Preparing for your wedding day can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect makeup look. For brides who want to exude elegance and allure, the smokey eye is a timeless choice that never fails to captivate. In this step-by-step tutorial, renowned makeup artist Mariam Jensen will guide you through the process of achieving a stunning smokey eyed look for your special day.
Step 1: Prepping the Skin Before diving into the eye makeup, it’s essential to start with a clean and moisturized canvas. Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to ensure your skin is well-prepped for makeup application. Don’t forget to apply a primer specifically designed for the eye area to prolong the wear of your eyeshadow and prevent creasing.
Step 2: Creating a Neutral Base To achieve a flawless smokey eye, start by applying a neutral eyeshadow base all over your eyelids. This will help to even out the skin tone and provide a smooth surface for the eyeshadows to adhere to. Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone or opt for a slightly lighter shade to brighten the eyes. Blend the base eyeshadow using a fluffy eyeshadow brush for seamless application.
Step 3: Building Depth with Dark Eyeshadow Next, it’s time to add depth and dimension to the eyes with a dark eyeshadow. Select a matte black or dark charcoal shade for the outer corner of the eyes. Using a small eyeshadow brush, gently apply the dark eyeshadow to the outer V of the eyelids, gradually building up the intensity. Remember to blend the eyeshadow seamlessly into the crease for a seamless transition of color.
Step 4: Intensifying the Crease To further define the crease and add depth to the eyes, choose a slightly lighter shade of eyeshadow than the previous one. Using a tapered blending brush, softly blend the eyeshadow into the crease, focusing on the outer corner and gradually diffusing the color towards the inner corner. This will help to create a gradient effect and enhance the smokey-eyed look.
Step 5: Highlighting the Brow Bone To lift and brighten the eyes, apply a shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the brow bone. Using a small eyeshadow brush, gently sweep the highlighter along the brow bone, concentrating on the highest point. This will add a subtle luminosity to the eyes and accentuate the arch of the brows.
Step 6: Adding Definition with Eyeliner For added drama and definition, line the upper lash line with a black or dark brown eyeliner. Choose a waterproof formula to ensure longevity throughout the day. Start from the inner corner and gradually extend the line towards the outer corner, keeping it close to the lash line for a precise application. You can also opt for a winged eyeliner look for a more dramatic effect.
Step 7: Curling the Lashes and Applying Mascara To open up the eyes and make them appear larger, curl your lashes using an eyelash curler. Hold the curler at the base of your lashes and gently squeeze for a few seconds, then release. Follow up with a coat of volumizing mascara to add length and volume to your lashes. Wiggle the mascara wand from the roots to the tips for maximum coverage, and don’t forget to coat the lower lashes as well.
Step 8: Perfecting the Under-Eye Area To complete the smokey-eyed look, pay attention to the under-eye area. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone to cover any dark circles or imperfections. Apply the concealer in a triangular shape under the eyes and blend it seamlessly into the skin using a makeup sponge or your fingertips. This will brighten and awaken the under-eye area, giving you a refreshed and polished appearance.
Step 9: Setting the Makeup To ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day, set it with a translucent setting powder. Using a fluffy powder brush, lightly dust the powder over your entire face, focusing on areas prone to oiliness or creasing. This will help to mattify the skin and prolong the wear of your makeup, keeping you looking flawless from morning until night.
Step 10: Finishing Touches To complete your bridal look, add a touch of color to the cheeks with a rosy blush and define your lips with a nude or pink lipstick. Choose long-wearing formulas that will withstand kisses and photo sessions throughout the day. Finally, set your makeup with a spritz of setting spray to lock everything in place and ensure a flawless finish.
Conclusion: Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of creating a stunning smokey eyed look for your wedding day. With the guidance of this step-by-step tutorial by Mariam Jensen, you can confidently walk down the aisle knowing that your makeup is as flawless as your love. Embrace your inner beauty and radiate with elegance as you embark on this magical journey. Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
