Easy Sparkle-Smoke (plus option for a Glossy Sparkle-Smoke Look!)
This is a straightforward smoky look that’s very simple but quite pretty because of a duochrome magenta sparkle. It should work for any eye shape.
Of course, the gloss is totally optional, but if you want to try it, I’ve got a simple tip later on for getting the maximum sparkle and gloss to show up on the lids.
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Tip: Don’t worry about being too neat and precise, but make sure the edges are blended out so there is no hard solid line.
Product: I used a loose shadow from I Nuovi cosmetics called Rosequartz. Any soft pale pink would work. It’s up to you whether to use something satiny (like I did) or sparkly.
Product: I used MAC’s Mineralize Eyeshadow in Young Punk which is a black shot through with purple/magenta mica. Feel free to swop this out for any sparkly dark shadow you own!
Tip: You can blend out the edges using a soft brush and the pale pink shadow you used earlier.
Product: VDL Ready Action Felt Tip Liner.
Tip: When choosing lashes, just look for something that isn’t too full or thick. You don’t want them to block out your lid because that’s where the pretty sparkle is.
I used a cheap set of criss-cross spikey lashes from a brand I don’t even know (Pretty EZEE), that you can get 10 in a pack in some beauty supply stores.
I should have done this step earlier, but actually forgot. Just use a firm, flat brush to stroke a little dark shadow on the lower lash line. You still might get a little fallout, so just take note.
Product: The matte beige liner I used is a Nars pencil called Rue Bonaparte
Tip: The pale beige liner should be the very last step because you might get dark shadow onto it otherwise. You want a very clean-looking waterline. This widens and opens up the eye.
NOW THE GLOSS!
There are tons of products you can use to get a sheen, but not everything is going to hold that glassy shine. The unfortunate thing is that the truly shiny products will be VERY sticky and hard to remove. (Which is the reason they stay glossy looking longer.)
Easier to remove but not as shiny:
- Petroleum Jelly
- Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream and other skin salves
- Smith’s Lip Salve (I’d avoid the menthol ones)
Glossy but hard to remove
- Professional face glosses or straight Versagel ME from makeup artist brands (MAC has one) and makeup ingredient wholesalers
- Regular lip gloss; the stickier the better
Tip: When you’re applying gloss over a SPARKLY makeup look, there’s nothing better than a super sparkly gloss (think MAC Lustreglasses). The fine flecks floating in it will add to the sparks in your powder shadow and bring everything out. Use your finger or a lip brush to pick up a drop of gloss first. Then gently PRESS it on section by section. Don’t rub or sweep or you’ll mess up the shadow beneath.
Think about what color sparkle is on your lids, and then pick a gloss that complements it. When in doubt, or if you’re just not able to find a gloss with sparkle that matches what’s in your eyeshadow, go for a white or silver sparkle.
Pictured above: Lancome Gloss in Love in Pink Carat, and Tarina Tarantino’s Sparklicity Gloss in Parade