Sultry and Smoky

The changing of seasons always brings out the best in me, I feel like I get to re-invent myself - AGAIN! But I am starting to realize that some of you ladies look forward to seasonal change with the same excitement that you look forward to your yearly gynecological exam….hmmm, certainly a few notches less than my level of excitement! LOL

Just as you adjust your wardrobe and skincare as the seasons change, the same goes for your makeup. Think of this as your opportunity to “test drive” trends to see what works for you…and if you need a hint, nudge, or full push into the latest trends, don’t worry, you’ll receive your DIVA instructions here! (wink)

A HUGE trend for the Fall is a smoky eye, seen at Zac Posen, Versace, Pucci, Gucci, Fendi and Armani Fall Fashion shows. Makeup artists traded in the usual black for softer shades like brown, teal, and gray, for rich, smoldering look that perfectly matches fall's edgy classic fashions.
The key to the perfect smoky eye makeup is blending, then blending a bit more, and blending one last time just to be sure that you have blended - you want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue and peach base with green hue.

Follow my lead Divas:

1. Prep the lid - To keep eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer") or an oil-control silicone product like Mary Kay’s Oil Mattifier.

2. Apply eyeliner - If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If you’re opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smoky eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.

3. Blend in color on bottom lashes - For color on the bottom (a key smoky eye look) you'll want lighter eyeliner. The key is to "smudge it." You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect with the proper smudge brush.

4. Apply light base color – A smoky eye requires pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your brow bone. I love Stila's whipped eye shadows, $20. The moist "mousse" consistency seems to stay on forever.

5. Blend in darker color, but keep dark color below the crease - Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smoky effect, you need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease.

6. Double check your work - Make sure eyes match and blend color with a Q-tip if need be.

7. Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara - Tried and true mascaras include DiorShow Mascara, it’s my absolute FAVORITE!

Just remember to keep the lips nude to avoid that “street walker” look that we talked about before.

Smooches & Smoky Eye Quick Claps