The 5 Most Important Tips to Contour like a Pro

 

Today we are discussing CONTOURING!  Contouring has changed the makeup game within the last few years and it's momentum hasn't slowed.  New to contouring?  Need some refresher tips?  Here are my top five contouring basics that you need to know now.

On a separate note, I am back again blogging with more enthusiasm than ever!  I have felt so ready to get back to my normal schedule of posts, and I have plenty of ideas in the works.  After traveling across the country, visiting places I never thought I would see in my lifetime, I am refreshed and ready to get back to blogging!

Brandon and I have been in Portland approximately one month and we are absolutely loving it.  Oregon is a gorgeous state and Portland has so many unique qualities as a city.  It has already begun influencing new and fresh ideas I have for makeup, beauty and style.

The 5 Most Important Tips to Contour like a Pro

1. Use Powder Over Cream

When first embarking on your contour journey, you will find that working with powders are much easier than working with creams.  If you begin with creams you will find yourself frustrated (and possibly a looking little draq-queen-esque) because creams are much less forgiving than powders when you make a mistake.

Powders are easy to apply and easy to blend.  You can place a small amount of product onto the desired area of your face and lightly blend until it looks like a natural shadow.  If you need additional product it is easy to add more and blend evenly.  If you make a mistake, such as applying too much product in one area, simply use a dense brush to move the product and blend away.

Once you have mastered the perfect powder contour, grab some cream contour and go for it!

2. Practice With Different Lighting

We have all had that moment when we finish our makeup and head outside, only to discover that different lighting has revealed a much less appealing makeup look.  Often makeup will even look off in different indoor lighting, varying types of light bulbs, and different lighting designs.

The best way to solve this problem is to practice contouring in different lighting.  As you are applying your counting take a hand mirror and head to the window.  See any splotches or areas that need to be blended more?  This is the time to fix it and learn from your mistakes.  Soon you will learn how much to apply and where to apply it to keep your contour appearing as natural as possible.

One helpful addition is to make sure you are using a proper makeup application mirror and proper lighting.  If you do not have a vanity with all-around lighting, consider investing in a medium or large lighted oval mirror, such as this one from Conair.  You'll find that your indoor makeup application will start looking just as natural in the outdoor light.

3. Blending, Blending, Blending

One of the biggest mistakes first-time contour-ists make is they do not blend enough, or blend in the wrong manner.  They forget that powder is very movable and can easily be blended into foundation or other powders.  Too little blending can have the opposite effect of what you are trying to accomplish with contouring, which is to diminish certain parts of the face while making other parts pop.  For example, if you do not blend well enough in the hollows of your cheeks you will end up with a very dark, harsh line.  This will do nothing to help you in making your cheekbones stand out and look more defined, which is the ultimate goal.

Blend, blend, and blend.  Think you're done blending?  Go ahead and blend some more.

Using the proper tools will also help in making sure your contour is properly blended.  My favorite contouring tool is the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush.  I use this to both apply and blend my contour in the hollows of my cheeks, temples, forehead, and jawline.  The bristles are very densely packed, which makes it perfect for moving product and blending.

4. Know Your Face Shape

Contouring your face incorrectly for your face shape often has the opposite effect of what contouring is all about: it could possibly emphasize the parts of your face that you wish to minimize.

A diamond shaped face should be contouring below the cheekbones and up to the temples; a heart shaped face along the forehead, below the cheekbones, and beneath the chin; an oval face on the sides of the forehead and below the cheekbones; a round face along the temples, sides of the forehead, below the cheekbones, and along the jawline; and a square shaped face along the top of the forehead, jawline, and below the cheekbones.

My best advice: practice!  You know your face shape better than anyone else.

5. Warm vs. Cool Tone Shades

Everyone has different undertones to their skin, no matter the complexion; most fall into the categories of cool, warm or neutral undertones.  Knowing the undertone of your skin type will not only help you choose the best contouring shade, but will also help you when choosing most other types of makeup products.  Best of all is that it can prevent you from making many makeup mistakes and give your makeup a more natural appearance.

Makeup Geek has one of the most diverse ranges of contour tones that I have ever seen.  They have eight different shades, four warm and four cool, all with varying tones from fair to deep.  I have neutral undertones and love mixing Infidelity, a cool fair, and Bad Habit, a warm fair.

