Secret of the Smoky Eye

You don't want to outline your eyes, and possibly overpower them, with too much black and charcoal. Use shades of green if you know this color makes your eyes stand out. Just be sure and choose the best and most flattering green tones.

Some green eye colors to consider include:

• MAC eye shadow in Humid, Lime and Sassy Grass
• Make Up for Ever eye shadow in Peacock Green and Khaki
• Urban Decay shadow in Urb or Mildew
• Sephora Flashy Green or Flashy Ultra Green eye liners
• Dior Crayon eye liner in Precious Green
• Cover Girl Exact Eyelights in Majestic Jade

You'll need two or three different pigments, ranging from a light or medium-light tone to a deep green color. A highlight color to sit on the browbone is optional, but if you want to draw attention to this area, choose a light color that complements the green.

Step-by-Step

Once you have your green eye shadows ready, create a sexy smoky eye like this:

1. Apply a medium green shade to your eyelids only. Keep this color under the crease.
2. Place a lighter color green, possibly with shimmer elements, to the inner corner of the eyelid. Don't extend this color past the middle of the lid. Applying this color over the medium green base helps it to adhere, as well as gives it some depth.
3. With a flat shadow brush, apply a dark green to the outer corner of the eyelids. Blend it well into the lid and the light green.
4. Apply a charcoal or black shadow to the outermost corners of the eyes. Work it into the crease of the lids and blend well. Don't bring this dark color past the middle of the lids.
5. Use a soft-bristle eye shadow brush to apply flesh-colored shadow above the charcoal line up to the brow. The brush should blend this neutral color well and continue to blend and smudge the previous colors so that there's no obvious line.
6. Go back to the light color green and apply it in the crease of the lids. This softens the black further.
7. With the same lighter color, use a liner brush to apply it to the inner half of the lower lashline.
8. Use dark green on the outer part of the lower lashline. Blend the two colors together to eliminate harsh lines.
9. Finish off this look with dark green or charcoal eyeliner and two to three coats of black mascara.

One of the most important eye shadow tips you'll need for success with this look is blending. Don't be afraid to blend! This crucial step is what creates the smoky effect you're after.