I’ve always been a huge fan of smokey eyes makeup, the only problem was that it felt too heavy for me. I usually go for a lighter touch using gray, blue or green shadows on my eyes. And I’ve never worn it during summer time before, as I considered it the colder seasons’ makeup. I changed my mind not so long ago, and became a big fan of it.
But I’m not talking about black eyeliner and shadow all around your eyes here, I’m talking bright color and using lighter touch during application. The beauty of this makeup is that it’s a wear-anywhere look, suitable for day and night. Like this idea? Here’s how to recreate it:
- Start with applying a shadow primer or a little foundation on your lids. This will help makeup to stay put during steamy summer weather.
- Choose shadow color that complements your eye color. For green eyes use burgundy, purple or shimmery pinks. For blue eyes – copper, strong yellow, light shimmery brown or gold shadow. If your eyes are brown, shades of gray, silver, lavender or gunmetal will look stunning.
- Line upper lids with a pencil or an eye shadow of the same color palette as the one you plan to wear on your eyes, but of a slightly deeper shade. You can skip this step completely and move straight to the next if you are not into an eyeliner.
- Swipe shadow all over your upper lids and up to the crease with an eye shadow brush, and take time to blend it really well. Don’t apply it all the way up to the brows, it may seem overwhelming, especially if the shadow you are using is very bright.
- Line lower lids with same shadow, but use a little less, just a hint of color there.
- Apply shimmery white or taupe eye shadow in the inner corners of the eyes to brighten them up.
- Finish with a couple coats of mascara, and you are done.
As for the rest of the face, try a touch of color on your cheeks and lips. You may want to tone it down a bit in these areas, so that they won’t clash with your eye makeup. If you used shimmery eye shadow, go for matte cheeks and lips, and vice versa. When you are wearing pink-burgundy-purple eye makeup, try shades of peach on your lips and cheeks. For yellow-copper-gold shades of makeup, go for light pink or rosy cheeks and lips. Combine gray-silver-gunmetal eyes with soft pink on cheeks and lips. Also, universally flattering nude lips will work nicely with all three color combinations. The key here is to create a subtle contrast and not to end up with one color all over the face.
I agree, I much prefer lighter makeup in the summer. My go-to summer look is foundation, concealer, bronzer, and a shimmery champagne shadow with brown mascara. Very natural. But, changing it up with a yellow, (Since I have blue eyes), sounds like a great idea!
Rebecca, thanks for your comment. Usually, when I change my makeup routine or colors, it sets my mood for the better day. Good luck with trying new things!