The Grungey Smokey Eye
There are many ways to go about creating the perfect smokey eye. Whether it is the color range or shadow placement, there is no wrong way to get your perfect smokey eye. Today we will be focusing on a more grungey, punk rock version of this eye look. I had the pleasure of creating this intense smokey on my lovely model Dakota in the pre-pandemic times. Quite some time ago, but I am still so happy with how this shoot went and it deserves some more spotlight. We also had the honor of having our images published in Feinfh magazine, which I will share later in the blog post. Keep on scrolling to learn how to recreate the grungey smokey eye.
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To start off any eye look, especially a smokey eye, you need to prep the eyelids. I used Mac's paint pot in Soft Ochre. I applied this all over the eyelid and then set it with face powder. This will cover any discoloration on the eyelids and provide a nice canvas for the eye look. This also ensures the longevity of your eye makeup to make sure it is not going anywhere.
Using a black kohl eyeliner is the easiest and fastest way to get started with your smokey eye. Kohl eyeliner is creamy and rich enough to be easily blended on the eye. You do not want to use a liner that doesn't have a creamy formula, it will make it very patchy and hard to blend. I start by applying a thick line along the lash line, it does not have to be perfect just get the product on there. Then, you are going to grab a brush and start blending out the liner all over the lid and upwards towards the crease. If you feel like you need to apply more liner, go ahead and do so, but remember to apply closest to the lash line and blend upwards. We want most of the color concentration to be on the lash line and eyelid, keeping it light and more diffused in the crease. Repeat this step until you get the desired amount of color on the eye and make sure to blend it well in the crease and outer edges!
Since we just used a creamy kohl liner all over the eye, we are going to want to set that into place. I am using a matte black shadow to do this. I am using the Viseart neutral matte palette for my matte black shadow. Load up a flat shader brush with the shadow, tap off the excess and start pressing this into the lash line and lid. Grab a clean fluffy crease brush and lightly blend the powder into the crease. You do not need to add any extra product into the crease, use the powder that is on the lid to set the crease (we do not want a heavy concentration of product in the crease). If you feel like the eyeliner is moving around in the crease, put a small amount of black shadow on the brush and blend in the crease.
This is my favorite part of the whole look. It is time to add some glitter. I absolutely love the glam attack liquid shadows from Haus Labs. This product wears so beautifully and can be used as an eyeliner and eyeshadow. It really just adds that's finishing touch to this eye look that pulls it all together and adds interest. If you prefer to keep your smokey eye matte and black you can skip this step. You can apply this product with your finger or a brush. Apply this product all over the lid in patting motion. Then, take your crease brush and gently blend it out around the edges. It is important to keep your eye closed for a few seconds while this product sets. Keeping your eye closed eliminates the creasing of the product and allows it to set down where you put it.
The final step is to add a few coats of your favorite mascara. You can also add false lashes to the look if you would like. I prefer cluster lashes or individuals, but strip lashes are great too. When applying false lashes I always start with bare lashes. I like to apply my mascara once that lashes are on to blend everything together seamlessly. Once the lashes are finished you have officially completed your grungey smokey eye.
Remember in the beginning when I mentioned we were featured in a publication. Here is our spread in Fienfh Magazine. This shoot features Guido Venitcucci (photographer), Dakota Delfin (Model), and makeup and hairstyling by me, Felicia Tricome.
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