The past couple of days, I’ve been writing about Sephora Express Services.  In case you missed it, check out High Definition Makeup and Perfect Pout.  Now for the final installment of that series: the classic, gorgeous, and always-appropriate smokey eye.

Any time glamour or high impact is needed, a smokey eye is perfect. Although it may seem difficult, it is actually easy to do once you practice and learn how to achieve it. Here’s a peek at the lesson plan for Smokey Eyes.

Dubbed “the little black dress” of makeup, the sultry smoky eye is both chic and timeless- and easier to pull of than you think.

STEP 1 – Prime: Pat eye primer on lid from lash line up to brow bone and directly under eye. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer ($20 US) is amazing for this.

** Tip: Make sure you apply a thick layer of primer. Now is not the time to be stingy! Without enough product to attach to, eye shadow will not stay on the lids.

STEP 2 – Line: Trace around your entire eye with cream eye liner like Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow ($22 US) concentrating color on the lid and along the lash line using Sephora Brand Professional Platinum Flat Eyeliner Brush #20 ($18 US).

** Tip: Although Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow is an eye shadow, it makes a great liner. You can use any cream eye shadow as eyeliner to stretch the mileage of your products.

STEP 3 – Define: Using a tapered brush, apply a deep shadow over the cream eye liner on your top lid, blending well to smudge the color. Try Make Up For Ever Eye Shadow in #140, a black shimmer ($19 US), Sephora Brand Professional Platinum Natural All Over Shadow Brush #12 ($20 US), and Sephora Brand Professional Platinum Natural Smudge Brush #11 ($20 US).

** Tip: Make sure the cream shadow is applied evenly before patting on the eye shadow. This will ensure a smooth look.

STEP 4 – Refine: Line the inner rim of your lower lash line with a waterproof eye liner and finish with mascara. We love Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($17 US) and Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash ($22 US) which are both waterproof.
** Tip: The lashes should be BIG and bold, so apply several coats of mascara. Make sure you comb through with a lash comb to prevent clumps though!

What do you think of Sephora’s version of the classic smoky eye?  What kind of smoky eye do you like?

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