Learn how to create a smokey eye with the right brushes

If your new eye shadow palette didn’t come with a set of brushes, then buying the right ones may be more than a little confusing. Brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you’ll also need to decide if you want synthetic bristles or natural hair. Add in dozens of handle lengths, and it’s no wonder you’re overwhelmed.
Before whipping out that credit card, consider the type of eye looks you’ll do most often. Smokey eyed looks require multiple brushes, and each one has a specific job. This tutorial will show you how to create a smokey eye using a variety of brushes.
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Synthetic brushes are less expensive than natural hair brushes, plus they’re easier to maintain because they can withstand frequent washing. They can also be used with both powder and cream shadow, so they’re a good choice if you use both types of products.
Materials
- Setting powder
- Beauty sponge
- Flat eye shadow brush
- Dark plum matte eye shadow
- Fluffy blending brush
- Medium brown matte eye shadow
- Pencil brush
- Reddish brown matte eye shadow
- Black matte eye shadow
- Small eye shadow brush
- Beige matte eye shadow
- Black eye pencil
- Black mascara
- Fluffy powder brush
Fierce League
Instructions
1. Shake a small amount of setting powder into the jar lid, then dip the beauty sponge into the powder. Press the powder below the eyes and onto the entire eyelid, but don’t wipe it off. The powder will absorb any eye shadow fallout and will be swept away in a later step.
2. Apply dark eye shadow to the lid with a flat eye shadow brush in a patting motion.
3. Apply medium brown eye shadow to the crease with a fluffy blending brush. The bristles on this brush are more flexible and hold less product, so you’re less likely to create a harsh line.
4. Darken the outer corner of the eyelid by applying reddish brown eye shadow with a pencil brush, then apply the same color below the lower lashes.
5. Mix reddish brown and black shadow together on the flat bristled brush, then apply the shadow to the entire lid and below the lower lashes.
6. Apply beige eye shadow onto the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eyelid with a small eye shadow brush.
7. Apply black eye pencil to the upper inner waterline as well as the lower waterline.
8. Apply two coats of mascara to your lashes.
9. Dip the fluffy powder brush into the setting powder, then sweep the brush under your eyes. This will set the under eye area and remove any excess eye shadow fallout.
10. Add a touch of lipstick or gloss in your favorite shade, and you’ll be ready to hit the town.
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Stay pretty!
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