Masterclass Smoky eyes

Like a faithful little black dress, the smoky eye is a beauty classic that never dates. Here, celebrity make up pro Daniel Sandler shows you how to work the winning formula in four easy steps.

Step one:

Apply a dark eyeshadow over your entire eyelid, blending it up and out towards the outer edges (hint: a slightly shimmery texture looks sexier and will be easier to blend). For a true "air-brushed" effect, use a cotton bud to soften hard edges.

Step two:

Using a dark eyeliner pencil, thinly line eyes close to your upper and lower lashes, from the inner eye corner to the outer edge and back again, for a smooth finish. For added drama, line the inside of your eyes with a pencil in black, grey or brown (if you find these colours too severe, try a dark blue or dark green).

Step three:

Smudge the pencil line and intensify if necessary by repeating step two. For a slightly "slept in" look, use a smudger brush to soften the line.

Step four:

Curl lashes and apply glossy black mascara, making sure you apply to the inner and outer lashes to really open up your eyes.

The smoky eye kit:

Dark eyeshadow: Maybelline Expert Wear Mono Eyeshadow in Black Metal

Step-by-step smoky eyeshadow kit: Benefit Smokin' Eyes Kit

Eye pencil: Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Pencil in Noir Expert

Eye pencil in green: 17 Perfect Definition Eyeliner in Emerald Green

Mascara: Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara

Eye smudger: No7 Smokey Eyeliner Brush

Eyelash curler: Models Own Eyelash Curler

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Related categories:
Beauty Uncovered
Make up
Eyeshadow
Eye & brow liners
Mascara