One of our favourite hallmark holidays is fast approaching and we are so excited! We know that it can be hard to find the right Valentine’s Day inspiration right now, especially with the current pandemic and probably spending it at home. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate love, whether you’re dating, in a committed relationship or not. No matter the plan — a date with friends, drinks with a blind date (organized by a nosy friend), home-cooked dinner with your loved one or spoiling yourself!! We just want to send a friendly reminder that just because this holiday looks different this year, doesn’t mean you still can’t have a little fun and look fabulous!
Now that we’ve (hopefully) gotten you in the mood, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect sultry smoky eye shadow look paired with your favourite Rich Flower Lashes that are worth trying on Valentine’s Day — or, really, any day.
A smokey eye is one of the most classic looks that is loved by all. The smoky eye can be both subtle or dramatic, it all depends on your taste or mood. We think a smokey eye is a right of passage for beauty amateurs and pros alike—it’s the one-eye makeup look that works for everything from the red carpet to date night. While this classic look may seem like something only makeup pros can master, it’s quite simple to perfect when you break it down step-by-step. Now, we’ll walk you through how to create a sultry smokey eye beauty look for Valentine’s day.
Before you get started, here are the tools and products you’ll need:
- Eyeshadow base or concealer
- Black gel eyeliner or black eye pencil
- Three different shades of eyeshadow that compliment your skin tone
- Highlighter
- Mascara
- Eyeshadow application and blending brushes
- Your Rich Flower Lashes set of choice
Now that you have the tools and products you need, let’s get started!
- PRIME YOUR LIDS
Although this is one of the most fundamental steps in your makeup process, a lot of us tend to skip it and I think that’s one of the first mistakes. I declare from this day forward that we should always prime our eyes. It will help the pigmentation and longevity of your eyeshadow, otherwise, you may have to deal with shadows fallout and smudgy liner later in the process.
There are two ways to prime your eyes; it can either be by using an eyeshadow primer or a brightening concealer. They both help to smooth out your eye area and will give your makeup something to hold on to.
2. APPLYING YOUR EYESHADOW
Step two would be choosing a medium-toned eyeshadow to apply as your transition shade. When it comes to a classic smoky eye, try using matte shades of brown, grey, navy blue, or green. For something more dramatic or, playful use shimmery shades of purple or red. Just a reminder smoky eye makeup doesn’t always have to be neutral you can make it your own if you like. Makeup is the language of expression and can be altered to suit the individual!
If you’re not sure which colour to choose, look for an eyeshadow palette that is made for a smokey eye look, or has three shades that come in a coordinating set of colours. This is a great way to play with different colour combinations and discover what works best for your eye colour and skin tone.
Using a flat eyeshadow brush, press your transition (all-over) eyeshadow shade onto your lid, increasing the intensity of the colour as you get closer to the centre of your eyelid. To bring your look together, even more, you can also lightly dab this colour along your lower lash line. At the end of this step, you should have a smooth, base colour with a slight gradient effect from the centre of your lid to the outer crease.
3. APPLYING YOUR CEASE COLOUR
For step three, you need to incorporate a crease colour. This is done to add dimension to your sultry smokey eye makeup look. Trust me, this is important and you will thank me later. To do this, pick a coordinating dark shade colour that’s one to two shades darker than your all-over shade. Then use a blending brush to blend the colour into the outer corner of your eye. Move toward the centre of your eyelid as you blend the shade in small, circular motions, adding layers to intensify the pigment until you have a smoky blend. You’ll know you’re ready to move onto the next step when there is a smooth transition between this colour and your base shade.
4. APPLYING YOUR HIGHLIGHT
The last step to applying your eyeshadow for your perfect sultry smokey eye look is applying a neutral shadow that is one to two shades lighter than your base colour from your crease up onto your brow bone. This highlight shade will help smooth out the look and polish off that gradient effect you’re going for. For a little extra glow, dab your highlight on the inner corners of your eyes to make you look bright and awake. Remember to blend those colours to get the smoky eye effect. You always want the top of the eye, by the eyebrow, to be the lightest—and the bottom of the eye, by the lashes, to be the darkest. Remember, it’s Valentine’s Day and we want to look seductive and blending your eyeshadows will prevent you from getting that raccoon look.
5. LINE YOUR EYES
When it comes to lining your eyes it is important to line your eyes with a black or dark eye shadow. By doing this it will ensure that you are pleased with the shape of the liner before you apply the liquid or gel liner. If you are a professional who doesn’t need this step, GOOD FOR YOU lol! For the rest of us, let’s keep reading.
Once you’re happy with your liner shape, top what you’ve just created with gel liner, making sure to apply along your upper lash line and lower lash line. Gel liners are great to use for smoky eye makeup because they can quickly produce a bold, black line that can either appear super sharp or be smudged out with a smudging brush. The results can be adjusted based on the look you’re after.
As stated before smoky eye makeup can come in a variety of different forms. If you’re looking to create a light smoky eye, you may want to try using a pencil eyeliner instead. If you’re after a dramatic cat-eye, I would recommend a liquid eyeliner. I hope your steady hand game is perfect. Black eyeliner will give you a shaper smokey, dramatic look, while shades of brown can appear more natural and diffused. The choice is yours.
6. APPLY YOUR RICH FLOWER LASHES & FINISH YOUR MAKEUP
Now, that your eyeshadow application is completed, add your mascara and then your favourite Rich Flower Lashes. There are a few lashes to consider for that sultry smokey eye look; If you are looking for a show stopper, we suggest trying our “ Calla Lily” She is a subtle lash with a winged effect that blends seamlessly with your natural lashes If you desire a smoky look yet you a more natural look we suggest that you try our “ Orchid” lash. She has an elongated centre and a round shape. She will give you that natural look that you desire.
If you desire something that is a bit bold without the drama we suggest “ Daffodil “ lash. She has increased and decreased lengths to create a wispy and voluminous effect. She is perfect for anyone who craves a sultry smokey eye and seductive look. Now, if you are all about the drama, we suggest the “Cherry Blossom” lash which is multilayer, fluffy and dramatic lash style.
Whichever style you choose, Rich Flower Lashes has 20 styles to choose from. You will find a style that suits you and remember the more lashes bundles you buy the more you save!
Once you have that sorted, get that foundation matched, face contoured, blush placed in perfect position and set with your face with your go-to setting powder and be on the go!
Join us on our Instagram for more eye makeup look inspirations.
