When Smoky met Monochrome

May 19

May 19 When Smoky met Monochrome

If you are someone who loves the drama and mystery of a Smoky Eye, but haven’t attempted it just because it sounds so intimidating to create - you are not alone, you have quite a company. I cannot say that I have mastered the art of a classic smoky eye yet. But I’m also not the one, to not try. So here is my version of a simple smoky eye created with least number of products to help each of you give it a go. This one is ideal for an evening out.

This smoky eye is created using Urban Decay Naked palette, Mac Kohl pencil in Smolder, Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara and Artliner. I am yet to get my hands on the Naked Smoky palette. But for now, the original Naked palette itself comes with a few shades that are good enough for a simple metallic smoky eye.

Steps (Just 8 simple steps)

Use an Eyeshadow Primer over your eyelids to create a good base for your shadow. It will ensure that the shadow stays put.
Use the shade 'Creep' from the palette all over your lid. It is an almost black metallic shade.If you prefer a matte finish, you can use a matte black shade.
Line the upper eyelid with Eyeliner. Draw over the eyeliner with the Kohl Pencil to get a rich dark and smudgy look.
Tightline your upper lashline with Kohl Pencil. Tightlining is when you apply liner to the base of your upper lash line, drawing on the underside of your upper lashes to make your lashes look thicker and more defined. You can do this with the kohl pencil too. It is a great way to enhance a smoky eye.
Line your lower lash line with Kohl pencil. Set it with 'Creep' shade using a thinner eye shadow brush.
Now to the most important part - Using the shade 'Buck' from the palette and a blending brush, start blending from the outer corner of your eye lid along the eye shadow line in a semi circular motion. With proper blending, you will be able to lighten the edges created by the metallic black shadow and achieve a gradient like natural look. Use the same shade ‘Buck’ to blend the 'Creep' shade on the lower lash line.
Almost there, apply Mascara generously to your upper and lower lashes.
Finish off with highlighting inner corners of the eye and brow bone with the shade 'Virgin’ from the palette.

For the face, I have used Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Foundation in Warm Honey, which is typically my pick for an evening out. I have mixed it with a few drops of Rose Gold Elixir from Farsali for a soft glow. Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick is used along the cheekbones for a Bronzy glow. Lips are a soft rose with Bobbi Brown Artstick in Rose Brown.

It is not just Instagram which is sporting a new Monochrome look this season. The classic look continues to trend from wardrobes to living spaces this year. I complemented my simple monochrome look with smokey eyes for some drama.