What Can The Rest Of Your Makeup Do For Your Black Smokey Eyes
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.
Learn the following tips on defining your skin and you will love the way you look in black smokey eyes. And all this just by using six rather basic makeup products. Let's get started.
Never skip an under-eye concealer. It is something different than a face concealer or a highlighter. It goes under the eyes and makes you look younger and fresher. It can also help cover up dark circles if you have them. A celebrity that uses under-eye concealer to perfection is Kim Kardashian. She always balances out her smokey eyes with this product: that's why she never looks tired even in the strongest makeup. Just remember a few tips on how to use it. Apply very little of the product. Blend it especially on the edges, otherwise you will look as if you are wearing white goggles. And go for a tone or two lighter than your skin.
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.
Now that you have applied foundation and under-eye concealer, let's gently sculpt your face. Use bronzer under the cheekbones and all along the hairline. You can also sweep it along the bottom part of your face: Sienna Miller always applies bronzer under her chin (Jessica Hogan, "Beauty Experts", vogue.co.uk). But make sure the application is subtle: bronzer can become really visible on the jawline. Applied correctly bronzer gives a healthy glow which softens your smokey eye look.
A bit of actual color on the cheeks gives a great boost and a sexy flush, especially if you plan to keep your mouth paler. The perfect blush should not stand out: bright is not the way to go. A whisper of color complements the bronzer perfectly and would not overpower dark eye makeup.
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?
As you can see, black smokey eyes don't work alone: it's definitely team work. Professional application of the rest of makeup can make a whole difference in the world. Use it to your benefit. Smolder and glow.
Before starting on that smouldering look be sure to get Ewa Linsey's illustrated ebook on smokey eyes : complete with brilliant tips and techniques that guarantee results. For the ultimate sultry look get more of Ewa's advice on black smokey eyes .