Cool Undertones: if your skin is more likely to burn than tan, you most likely have a cool undertone.  Another way to know if you have cool undertones is to check out the veins on your wrist, which would appear blue or purple beneath natural light.

Warm Undertones: if your skin takes very well to tanning and usually tans a beautiful golden brown, you most likely have a warm undertone.  Another way to know if you have warm undertones is to check out the veins on your wrist, which would appear slightly green beneath natural light.

Neutral Undertones: if you have both pink and yellow hues within your complexion, you most likely have a neutral undertone, which is in the middle of cool and warm.  Another way to know if you have neutral undertones is to check out the veins on your wrist, which would appear a mix of green and blue beneath natural light.

Contouring takes time and practice to get just right.  Utilizing these tips and tricks will help you figure out how to make contouring work for YOU.  Soon you will be contouring on a daily basis and not thinking twice about it.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to contouring?

 
Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

10 Tips for Ultra Healthy Winter Hair Care

This morning I woke up and peered outside my bedroom window to check the weather.  It was a balmy 3 degrees Fahrenheit.  Winter cannot only wreak havoc on daily driving conditions, but it can also cause harm to our hair care and skin care routines.  With these simple 10 hair care tips you can make sure your locks remain beautiful, soft, strong and healthy throughout the frigid winter months.


Hair Care Tip #1: Braids and Buns

Braids and buns, people...braids and buns.  Braids are very on trend right now, and there is an added benefit because they are actually very good for your hair.  Braids will keep your strands tangle free and will not cause breakage.  After allowing my hair to air dry I will put my hair in a simple braid before bed.  With this method I wake up with beautiful untangled hair that I can either keep curly or straighten.  Buns are a great way to pull your hair out of your face and keep your strands from being gnarled and whipped around in the cold and dry winter air.

Hair Care Tip #2: Moisturize with Oil

I can always notice the biggest difference in my hair when I apply oil to the ends of my hair and when I do not.  Especially in the winter, your ends are begging for moisture and hydration.  My favorite oil to use is Organix Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco.  I use this after I have washed and towel dried my hair by squeezing a quarter-sized amount into the palm of my hand and then working it into the ends of my hair.  The oil is infused into the hair shaft to soften and strengthen those delicate ends.

Hair Care Tip #3: Use a Deep Conditioner

 Cold winter air can cause the natural oils to be removed from your hair, leave your hair dry and frizzy.  Try to use a deep conditioner or hair mask once per week in order to infuse more of those oils back into your hair. I use this DIY Natural Hair Mask recipe, which is a great way to make your hair feel softer and look shinier and healthier.

Hair Care Tip #4: Shampoo Your Hair Less

When you do shampoo your hair, make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo as well as conditioner.  Try to use warm water to wash your hair instead of hot, which is more likely to cause dryness and leave your hair with less moisture.  If the base of your strands tend to be oily or greasy in between washes (like mine) try a dry shampoo.  My favorite dry shampoo is Batiste; they even have an option for Dark and Deep Brown Hair, which is my favorite in their wide range of dry shampoo.  I also have a DIY Easy and Natural Dry Shampoo recipes for both light and dark hair that allows you to make a dry shampoo at home using products you probably already have in your kitchen.

Hair Care Tip #5: Use The Right Brush

Never use a regular comb or brush to detangle your hair after a shower.   Hair strands are weakened and even more prone to breakage while they are wet.  Use a wide toothed comb or any other comb specifically designed for wet hair.  My go-to after shower brush for years has been The Wet Brush, which not only detangles your hair but leaves it silky smooth.

Hair Care Tip #6: Towel Dry Hair Correctly

After you have finished washing your hair, use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to blot and gently rough dry your hair.  This will help to remove the excess moisture while preventing breakage and frizz.  While you are getting ready for the day do not wrap your head in a towel.  Instead, pull the top half of your hair back in a clip, allowing your hair to air dry as you are getting ready.

Hair Care Tip #7: Lay Off The Heat Styling

 Blow drying can take the moisture right out of your hair.  Allowing your hair to air dry is the best possible option, but if you cannot air dry and must use a blow dryer try to use it on the cool setting.  Before using heat on your hair make sure to apply a hair oil or serum, such as argan oil, a leave in conditioner, and a heat protection spray.  Allow your hair to dry overnight by washing your hair before bed, letting as much as possible air dry, and then putting your hair in a braid.

