that works time and time again. Also grab more tips about black smokey eyes : the key look when you want to be noticed!
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