I can’t believe I’m saying this but the Christmas Party season is nearly upon us!
In my last blog I talked about the amazing Techni Spa treatment I had at the Guinot Salon to get our bodies ready to fit into that little black dress ready for the Christmas party but what about our makeup?
The smokey eye is always the most popular look I get asked to create during this season for my clients, we want glitz and glamour and a little bit of sparkle to see us through the festive season. So how do you create this look for yourself…
Follow my 10 step guide here:
- Create a good base on the eyelid, this will ensure the makeup will last all night and you won’t get creases. You can do this by using foundation and setting it with a powder – I love MACs prep and prime.
- Start with a light coloured eyeshadow and apply all over the eyelid. Any eyeshadow with shimmer in is much easier to apply and blend. Always use a soft brush for applying powder.
- When you are happy with the base you can then start to create a smokey eye shape. I would recommend starting with a lighter colour than you would typically use for a smokey eye. Such as a grey if you want to have a black smokey eye and a beige if you want to go for a brown smokey eye.
- The easiest most flattering way to do this is to imagine a C shape going from the base of the eyelids up to the socket line. You shouldn’t go higher than the socket line, as the dark will close the eye lid in.
- I also like to leave the inner corners of the eyes light, as this will accentuate the eyes and make them appear bigger. Top tip!! Contouring: isn’t just for the skin but a great way to give the eyes the wow factor. Try and always remember if you add light colours it will make the area bigger and dark will make them smaller.
- Going back to creating your C shape! Once you are happy with the shape on each eye, you can start building up the colour and depth. Less is more, start gradually and build up, always blending as you go. Blending is key, even if you are thinking it’s not going well, just keep on blending, and then adding more eye shadow. This will give depth and colour.
- When you are happy you can add shimmer of glitter if you want to. I love Vanilla Pigment by MAC. This can be applied on the inner corners and also under the brow line.
- Black eyeliner and lots of mascara will finish off the look, liquid or pencil are both great to go along the top of the lid and also under the eye and on the water line.
- Once you are happy with the eyes, you can now do the rest of the makeup. I always do a smokey eye first before the foundation, this way any dark eyeshadow that falls onto the face can easily be removed and you won’t waste time having to redo the foundation.
- Always team a dark eye with a light/natural coloured lip.
Good luck and remember practice makes perfect! Plus don’t forget to share your attempts with us on social media @EyesOfLadyW.
If you would like more advice with makeup, Becca is available for private lessons as well as special occasion makeup, perfect for that Christmas night out.
Written by Becca Gray
Twitter: @Becca_GrayXx
Facebook: @www.beccagray.co.uk
Instagram: @becca_grayxx
About The Author
Becca Gray
Freelance make-up artist Becca wields her bronzing brushes on fashion photoshoots, behind the scenes at London and Paris Fashion Weeks, and for London and Surrey’s most stylish brides.