Hair Care Tip #8: Hats, Scarves and Ear Muffs

Do not leave your tresses alone to brave the cold winter elements.  Tuck your hair into your scarf when you go outside or pull your strands up into a hat.  If you don't have a hat or prefer not to have hat hair, cover your entire head with your scarf and tie underneath the chin.  The sun can still have damaging effects on hair during the winter and you should try to keep it covered as much as possible.

Hair Care Tip #9: Eat Your Way To Healthy Hair

Foods rich in Iron, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Protein will help to stimulate hair follicles for growth.  Rotate between lean red meat, chicken and fish every week for the best hair health.  Also, make sure you are taking your vitamins!  In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, try a Hair, Skin and Nails vitamin supplement.  The right nutrients will allow your hair to become healthy, strong and grow faster.

Hair Care Tip #10: Keep Your Hair Trimmed

One of the worst things you can do for your hair is to skip on your regular trimmings.  Even if you are trying to grow your hair out, healthy hair needs to stay trimmed.  Ultimately, your hair will grow faster because of this.  Once your hair has split ends there is no way to repair those strands, and hair becomes so thin that it breaks.  Keep hair trimmed to prevent breakage before it starts.  Having a haircut every six to eight weeks will prevent split ends.  If you're like me and dread going to the hair stylist out of fear they will cut too much off your growing tresses, check out my DIY Hair Tutorial: 7 Steps on How I Cut my Long Hair at Home.

Use these 10 hair care tips and tricks to keep your hair in the best shape possible during the harshest months of the year.  Just a little effort on a daily basis will give you amazing results and longer, stronger, and healthier hair.

I Want To Know...

What additional actions do YOU take to keep your hair healthy in the winter?

 

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Smoky Matte Orange and Brown Makeup Tutorial

 

This warm tone sugar and spice makeup tutorial involves a color that I have been trying to add more into my makeup looks: orange.  It was easy enough around Thanksgiving and during the fall, but now, in the dead of winter, it's a little more difficult.  Let's infuse some COLOR into this time of year.  I love rich browns and they compliment this spicy shade of orange in a wonderful way.

Let's get started!

 

The Face

Primer, Foundation and Concealer

1. I moisturize my face with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream and my under eye area with Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream.

2. I prime my skin with NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer and prime my under eye area with ELF Studio Hydrating Under Eye Primer.

3. Using a Beauty Blender, I apply Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation in Light 49 to my entire face.

4. To highlight and conceal I use the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer in Light Warm in a V-shape beneath my eyes, in the middle of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, on my chin, and on my eye lids.

Powder Setting, Contour and Blush

1. To set everything I take the Real Techniques Setting Brush and place a mixture of the highlight shades Lucid and Lyric from the Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette and place a generous amount over the areas that I highlighted with concealer.

2. I also add a generous amount to my jaw directly below my contour line.  I allow the extra powder to sit on my skin for a few minutes to "bake" before brushing off with a Morphe Brushes G23 Soft Fan Brush.

3. With the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush I take the contour shade Sombre from the Kat Von D palette and contour beneath my cheekbones, underneath my jaw bone, along the hairline on my forehead, down my temples, and alone the parallel sides of the bridge of my nose.

4.  After blending I apply the Wet 'n Wild Icon Blusher in Perfectly Pink, a rosy shimmer pink, using the BH Cosmetics Blush Brush.

Highlight

1. Using the same fan brush as earlier, I then apply the Jaclyn Hill and Becca Highlight in Champagne Pop to the tops of my cheekbones, my forehead just above my brows, and the bridge of my nose.

2. I highlight over this with the first highlight shade from the Lorac Tantalizer Highlight and Matte Bronzer Duo, an apricot highlight.

Brows

1. I shape my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony.

2. I fill it in with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown.

3. Finally, I set my brows into place with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel.

The Eyes

Primer and Transition Shade

1. First, I prime my eyes with the Urban Decay 24 Hour Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden.

2. I take the shade Deep Skin from Morphe Brushes, a light soft gold peach, with a fluffy blending brush into the crease of my eye and start blending upward.  This is going to be our transition shade.

Crease, Lid and Outer Corner

1. I then apply the shade Creme Brulee by Morphe Brushes, a muted matte brown, directly into my crease with a small tapered blending brush using windshield wiper motions.  I reapply this color a couple times to build the color, making sure it blends into my transition shade but stays directly within the crease.

