Smokey Eye Essentials

Achieving the perfect smokey eye is no mean feat, I've lost track of how many evenings I've lost half an hour trying to create some kind of even smokey eye look. And with party season approaching, it's only going to get worse, but having the right tools can make a massive difference.

The Prep

• Make your life easier by applying a good eye primer with coverage all over your lid, right up to your brow bone. Not only will this create a good, even canvas for colour to go on, it'll make your shadows easier to blend and the colours really pop. I love the Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer for this, but you can use anything with coverage.
• Make sure any pencils you're going to use are sharp. I can't begin to explain the difference this makes, and how much easier it makes it!

The Tools

• A good brush for packing shadow on is essential, I particularly like the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease brush, because it's great for putting shadow all over the lid, and the tapered end is good for putting product directly in the crease too.
• A good blending brush takes all the hard work out of smokey eyes, blending is 99% of a good smokey eye, and a good brush will blend the product out seamlessly. I'm a big fan of the MAC 217 but THIS brush is identical and a third of the price.
• Giving your lashes a few pumps with a decent set of lash curlers is like the ultimate easy way to give your smokey eye a bit more oomph. Lifting those lashes means that once you've put mascara on them, they'll look bigger & better. I wouldn't be without my Shu Umera Lash Curlers!

The Finishing Touches

• I'm a big believer that liner makes all the difference, and can really take a look to the next level. Adding a flick of jet black liquid liner really defines the eyes, whilst a smudge of kohl on the tightline can make your lashes look longer and thicker. My favourite duo is the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, and the L'Oreal Super Liner Mat-Matic.
• When I'm done with shadow and liner, I like to take a little of The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter on my finger, and dab it on the inner corners of my eyes, and on my browbone. It really lifts and lightens the look, and makes the dark shades pop that bit more.

What are your smokey eye essentials?