The first things most of us notice about the people we meet are their eyes. They’re what we look at when we’re communicating and how we can see each others’ emotions. We don’t look at people’s feet when we talk; we’ve got our gazes glued to their peepers.
That’s why I love to play eyes up. Don’t you?
Dramatic eyes can have a major wow factor and completely amp up the volume of your look, but when done wrong, they can also be a bit of a train wreck. There are a few rules to keep in mind when working a smoky eye. Master this beauty technique, and all eyes will be on you, my lovely friends. Here’s how it’s done.
Liner or shadow. Don’t go crazy. When working the smoky eye, choose either a dark liner to rim the lids, or swipe on a charcoal shadow for a more full-coverage effect. However, if you use both, then you risk going overly dark and totally overboard. Just choose one or the other to be on the safe side.
Don’t cake; keep it thin. More is not better when it comes to eyeliner and shadow. I advocate one layer, and that’s it. If you use too much, then it will bleed below the lid and give you raccoon eyes, which is never an attractive look!
Extra mascara is a must. This is the one area where you shouldn’t skimp! For a dramatic gaze, apply three coats. Just make sure your mascara is waterproof so it won’t run, and swivel the brush back and forth as you move up through the lashes to create a clump-free look.
Color shouldn’t go anywhere near that brow line. Your shadow needs to stay on the lid, not up near the brow. It’s just too much if your color ventures north, so keep it below the crease. Taylor Momsen’s look is not one we should be emulating…
Keep your lips simple. The most important point is this: It is vital to either do lips or eyes, not both (and today we are focusing on eyes). Keep it clean and classy with a little clear gloss, or a slightly rosy lip to compliment your bold eye. Don’t overdue lip stain, or your whole face can look overwhelming and trashy.
And those are the cardinal rules of dramatic eyes. Now, go work the look (with a fabulous outfit, of course).
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/mszeto/4286541500
About jenna