2. Staring in my inner corner and using a flat shadow brush I take the shade Spice by Morphe Brushes, a vivid matte orange, and apply it across my lid from corner to corner.  I do not take this shade any higher than my crease shade.

3. Staring in my outer corner and using a tapered crease brush, I apply the shade Whiskey from the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, a rich matte brown. I apply this to the outer 1/3 of my lid and softly blend this into Spice to eliminate any harshness.

4. I also take Whiskey outward slightly to where I will be drawing my wing line, and then very carefully into my crease about 2/3 across my lid.

Wing and Highlight

1. I take a small angled brush to draw on my eye liner using NYX Gel Eyeliner in the color Jet Black. I get as close to the lash line as possible and press down on the lid to create a thin and even line.  I wing this out when I reach the outer corner of my eye.

2. I then use the shade High from the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, a champagne shimmer with micro-glitter, to highlight the inner tear duct with a fluffy blending brush.

3. I also take the shade High on a small flat shadow brush and highlight my brow bone just below my eyebrow.

Lower Lash Line, Mascara and Falsies

1. Using a small flat shadow brush I take our crease shade, Creme Brulee, and place this under my entire lower lash line as close to the line as I can.

2. I then go in with our outer corner shade, Whiskey, and concentrate this color on the outer 1/3 of my lower lash line.  This gives the entire eye look a nice and rounded smoky effect.
 
3. Finally, I take the original transition color, Deep Skin, and use this to blend out the bottom of my lower lash line to ease any harshness or rough edges.
 
4. I apply Benefit Roller Lash mascara to my upper and lower lashes.

5. For falsies I choose Huda Beauty lashes in Giselle and apply them using the Vegas Nay by Eylure Waterproof Lash Glue.

The Lips

For this look I wanted a deep brown lip that would compliment the brown eyeshadows and play well off the bright and vibrant orange lid shade.

1. I line my lips with NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural, a medium brown nude, and then go ahead and fill in the rest of my lips with this pencil.

2. I apply Lorac TANtalizer Lips with Benefits gloss, a shimmer copper bronze, over where I have drawn and filled in with the lip pencil.

3. I set the entire makeup look with Mario Badescu Facial Setting Spray.

I Want To Know...

Have you tried the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette yet?  If so, what do you think of it? Make sure to tag @ashleyebeauty and #ashleybeauty in your favorite smoky makeup looks and any recreations you do of this makeup look, I would love to see and share! 

 

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10 Tips on How To Achieve Healthy Winter Skin

Skin Care Tip #1: Take Care of Your Lips

During the cold and dry winter months you should maintain smooth, soft lips and prevent chapping.
I apply a good amount of lip balm to my lips every night before I go to bed.  I always keep several lip balms on me, in my purse, or in my car, and I am continually applying them throughout the day.  My hands down favorite is Aquaphor's Lip Repair and Protect.  It keeps my lips smooth and moisturized, and contains an added bonus of SPF 30 (more on why that is important below!).

One additional step you should take to protect your lips is to exfoliate, or remove the dry, dead skin.  Instead of purchasing a lip scrub I usually make my own with this DIY Easy and Natural Lip Scrub recipe.

Skin Care Tip #2: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Using oil-based moisturizers that include Vitamins C and E will keep your skin hydrated for longer than water-based moisturizers.  My go-to favorite for years has been Eucerin's Intensive Repair Dry Skin Lotion. It is ultra moisturizing, intensely hydrating, fragrance free, and will help protect your skin against the harsh winter weather.

Moisturize twice a day, even when you are tired and don't feel up to it.  I moisturize both body and face once in the morning and once in the evening.  You should always use a more gentle lotion for your face that is specifically designed to deal with this ultra sensitive area.  I have been using Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for many years, applying it to my face and throat in the morning before I apply my makeup, and in the evening after I wipe it off.

Apply a hand cream regularly and always keep some handy at your office desk, in your purse, and in your bedroom.  Don't forget to continue using SPF during the winter months, as the sun's UVA and UBV rays can still cause damage to your skin even through cloudy winter skies.

 Skin Care Tip #3: Drink Water Like It's Summer

 You skin and body is craves as much water during the winter as it does during the summer.  Drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day helps our bodies maintain fluid balance, and rejuvenates and hydrates our skin. Water is key for your skin cell's ability to repair themselves and maintain elasticity.

