Various tutorials on the internet may convince you that a 12-shade palette is essential to creating a smoky eye. But sometimes, a single eyeshadow can do the job. Take a cue from July cover star Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s version, created by makeup artist Joey Choy. Her kohl-rimmed eyes are hazy around the edges, giving the illusion of smoke. And you only need one pigmented eyeshadow to recreate this. The eyes are dark and intense, but Choy balanced them out with balmy lips and minimal colour on the rest of the face. The slick top knot created by hairstylist Dayaruci pairs perfectly with the look. Want to give the makeup a try? Follow these steps.
Get the look: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s black smoky eye and balmy lips
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- Start with a light, luminous base like a tinted moisturiser or water-based foundation. Use a concealer with a natural finish like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (that makeup artist Joey Choy is a fan of, too) under the eyes and on any spots that need concealing. Set areas of your face that are prone to creasing with a translucent powder.
- Pick a jet black, smudge-proof eyeshadow stick like the Nudestix Magnetic Matte Eye Color in Night and use it to trace the upper lash line, from the tear duct to the outer corner. You’re going to be smudging this, so the line doesn’t need to be perfect. With a small blending brush, diffuse the edges. Keep adding black and smoking it out till you’re happy with its intensity. Remember to keep the colour concentrated close to your lashes and don’t let it reach the eye socket. Use the same eyeshadow stick on the lower lash line and waterline, and smudge slightly. Pat a matte black powder eyeshadow in the waterline, over the cream, to prevent smudging.
- Then, curl your lashes and add two coats of a volumising mascara. Use an eyebrow pencil to shade and define the brows and apply a clear gel to hold them in place.
- With a creamy contouring product like the KIKO Milano Sculpting Touch Creamy Stick Contour, create gentle shadows on your face and sculpt the cheekbones. Add a touch of matte pink blush on the apples of your cheeks.
- Swipe on a sheer lipstick like the Dior Addict Lip Glow in 008 Ultra Pink. Add a second coat if you want a little more colour and shine.
