You’ve moved on from summer’s minimalism, but aren’t yet ready to embrace winter’s high octane glamour?! Consider this the perfect go between. A smudgy, sultry, subtle smoky eye is de rigueur right now. Not to mention it will ease you softly into the assault of party looks that await.
Backstage at the Brock Collection AW19 show, models were sporting a graduated look - liner rimed the lashes, then a slate eyeshadow began on the lash line and slowly made its way to a warm, light mushroom at the edge of the eye socket.
At Giorgio Armani the lower lash line proved the focus. Liner was drawn just below the lash line and smudged slightly, the top lid remained relatively neutral with just a swipe of wet-look eye shadow (Vaseline does the trick), exaggerated mascara and brows dusted with a hint of glitter.
Here's how to achieve the look with these essentials...
1. Blurring Coconut Face Primer, Marc Jacobs
From the designers best-selling coconut collection. This refreshing, hydrating and nourishing primer is a must. It blurs the look of imperfections, smooths the look of pores and fine lines and leaves your skin like the perfectly prepped canvas it should be. Available at Sephora.
2. True Portrait Foundation, Kat Von D Beauty
Kat Von D beauty has just launched their first medium coverage formula. The best-selling vegan and cruelty-free brand’s True Portrait Foundation comes in 40 different shades. The liquid-to-powder formula is incredibly light weight, soft in texture, and self sets for a long lasting finish. Available at Sephora.
3. Concealer, Kiko Milano
You don’t want the darkness on top to highlight what lurks below. Keep tired eyes and dark circles at bay with a creamy concealer. This version by Kiko is fluid and smooth, it blends and camouflages imperfections and guarantees a natural finish. It comes in nine shades, including two corrective shades. Available at Namshi.
4. Eye Colour Quad in Double Indemnity, Tom Ford
There are so many palettes offering varying shades of smokiness. This four-part wonder from Tom Ford Beauty is one of our all time favourites, and can be used to create so many different looks including the perfect subtle smoky eye. Start with the darkest colour closest to your lashes, and work your way out making sure to blend as you go.
5. Phenomen’ Eyes Liner, Givenchy
The ultra shiny texture of this easy-to-apply liner leaves a deep black vinyl finish. Its precise felt tip applicator means a perfect line is more easily attainable than ever, and it leaves a pearlescent shine to your perfectly put together smoky eye.
6. Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara in Black, Chantecaille
Any trend which involves multiple products around the eyes requires a sensitive approach. If you’re wearing mascara every day, make sure it is one that is kind to your eyes. Chantecaille gently conditions with Rosewater, while the natural Beeswax and full-bristle brush ensure you have the luscious plumped-up volume look, too.
6. Love Me Lipstick in Laissez Faire, MAC
With its new Argan-infused formula making sure we have soft, supple lips, MAC’s Love Me range is becoming our go-to lipstick for day and night. A smoky eye is best offset with a natural lip as shown at Armani and Brock Collection above. This muted greyish pink, officially coined Laissez Faire for its effortless appeal, nails that non-make-up make up look.
7. Brow Pencil & Styler, Fenty
Defined brows have face-shaping abilities. Enhance your natural colour and add definition with the Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil and Styler duo. With 14 smudge-resistant shades available and a unique ladder style brush you’ll have everything you need to preen those brows to perfection.