Two weeks ago I purchased this Hydr-8 Time Marked Water Bottle in the color purple and is has made such a difference in my water intake.  It helps me feel hydrated throughout the day by allowing me to track my water intake in two hour increments.  I have felt more energized and hydrated during the day than I ever have before.

Skin Care Tip #4: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin 1-2 times per week will rid your body of excess dry skin, which tends to be a bigger problem during the colder months because our skin is exposed to more dry, cold air.  You can find exfoliating body scrubs in the beauty and skin care section of every store you walk in to, but I absolutely prefer to make it myself using this DIY Natural Coffee and Coconut Body Scrub recipe.  You can make a lot of it very cheaply, and the smell is amazing!

Skin Care Tip #5: Always Cover Up Outside

Prevent your skin from developing redness, dryness and cracking by wearing gloves.  Simple, right?  It's an extra step that goes a long, long way towards healthy skin.  Go to the store and pick out a pair that is not only fleece lined to protect your hands, but also cute and functional.  I purchased these North Face Denali Women's Gloves a few years ago when I went to the 2012 Presidential Inauguration in a frigid cold Washington, D.C., and it was a great investment.

Skin Care Tip #6: Invest in a Humidifier

Dry and itchy skin in the winter can be aided by adding more moisture into the air through a humidifier.  I use my Honeywell Console Humidifier at night on the lowest setting to help me breathe better and infuse humidity into the dry air.  This specific one is extra large and designed for multiple rooms, but there are plenty of smaller humidifiers on the market made for smaller spaces.

Skin Care Tip #7: Avoid Astringents

Astringents, such as those found in acne treating medications or products, can be very drying to the skin.  While it may not be reasonable for you to completely cut these out of your skin care routine, it may be best to at least try to cut back or find a natural alternative.  I have been using this DIY Rose Facial Toner recipe when I am in need of a gentle and cleansing astringent that will not dry out my face or cause flakiness.

Skin Care Tip #8: Avoid Hot Water for Long Periods

I've been guilty of it over and over again: standing in the hot shower on a cold day because it feels so amazing.  However, this is sadly not so great for your skin.  Avoid hot showers and keep your bathing time between 5-10 minutes, as too much hot water can dry out your skin.  Take a warm shower and use a gentle cleanser to wash up.

Skin Care Tip #9: Don't Use Makeup To Cover Up Dry Skin

Attempting to cover dry skin with makeup is one of the worst things you can do for your skin and your overall appearance.  If your face is dry and flaking, it will only look worse with makeup over it.  Makeup will adhere to those dry patches of skin like butter on popcorn (...yum...).  Exfoliate your face and continue to use a good moisturizer, such as the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion I mentioned earlier.  My favorite exfoliating face mask is the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, which deeps cleans to clear pores of dirt and debris, and leaves your face fresh and exfoliated.

Skin Care Tip #10: Eat Foods that are Healthy for You AND Your Skin

Food items, such as olive oil, avocados, grapefruit, broccoli, almonds, dark chocolate and green tea, all contain nutrients and antioxidants that will make your skin glow this winter season.   Sit down at night with a book and a cup of green tea, have a small handful of almonds as an afternoon snack, or spread some avocado on your toast in the morning.

 

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Dramatic Glam Smoky Purple Makeup Tutorial

This smoky purple makeup tutorial is glam and dramatic, while still remaining elegant and wearable.  I took my inspiration from the Mirina Collections old Hollywood "Leona" statement choker necklace I am wearing.  It is the perfect amount of both glam and refinement; a graceful luxury that is still demure and very stylish.

Let's get started with the tutorial!

The Face

Primer, Foundation and Concealer

1. I moisturize my face with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream and my under eye area with Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream.

2. I prime my skin with NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer and prime my under eye area with ELF Studio Hydrating Under Eye Primer.

3. Using a Beauty Blender, I apply Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Soft Tan to my entire face.

4. To highlight and conceal I use the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer in Light Warm in a V-shape beneath my eyes, in the middle of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, on my chin, and on my eye lids.

Powder Setting, Contour and Blush

1. To set everything I take the Real Techniques Setting Brush and place a mixture of the highlight shades Lucid and Lyric from the Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette and place a generous amount over the areas that I highlighted with concealer.

2. I also add a generous amount to my jaw directly below my contour line.  I allow the extra powder to sit on my skin for a few minutes to "bake" before brushing off with a Morphe Brushes G23 Soft Fan Brush.

