THE FOOLPROOF SMOKEY EYE

MUA MATTE EYESHADOW IN SHADE 20 // MUA PRO BASE EYE PRIMER // MUA EYELINER IN RICH BROWN // COLLECTION 2000 FAST STROKE EYELINER // ELF BAMBOO BLENDING BRUSH // ELF STUDIO LINE 'C' EYESHADOW BRUSH // ELF STUDIO LINE CONTOUR BRUSH  

I love a good smokey eye. Who doesn't? The thing is, I'm a bit clueless when it comes to eyeshadow. My financial situation (being a student) means I am unable to afford a gorgeous Naked palette which I imagine would make the 'smokey eye' situation much easier. Until I am able to afford such luxury, this little look has lasted me well through many a night out at uni, it doesn't break the bank, and is easy enough for the most cack-handed (me) to master.

First off, a quick prime of the eyes too make sure everything stays put all night; I know most eye primer love goes out to the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but this offering from MUA is £2.50 and does the job just as well.  Next up,  eyeshadow. Now, smokey eyes are impossible to achieve without a decent blending brush. I should probably invest in a MAC 217, but this elf blending brush has served me well for years. Non-essential brushes that ease the process include the elf 'C' eyeshadow brush, great for packing on the colour, and the elf contour brush, good for adding depth and shade to the crease (but terrible for blending). 

 While I have a range of palettes (a budget recommendation would be MUA's heaven and earth), on nights out I think it's easier to use the products you already have out, and the formula of the Sleek Contour Kit (mentioned in my cheekbone post, here) means both powders make incredibly pigmented and uber blendable eyeshadows. Apply the gold highlight all over the lid using the 'C' brush, and add some definition using the brown shade with the contour brush. Also apply gold/brown under the eye if you desire extra 'smokiness'. Things should be looking a little smokey now, but to up the ante, add a little of the black into the outer corner (often called the 'outer V') on the 'C' brush, and blend. Keep adding and blending until you are happy. Add thick eyeliner, mascara and cleanup any fallout (or, ideally, do your eye makeup first ). Aaand we're done. Super cheap, super smokey and super speedy, what more could you want?

What are your fail-safe makeup looks?