Robin Erb Skincare

Robin’s Secrets to a Smokey Eye

Smokey eyes — Robin Erb style

The smokey eye is a classic look that many women try to emulate. However, I have found that often times women don’t understand exactly the way to go about it. Before you even start, it is important to understand one word: blend. That is absolutely crucial when it comes to creating a sexy, smokey eye.

First do your eyes. Many women will do their foundation first, but since you use such intense and dark colors when doing a smokey eye, the eyeshadow often get can all over your face. Once you’re done with your eyes, brush off the excess shadow with a brush and do your foundation.

1. The first step is to apply your color from the lid up into your crease and blend. Also, smudge your smokey color under your eye as well. I prefer to use high pigment colors like Makeup Forever’s Purple 92 Eyeshadow or deep greys, browns and blacks, but this look can be pulled off with almost any color.
2. Next, right under your brow, brush a highlighter.
3. Continue with eye liner inside the lids rather than on top. I have found that Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero works best.
4. Finish the look off with tons of mascara.

When you do a smokey eye at home you can’t forget about equipment. I really like the MAC 242 Shader Brush for blending. They also offer a tapered blending brush that works really well. After you’re done with your eye and your foundation is done, many people like to go with a nude or glossy lip, unless you’re going for the “goth chic” look as I call it with a dark lip.

When it comes to a smokey eye, practice makes perfect. I recommend taking lessons with me at my studio if you want to know how to perfect the look.