Adore YOUR BEAUTY

In some ways, working the smoky eye look is one of the easiest ways to transform from cute to spectacular. But it takes some practice. Go too dark and don't blend enough and you'll quickly end up with Raccoon eyes. Go too light and it's not very smoky. So here are our fool-proof tips for getting this style in 5 easy steps. 

Step 1: Use the right foundation. Choose a liquid if you want a dewy finish; a stick if you want thicker coverage (meant to hide more flaws); and a creme-to-powder for medium coverage. Apply foundation with a foundation brush or sponge for even coverage and blend into the skin.
 

Tip: You can use foundation to prime your eye lids or opt for an eye primer. Either will hep the eye shadows to adhere and last longer. We like Natural Hue Liquid Makeup by CoverGirl Queen Collection. $9.95, available at drugstores nationwide.

Step 2: Using a black eye pencil, line the inner rims of your eyes and its top lid. You can use a light touch of the pencil to help guide the "V" shape you will make with your shadows.
 

Tip: Try a very soft thin pencil or Kohl liner, which is thicker. You'll use either one to blend into your shadow. We like DiorShow Waterproof Liner. $29, available at Sephora.com. 

Step 3: Using a small eye shadow brush, apply a light shade just below the brow bone. This acts as a highlighter. Next, sweep the darker shade of gray shadow across your crease, blending the dark shade with the light one and extending it out beyond the corners of your eyes, creating a half moon shape. Now fill in the very center of the eyelid with the same color or select a lighter shade for a highlight. This can be a metallic hue in gray or a slightly lighter version of your darker color. Re-apply the darker shade if you feel your eyes need more punch. Then apply two coats of mascara.
 

Tip: Use a quad or trio palette to save time on selecting colors that complement each other. We like: Cool Party Palette by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. $45, available at Bobbibrowncosmetics.com, and Lash Defining Mascara by Black Opal. $4.95, available at drugstores nationwide.

Step 4: Apply a nude, never a bright, lip. A nude lip won't compete with the dramatic eye.
 

Tip: Add foundation as a primer to lips first, then apply lipgloss or lipstick. We like Dual-Ended Lipgloss in Matinee Mocha by Black Opal. $4.95, available at Blackopalbeauty.com.

And that's how you create this dramatic, smoky eye.