For stunning smokey eyes

Smoky eyes in different variations complete a party make-up. To make them extra long-lasting, it is best to spend some time to get the groundwork done. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply eyeshadow with three matching colours - highlight, transition shade and a darker shade.

Step 1: First, create a neutral base. Use a synthetic brush or your finger to apply some eye base on the lid up to the brow bone in a thin layer and allow it to dry a little. Redness or blue discolorations get covered up and the surface is smooth and ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Apply the transition colour with a medium-sized brush. Blend the colour beginning from the outer corner along the crease.

Step 3: With a small, soft blending brush, apply the highlighter under the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eyes.

Step 4: Draw a line with a soft eyeliner close to the lash line and blend the colour up to the crease. One of the golden rules when creating smoky eyes is to avoid harsh lines. So blend the colour carefully with a brush.

Step 5: Use a small blending brush to blend the darker shade in the outer corner of the crease and softly blend out. Repeat this step until you get the desired intensity.

Step 6: For the lower lash line, use the soft liner up to middle of the eye and softly blend the colour out. However, don't go further, as your eyes will end up looking smaller.

Step 7: Apply mascara to the upper and lower lashes. It lengthens, gives volume and separates for perfect lashes. Apply the mascara twice for extra dimension.

Extra Tip: Build the colours until you have the desired intensity. Dark shades should never be applied directly until the desired point, but should be blended out subtly to create a soft look.

Alica Domfeld
(The author is make-up artist, BeYu)