How To Do Smokey Eyes

by Karen Blanchard
7 February 2012

(requires sound)
I get comments and emails asking me about the dark eye make up that I wear a lot.  Hopefully this video will make YOU have a go!!

YOU WILL NEED: 

  • Quality Brushes: I mostly use MAC like this one for blending and this one for applying shadow (both shown in the video). They last forever so they’re worth the investment. 
  • Pigmented Shadows 
  • MAC Paints: These are cream based shadows that dry in 20 seconds and do not come off till you take them off. They come in a rainbow of dark and light colours. With eyeshadow on top, Paints holds the look all day (even with oily eyelids). *Tip: Shortcut to smokey eyes: Skip the eye shadow and just use a Paint in your favourite dark colour plus the black kohl pencil blended.  
  • Black Eye Kohl Pencil: I like MAC in Smoulder
  • Concealor/highlighter for under eye: I used a little Bobbi Brown concealor in Golden first then “Vanish” on top to neutralize under eye shadows (purchased at Screenface make up shop in London).  Dark eye make up emphasizes under eye circles and a pale concealor counteracts this, cleans up the eye area and makes your dark eyes up pop. It goes without saying that the final stage is accentuating your lashes but I personally prefer to do this using an Xlash serum rather than mascara, as it avoids a clumpy look.

More of my How To videos: here and here.

Category: beauty, How To

49 comments

  1. Maggie ☮ says:

    I always love your smokey eye looks! 🙂 Thanks for posting this.

    xo

  6. stylecrasher says:

    I looove your voice and accent!

  7. stylecrasher says:

    Your voice and accent<3

  9. Sing says:

    It looks really great on you.

  10. mrs potts says:

    best video ever!!! honestly you’re the one 🙂 no words

  11. Shandrese/Natalia says:

    what a great tutorial 🙂
    ~Natalia
    sincerelyrenay.blogspot.com

  13. Derrar says:

    ohmy god! you’re so perfect! 😮

    I wish I were a girl to try your make-up 😛

  14. Sara Pereira says:

    You are so nice 🙂

  15. Sia says:

    Thank you for this! x

  17. Daisy says:

    It looks awesome… I’m usually too lazy so I will try this next time I go out.

  18. Serendipity Max says:

    This is amazing. You look great. I love smokey eyes but i’m pretty rubbish when it comes to make-up!

    I also love your tee and the song!

    xx

  20. Hannah says:

    Great vid as always !
    I never would have suspected it was blue and brown you were using. Very helpful.
    Thanks
    xx

  21. Fashion Reactor says:

    Although i don’t have it that much with the make up, i love this video!! Promise i will try soon 😉 ‘Eirini”

  23. Alexandra says:

    your amazing as always my dear!

  25. Rossi says:

    Great video! Loved the tutorial, you are so beautiful!

    I don’t really wear make up everyday, but that look is worth trying!

    Beijos!

  26. Lissy says:

    you look great Karen! thanks for sharing x

  28. Bougiehippie says:

    Good job! Very Sleek!

  29. Dee says:

    Love the video!

    • Karen says:

      thx Dee : )

  30. leesicam says:

    Loved it! You should do more videos.

  31. Anonymous says:

    you are so gorgeous and unlike some other popular bloggers who act too high and mighty, you seem so down to earth and fun! You look like a girl I would love to be friends with 🙂

  34. Califabulous says:

    yay for another make up post! you have a signature look and it is bad ass! you have a beautiful face… thanks for sharing 🙂

  35. Zoe says:

    Love your How To videos- so beautifully shot and awesome content. I know smokey eyes have been around for ages, but I can *never ever* get it right- this is for sure the best tutorial I’ve seen- so thank you for sharing as always 🙂

    • Karen says:

      wow that means a lot! thank you.

  37. Asia says:

    Love the video Karen, thanks for this tutorial, you are so beautiful and you have the perfect shaped eyes for the smokey look, I barely have any eyelids so I wonder how this look would turn out on me

    • Karen says:

      I think you could still do it.

  38. Anonymous says:

    VERY VERY VERY nice! the video looks great, directing catches you good 🙂

  40. Karen says:

    Thx everyone for the feedback. I hope it’s helpful to you to do this for yourself.

  41. Michelle of Chellbellz says:

    Karen! Your eyes are so pretty! You have the most perfect lighting in your house!!

  44. Tania says:

    I tried it, it didn’t turn out as good as yours I need to practice more. What shade of the paint did you use please? Have you ever had smokey eyes for a daytime look?

  45. Cynthia says:

    hey you look so great and i love you hair. I am black to and wish I were able to style my hair like you because I have these real curley african hair. maybe you could do a video where you style your hair??
    thanks a lot cynthia

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