Simple Steps for a Dramatic Eyes

Dramatic eye makeup creates a mysterious, alluring look that makes you the center of attention all night long! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect smoky eye.

1. Prepare the base.   Apply matte foundation on the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) of your face to minimize oil production and prevent streaking and bleeding.
2. Conceal dark circles. Choose a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Use your ring finger to lightly tap concealer to the skin under your   eyes. Your ring finger is not as strong as your index finger, and so it will not stress your sensitive under eye skin as much as the index.
3. Prime your eyelid. Once again using your ring finger, pat a small amount of concealer onto your lid. Do not over apply the product, which can lead the eye shadow to look caked-on. Although it is not necessary, consider investing in an eye makeup primer, which is specifically designed for this use.
4. Choose your palette. If you have a dark complexion, grays and blacks create the classic smoky eye. If you have a light complexion, begin with taupes and browns. You will need three colors: the highlight (the lightest color), the lid color (the medium), and the accent (the dark color). Choose eyeliner that coordinates with the palette you chose.
5. Line your lower lashes. Hold the eye pencil vertically. With your opposite hand, use your index finger to hold your lower eyelid taut. Beginning at the outer corner of your eye, lightly dot the eye pencil toward the inner corner. Do not line the inside rim of your eye, because that will only make your eye appear smaller.  
6. Add the lid color. Sweep the medium color across your eyelid.
7. Line your upper lashes. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, use the pencil to dot the color across your lid as close to your lash line as possible. Once you reach the outer corner, connect the dots. Remember, smudgy equals sexy!
8. Add the accent color. Dip an eye shadow brush into the dark color and tap off excess shadow. Close your eye, and beginning at the outer corner of your eye, brush the shadow upward toward the inner corner of your eyebrow, staying in the crease of your eyelid.
9. Highlight, highlight, highlight. Tap an eye shadow brush into the highlight color. Sweep the shadow along your brow bone. Also, dab the highlight color at the very inside corner of your eye close to the tear duct. This adds structure to your eye, makes your eye look bigger, and allows your color palette to "pop."
10. Clean up. Using a fluffy powder brush, sweep along the bottom of your eye sockets. No powder is necessary, but this will eliminate any wayward eye shadow.
11. Pay attention to your lashes. Use an eye lash curler to curl the tips of your lashes upward, creating a wide-eyed look. After your curl your lashes, apply two coats of your favorite mascara
12. Admire your handiwork.

Pair your dramatic eye shadow with a delicate pink blush and nude glossy lips to allow your eyes to stand out without looking overly done.

Advanced Tips

• Color! As you grow more comfortable with this technique, experiment with other colors. Purple creates a surprisingly sexy effect that is approachable because it is not dark black. Try deep blues and greens for the accent color. The only rule is to avoid pastels!
• Liquid Liner! Between Steps 9 and 10, use a liquid liner to create a defined upper lash line. Draw it on lightly with a confident, single stroke from the inner corner to the outer corner. As you reach the outer corner, turn the line upward slightly to create a subtle cat-eyed effect. 
• Experiment! A glittered highlight shadow adds extra sparkle to the brow bone. A narrow smudge of the accent color at the lower lash line creates a rock and roll effect. Colored mascara adds an additional dimension to the look. Experiment with colors, shadows, liners, and mascaras to develop your own signature dramatic style.