The traditional smoky eye is one of the most popular makeup styles to date, thanks in large part to celebrity influences like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. With dozens of variations, ranging from "soft and subtle" to "nighttime goddess", it's also one of the most versatile looks--and, surprisingly easy to apply when broken down! The good news is, no matter how meek or daring you want to be, all smokey eyes are achieved using the same basic technique. So, if you're longing for that pair of alluring, sultry eyes--and don't have a makeup artist on call 24/7--here's a simple "how to", broken down into 5 easy steps that even beauty novices can follow.

1) Prime the eye. A primer gives eyeshadow something to "cling" to and keeps it from falling off your skin (like powders typically do.) Primers also enhance the vibrancy of shadows, so they remain truer to color.

2) Apply a creamy black liner to the upper and lower lash lines, then smudge with a firm brush. Make sure the waterline is filled in, as well. (This is a key point in creating the appearance of a smaller, more elongated eye.)


3) Color is totally preferential--just be sure to start with a dark eyeshadow closest to the lashes. As you blend shadows outward and upward, towards the brow bone, they should lighten and/or fade to create a nice gradient effect. (In this example, I chose a grey theme in order to bring out the dark ring around Ashlea's eyes.)

Using a flat shadow brush, gently pat a dark shadow on top of the liner. With a blending brush, "pull" the upper, lid portion of shadow outwards and up towards the browbone, with small, circular motions. Stop approximately just above the crease.

 

4) You're now going to create a soft "V" shaped point at the outer corner with the darkest-colored eyeshadow. Start about 1/3 of the way in on both the top and bottom lashlines. On the bottom, drag the existing line outwards and upwards, following the natural curve of your eye. On the top, the shadow should be applied at an angle. The result is a "shadow" that lifts the eye and gives it a more almond-shaped appearance.

Once you've achieved the desired shape/darkness, go back in with your blending brush to, again, smooth lines and edges. Any errors you've made around the edges, or shadow fallout beneath the eye can be wiped away with a Q-tip.


5) Finish by applying a liquid liner, mascara and false lashes, if desired.

Because fallout is just about inevitable, I recommend completely finishing the eyes before moving on to concealer or foundation ... Just remember to re-blend the shadow edges afterwards. The look should be clean, but smooth. Also remember that this is just the basic technique. Feel free to change it up to suit your likes/needs. As someone once told me, "it's makeup, not math, so no way is the wrong way."

A big thanks to Ashlea for taking time out of her busy work schedule to model! =)

Products used in this tutorial: Eye Primer (PEP01), Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Black Tie (BES01), Eyeliner Pencil in Black (EL192), Retractable Eye Liner in Pure Black (PRE01), Blending and Flat Shadow Brushes (AB457, AB458)