How many of you consider yourself pros at applying makeup? I have been through years and years of performing in musicals and dance shows, yet I still think I am more in the amateur camp when it comes to makeup application. If you follow me on snapchat (thestylesafari) you know I have been spending quite a bit of time lately learning how to do sought-after makeup techniques like contouring and smoky eyes, with the hopes of doing my own makeup for my wedding.
In the pursuit of the perfect smoky eye, I am excited to share with you my newest discovery and obsession, the Urban Decay NAKED Smoky palette. I was given this palette to try out and honestly at first I had no idea what to do with the thing- I’ve never used an eye shadow palette this robust! Since I am used to using 2-3 colors IF I even do my eyes at all, you can imagine that I was a bit overwhelmed with 12 shades to choose from. But to be honest, the packaging was so delicious and shiny that I toted this thing around in my purse for a week straight just to open it and show it to people, and have them tell me what were their favorite colors. The oohs and aahs at the palette were so heavy I was pretty convinced one of my co-workers was going to nab it from me while I was in a meeting…
Anyway I digress. So I made it a point to try out my hand in applying the perfect smoky eye, in the hopes that practice makes perfect and I would find the perfect color mix that works for my light green eyes and blond hair.
The palette comes with an instruction pamphlet for 4 signature Urban Decay smoky eye types; the Iconic UC Smoky Eye, the Smoky Reality Star, the Smoky Cat, and the Everyday Smoky. I decided that I would try the Everyday Smoky as my first attempt, and since I had nowhere to go but work that day (it was a Tuesday), I got all dolled up for work. Considering this was a quite a departure from my usual mascara, you can imagine the blank stares and confusion I received, as if I had been on an all-nighter bender and maybe took the wrong train home. However, I would like to add that the co-worker who shall not be named told me I looked really good- so I’m thinking she was trying to win brownie points in the hopes I would gift her this palette. No dice, sweetheart.
Second attempt: Going out to dinner I decided to try the Smoky Reality Star, because I watch every show on Bravo and with a few tequila shots I can definitely ‘Turtle Time’ if you know what I mean. Oh you don’t? #TheThirstIsRealY’all. I mussed up my hair reeaalll good and gave my best sultry smile for this selfie, and although I felt like my sexy reality star alter-ego, I think I may have scared off my fiancé with my brazen bad-assness.
Onwards and upwards though, amiright? I decided that after several failed attempts it was time for me to take matters into my own hands and create a smoky eye just for pale blondes. And while it might not be that ‘smoky’ compared to the other versions I tried, I think this is something that I can definitely wear for everyday, and add on thicker if I want to for nighttime. What do you think?
In order to create this look, I used the 6 colors below in order to blend thoroughly and add dimension. Then I finished off with a thick felt tip liner and mascara.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…. 4!
Now that I mastered this look, I can’t wait to try out more versions and keep you updated on my smoky eye escapades. Since my bachelorette party is this weekend, I am positive I will have quite a few chances to experiment even more.
Now the final question, what should I name this smoky eye? Leave me your suggestions in the comments and I will pick one winner. Extra points for wit! :)
This is a sponsored post for Urban Decay through Conde Nast