3. With the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush I take the contour shade Sombre from the Kat Von D palette and contour beneath my cheekbones, underneath my jaw bone, along the hairline on my forehead, down my temples, and alone the parallel sides of the bridge of my nose.

4.  After blending I apply the NARS Blush in Sex Appeal, a soft matte peach, using the BH Cosmetics Blush Brush.

Highlight

1. Using the same fan brush as earlier, I then apply the Jaclyn Hill and Becca Highlight in Champagne Pop to the tops of my cheekbones, my forehead just above my brows, and the bridge of my nose.

2. I highlight over this with the first highlight shade in the Carli Bybel Palette by BH Cosmetics, a white highlight with pink shimmer.

Brows

1. I shape my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony.

2. I fill it in with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown.

3. Finally, I set my brows into place with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel.

The Eyes

Primer and Transition Shade

1. First, I prime my eyes with the Urban Decay 24 Hour Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden.

2. This tutorial will mainly be using shades from the Urban Decay Vice 4 palette.  I take the shade Framed, a light neutral matte-satin, with a fluffy blending brush into the crease of my eye and start blending upward.  This is going to be our transition shade.

Lid

1. Staring in my inner corner and using a flat shadow brush I take the shade Discreet, a soft dusty mauve matte, and apply it across my lid from corner to corner.  I do not take this shade any higher than my crease shade.

2. I then apply the shade Underhand, a burgundy brown satin, directly into my crease with a small tapered blending brush using windshield wiper motions.  I reapply this color a couple times to build the color, making sure it blends into my transition shade but stays directly within the crease.

3. Staring in the middle of my eye lid and using a flat shadow brush I take the shade Harlot, an metallic lavender, and place this on the inner 1/3 of my lid.  This is going to help us transition our two inner corner and outer corner shades.

4. Staring in my outer corner and using my ring finger instead of a brush, I apply the shade Pandemonium, a metallic plum with iridescent glitter.  The reason I use my finger is that some metallics apply better to the lid using your hands instead of a brush.  I apply Pandemonium to the outer 1/3 of my lid and evenly blend this into Harlot to give it a nice light-to-dark gradient effect.  I also take Pandemonium outward slightly to where I will be drawing my wing line, and then very carefully into my crease about 2/3 across my lid.

5. With the tapered pencil brush I take the shade Harlot again and, using small swiping motions, I make sure that the shade is evenly blended into the outer corner and inner corner shades.  This gives the effect of the two colors fading into each other.

Wing and Highlight

1. I take a small angled brush to draw on my eye liner using the ColourPop Creme Gel in DTLA, a deep blackened blue.  I get as close to the lash line as possible and press down on the lid to create a thin and even line.  I wing this out when I reach the outer corner of my eye.

2. I then use the shade Shimma Shimma by Makeup Geek, a metallic champagne, to highlight the inner tear duct with a fluffy blending brush, and a small flat shadow brush to highlight my brow bone just below my eyebrow.

Lower Lash Line, Mascara and Falsies

1. Using a small flat shadow brush I take our crease shade, Underhand, and place this under my entire lower lash line as close to the line as I can.

2. I then go in with our outer corner shade, Pandemonium, and concentrate this color on the outer 1/3 of my lower lash line.  This gives the entire eye look a nice and rounded smoky effect.
 
3. Finally, I take the original transition color, Framed, and use this to blend out the bottom of our lower lash line to ease any harshness or rough edges.
 
4. I apply Benefit Roller Lash mascara to my upper and lower lashes.

5. For falsies I choose Huda Beauty lashes in Giselle and apply them using the Vegas Nay by Eylure Waterproof Lash Glue.

The Lips

1. For this look I wanted a softer lip that would compliment the soft purple colors within the smoky eye.  I line and fill in my lip with ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Instigator, a mid-tone peachy nude.

2. I set the entire makeup look with Mario Badescu Facial Setting Spray.

Accessories

1. I accessorize this makeup look with a pair of simple round cubic zarconia stud earrings from Target.

2.  I keep with the theme of elegant glam and wear my Leona old Hollywood statement choker from Mirina Collections.  Feel free to use my discount code "ash20xo" for 20% off everything on the Mirina Collections website.

I Want To Know...

What is your go-to smoky makeup look?  What brands and types of shades do you use most?  Make sure to tag @ashleyebeauty and #ashleybeauty your favorite makeup looks and any of my makeup tutorial recreations, I would love to see and share!

 

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