Smashbox Eye-lights in Smoke Box

We were just talking about the infamous Smokey eye and what better way to give it a try than with this dynamic trio.  I am diving face first into this brand and giving it a little more of my pretty attention, I love their strong sexy eye colors and Face Primer too!  

I was looking for a quick smokey eye palette to carry in my purse to update my look from day-to-night, especially after typing up yesterday's blog I was all smokey eye gun-ho! And I stubbled upon this. Cute, small, wonderful rich colors. I am sold! 

This palette is all you need for Smokey eyes trust me. The Colors are very pigmented, stays on all day (I did use a lid primer) and  looks Fierce (shaking my finger like Tyra Banks).  You can go even more dramatic by adding a touch of water to the darker shade and using it as a eye-liner and then smudging it!  The more Neutral colors are perfect durning the day! 

So Smokey Eye kit...Check! That's off the Holiday List! 

LOVES IT! 

How To Create a Smokey Eye

I know I know we have talked about Smokey eyes hundreds and thousands of times but it's that one thing we all want!! And we are always searching for easier, sexy tips to achieve this dramatic eye. 

The smokey eye is a true makeup classic and the go-to standard for a big night out. "The smokey eye is usually done with black liner and eyeshadow to create a very dramatic look, but this season we're seeing more colorful versions," says celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey. Using deep, yet vibrant colors like aubergine, navy and forest green creates a bold look that makes your eyes really pop and won't give you the dreaded "raccoon eye." Here, Bailey shares his tips for mastering the trend.

1). Start with eyeliner. Most people apply their shadow first, but according to Bailey, starting with eyeliner helps the look last longer and makes it easier to build the color. Line the inner rim of your lower lashlines, working the liner into the lashes. Close your eyes and line the upper lashlines, pushing the liner into the lashes so there's no gap between your lashes and the line. "You want the liner to be a part of your lashes, not circling your eye," says Bailey. Use your fingertip to smudge it in.

2). Mix your textures. In general, matte eyeshadows aren't as flattering because they don't reflect light. Metallic formulas create a sheen that hides makeup flaws and opens up your eyes. Bailey suggests using a metallic liner like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil, then layering a slightly shimmery shadow like CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit over top.

3). Wing out. "Extending your eyeshadow [past your outer corners] creates the illusion of long, almond eyes; it gives you a more exotic look," says Bailey. Sweep the eyeshadow across your lids and up into your creases, then blend outwards and upwards towards (but not to!) your temple to create a smokey halo. If you extend the wing too far, dip a Q-Tip in oil-free makeup remover and clean up the shape of the shadow. "It's best to play with this look first before you do it for real. Do it on a weeknight and master the technique before you decide to use it at a party," says Bailey. 

LOVES THE SMOKEY EYE! 

Smokey Eye For Morning, Noon, and Night

The Infamous Smokey Eye is something we all strive to achieve. Lets face it, we all want it have done tons of tricks to get it and will continue to try again and again. However I do think this tip from Glamour Beauty is a bit easy especially since it really only involves changing your eyeliner and going over what you already did in the AM. 

Dark, smoky eye makeup usually falls into the “Makeup for a Major Party” category, but lately, some celebs have been using more neutral shades to create the look—which makes it more daytime-friendly. To get away with wearing a flattering smoky eye during the nine-to-five hours, instead of using gray or navy as your main eyeshadow color, use a burgundy tone. The accent shade in Neutrogena’s Nourishing Eyeshadow Quad in Vintage Wine will do the trick, or try Kevyn Aucoin’s The Essential Eyeshadow in Aubergine-Burgundy. 


Use the burgundy as you would a gray in the traditional smoky eye look: “Smoke” it by sweeping the shadow on the lid, up into the crease and extended out slightly so it inches up toward—but doesn’t touch—your brow. Next, take a thin flat brush and line your eyes completely with brown shadow, right along the lash line to make them look as soft and subtle as Diane Kruger’s (left). A little brown liner on the inside of your rims will help define your eyes even more. At night, if you want a slightly more intense look like that of Jessica Stoup (right), all you have to do is freshen up your eyeshadow and add a little black eyeliner to give your whole look a sexy, party-ready finish. 


PERFECTLY EASY RIGHT?? Will you try this look?? Comment Let us know! 

A Really, Really, Easy Way to Create Smokey Eyes

You'll want to keep this photo of Jennifer Hudson around for a while; it's a great illustration of the easy eye makeup tip from celebrity makeup artist Jeffrey Paul. It's so simple, you won't believe you ever thought there was a mystery behind smoky eye makeup. Seriously! Paul says just start by applying the darkest color in a tricolor eyeshadow palette(or a dark eyeliner--your choice) right on top of your lash line. Let the color merge into a slightly less dark shade on the lid. Next add the lightest color--one closest to your own skin tone--from the top of the lid all the way up to the crease, then blend them all together so that the whole look seems to fade from dark to light. See how pretty it looks on Jennifer Hudson? She even upped the ante by letting her dark shadows merge into a silvery highlighter shade at the crease line and inner eye, which really opens up her eyes. You can also dab a highlighter at the inner corner for an eye-widening/brightening effect.

Try Paul & Joe's Eye Color Palais Royale ($23) and the lightest shade in Neutrogena's Nourishing Eyeshadow Quad in Blue Smoke ($10) will both do the trick.




Simple Simple Simple! LOVES IT!