How to do a kitchen supper appropriate smokey eye
Hosting a supper at home is just as great an excuse to go all out when it comes to your make-up look. Who needs fussy bars and over-crowded restaurants? Smokey eyes are a fail-safe beauty look for those in a hurry but want to look like they’ve had their make-up professionally done. If like me, you don't find it that easy then don’t worry, we are here to help. We've teamed up with professional make-up artists to debunk everything there is to know about smokey eyes - here's our grown-up guide.
Prime
Priming your lids is not essential but if you know you have quite oily sockets, avoid using your eye cream that morning and mattify using a primer instead. A simple powder puff and loose powder will do - or make the commitment and opt for an eye primer such as Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ￡19.50, by Nars.
Before applying your eyeshadow, apply your base first. "Then add under-eye eye masks. Not only will they give an added glow, they also act as a protective film; collecting any loose eyeshadow pigment that may fall onto your cheekbones," says Max Factor UK Ambassador Caroline Barnes. Remove your mask and then touch up with concealer and powder and continue to finish your look.
Pro Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks, ￡48.50 (for 6) by Elemis
Find your shade
“Smokey eyes suit everyone. You just have to find the shade to best suit you,” advises Barnes . As a rule those with fair skin suit golden,copper hues. Medium skin tone suit warmer, bronze shades or if you are feeling daring- an emerald green shade," says Barnes. "Olive complexions compliment deep, navy-blue sockets as well as deep, burgundy lids.
For those less daring, a classic, pared-down brown or black hue will also serve as a great supper-smokey eye. Try the Instant Eye Palette ￡60, by Charlotte Tilbury.
Apply with abandon - honestly
“The easiest way to start is to take your colour on an eyeshadow brush and wrap it all over your lid, filling the socket and pulling down under your bottom lashes. The biggest mistake people make when applying their pigment is they use a small brush under their bottom lash line which shrinks the eye shape, making your smokey eye look off balance. Be generous with the amount of pigment and cover 3-4mm under your lashes. Add mascara and you are good to go,” advises Caroline. She recommends the Nude Palette in Rose Nudes, ￡14.99 by Max Factor, below.
Eye Crease Brush ￡27, by Laura Mercier
Step out of your comfort zone
“With Christmas only three days away, a great way to dress up your look is to opt for a jewel toned smokey eye,” advises Barnes. Although colour is traditionally hard to wear the Christmas holidays make a great excuse for a festive adaptation. Opt for a jewel tone such as burgundy red, racing green or a regal gold. "
“Mix up your textures. A matte or satin textured shadow will give the illusion of depth while a shiny texture will make the eye pop,” advises James. Try the Luxe Eyeshadow ￡27 each, by Bobbi Brown.
If you only have five minutes
“A smokey eye can be as simple and beautiful as an eye kohl blended around the lash line, this will give the eyes intensity without looking too dramatic and having to be a master at blending,” says Rimmel Global Make-up ambassador James Malloy. He recommends the Glam Eyes Quad Eye Shadow ￡6.99, by Rimmel.
Mascara
"All smokey eyes should be topped off with lashings of mascara to open the eyes," advises James. Try a coloured mascara- this is a smart way to add colour to your look without wearing a bold eyeshadow. When we say colour we mean an elegant burgundy or navy,not fuchsia.
False Lash Effect Mascara ￡25.50, by YSL
Autumn make-up products