7 Eye Shadow Tips for Beginners to Get the Perfect Smoky Eye
When it comes to makeup, most of us tend to stick to the basics. That’s because learning how to do more advanced looks can feel a little intimidating if you’re new to this whole makeup thing. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid experimenting with different looks altogether. After all, challenging yourself and testing out new skills is what will help you grow as a person and as a beauty lover.
So why not start off small by learning how to perfect the smoky eye look? If you aren’t familiar with this popular eye makeup formula, let us break it down for you. A smoky eye is an easy way to add drama and intrigue to your usual eye look routine by using darker hues and concentrated shading techniques. And luckily for you, we have seven excellent tips on how to get the perfect smoky eye every time.
1. Practice Smoky Eyes with Eye Masks
If you want to get better at applying your go-to eye shadow look, try testing it out on your eye mask before you apply it to your actual eyelids. Simply apply your eye shadow to the eye mask, and after half an hour, peel it off and observe the outcome. This is a great way to see what areas you might need to re-apply or fix. It also allows you to see how the color interacts with your skin tone so you can adjust accordingly.
If you’re looking to step up your makeup game, it’s important to find a technique that you feel comfortable with. And while some people learn best with visual aids or in-person tutorials, others find that practicing alone in front of a mirror is the best way to master a new look. So by testing out a few different techniques on your eye mask, you can get one step closer to mastering the smoky eye look.
2. Use a Smudge Brush for Shading
A smudge brush is an essential tool for a smoky eye look. It helps seamlessly blend colors, so you don’t have to worry about harsh lines or obvious shading. When it comes to smudging out your eye shadow, the best way to do it is to use the brush like a stamp by applying firm pressure to the skin. This will help transfer the color from the brush and onto your eyelids, blending everything together seamlessly. A great option for this is the EcoTools Smudge Brush.
There’s a common myth that a smoky eye only looks good if it’s predominantly dark shades. But the truth is, you can achieve the same dramatic effect with any color palette as long as you know how to apply it properly. From intense blues to vibrant purples, you can experiment with as many hues as you want. Just make sure to pair them with black eyeliner to avoid washing yourself out.
3. Grab Your Darkest Shadow
If you’ve been testing out different color combinations, you may have noticed that they don’t all go on as smoothly as you’d like. This is likely because you’ve been using lighter, less pigmented shades. But for a smoky eye look, you’ll want to use your darkest shadows to really draw attention to your eyes. And when it comes to blending, you don’t have to be perfect.
In fact, the messier your application is, the more intense the final look will be. Since a smoky eye is all about being messy and imperfect, we recommend using a wet brush. This will make blending a lot easier, especially if you’re new to makeup application. Make sure to keep your brush clean and use a paper towel or rag to dry it off between different color applications.
4. Don’t Forget the Eyebrows
Since a smoky eye is all about engaging your eyes, you might be tempted to forget about your eyebrows. But don’t make this mistake! After you apply the eye shadow, use a brow brush to brush your eyebrows into place. Not only will this help them stand out more, but it will also help prevent makeup from transferring into your eyebrows.
If you don’t have a brow brush, you can use a clean spooly or a clean mascara wand. If you’re new to makeup or have never applied eye shadow before, you might be a little overwhelmed by the variety of colors and textures currently on the market. Don’t worry! It’s actually pretty simple to pick out the right shade. Each eye shadow palette will usually include a color chart that shows you which colors would be best for your skin tone.
5. Don’t Be Scared of Colour Mixing
If you’ve been trying out different color combinations but aren’t sure if they go together, don’t be afraid to mix different shades together. Some of the most popular eye shadow looks are created by color mixing. And if you’re just starting out with more advanced makeup techniques, this is a great way to experiment without feeling too intimidated.
If you’re having trouble picking out colors, another option is to create a color wheel. This is a helpful tool that shows you which colors go well together. Simply choose two colors that you’d like to use, and the wheel will show you what other color combinations to try out.
6. Use Shimmering Shades for Highlighting
When it comes to highlighting your eyes, you want to keep things subtle. So you don’t want to use a color that pops too much or is too vibrant. Instead, you can use a shimmery highlighting shade to give your eyes a little extra sparkle. You can apply this to your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and/or along your lower lash line. A good option is the Elf Illuminating Palette.
During the smoky eye process, you’ll likely be focused on shading your lids to make them appear darker. But you also want to make sure to include some shimmery highlights around your eyes. This helps to create a more alluring and glamorous look, which is perfect for special events or dates with your significant other.
7. Smoky Eyes Don’t Have to Be Dark-Only
Smoky eyes are incredibly popular, but it’s easy to go overboard. A lot of people think that smokey eyes have to be done with very dark colors, but that’s not the case at all. You can create a smoky eye look with any color palette, but the trick is in the application.
With any eye shadow palette, start by sweeping a light color across the entire eye. This will help to open up the eye and make it look wider. Then, choose a darker color and start accenting the outer V of your eye, working your way in. The trick is to blend the colors together rather than simply applying one color over another. This will help to blend the colors together and create a smooth gradient.
Conclusion
Whether you’re heading out for a special occasion or just want to try out something new, a smoky eye look is a great option. The best thing about this makeup technique is that you can play around with different color combinations and intensities to create a look that’s unique to you. By following these tips, you can learn how to perfect the smoky eye look with ease. Visit Womenwire.com to up your makeup game and learn about the latest trends and techniques out there.