How to create the perfect daytime smoky eye

••• SPONSORED •••

Disclosure: This post is written in collaboration with Urban Decay via Condé Nast Sway. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

One thing I’ve always loved is playing around with makeup. Maybe it’s the former art student in me talking, but there’s just something so fun about palettes of gorgeous colors and applying them with a brush, using my face as a canvas. Since Urban Decay debuted their first Naked Palette I’ve been practically obsessed. I own each of the previous Naked Palettes — I purchased the first on a little #treatyoself splurge, and the others I’ve requested as Christmas gifts over the years.

When it comes to eye shadows, I rarely use anything else. Their palettes are incredible quality and they last all day without smudging or creasing. Their selection of colors is perfection and each kit has been even lovelier than the last. So obviously when Condé Nast Sway asked me to check out the new Naked Smoky Palette, I jumped at the chance!

One look every gal needs to nail in her beauty routine is a good smoky eye, and this new palette offers all the tools you’ll need to perfect this sultry look. You might not wear such a bold style of makeup on your actual wedding day unless you’re incredibly avant garde, but a smoky eye is perfectly appropriate for your bachelorette party, date nights or any other dressy occasion. You can totally work a daytime smoky eye for your wedding day by applying the same style of makeup in subtle tones for a more natural look.

The Palette itself is really nice. I always love the packaging of Urban Decay Palettes… each one is prettier than the last!

Just look at these colors:

This palette has everything you need to nail that perfect smoky eye. I was a bit surprised by the bluish and purple tones, but I’m excited to try those out. It has a dozen sultry, smoky neutrals including nine never-before-seen shades and three exclusives to this set. I had so much fun experimenting with the warm bronzes, dimensional grays, rich browns, gorgeous taupes and, of course, deep black. The mix of shadows features mattes, satins and shades with sparkle in a range of hues, along with an awesome double ended brush for smudging and shadowing. Oh, and did I mention, the palette came with a handy-dandy card with detailed tutorials for achieving different smoky eye looks?

I decided to play around with my Naked Smoky palette to create a look that will take me from day to night! I went with a bit bolder than I normally do and I ended up loving the look! I followed the directions inside the palette for the “EVERYDAY SMOKY” look, and I loved the results!

See the before and after below:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

how to get this look:

Apply Eyeshadow Primer Potion from the lash line to the brow bone and also on the lower lash line.
Using a blending brush, sweep COMBUST (neutral taupe shade) on the brow bone and softly blend it into the crease and the center of the lid.
With the Smoky Smudger Brush, dab ARMOR (sparkly gunmetal grey) on the inner corner and softly blend up toward the crease.
Use a shadow brush to apply ARMOR to the outer corner, wrapping it around to the lower lash line.
Soften the edges of ARMOR by applying PASSWORD (matte grey) to the crease and blending down to the lower lash line.
Tightly line the entire lash line with dark eye pencil and use the Smoky Smudger Brush to softly smudge out.
Load lashes with mascara.

What do you think? I felt so fancy I decided to make my hubby take me out for an impromptu dinner date.

It’s fun to try looks outside our comfort zones. I definitely look forward to experimenting more with this palette in the future!

PRO TIP:

A good primer ensures that your shadow won’t flake or crease over the course of the day — this is an especially important step for the wedding day! I already have the Urban Decay eyelid primer from my previous Naked Palette purchases, and it’s one I highly recommend as it makes a world of difference!

The Naked Smoky palette will soon be available from Sephora, ULTA and select Macy’s stores or online. Retails for $54. If you’re looking to master this smoky eye look, I encourage you to try out the Naked Smoky palette! It’s a fabulous addition to your makeup arsenal and one I will continue to use for all sorts of occasions!

disclosure

This post is sponsored by Urban Decay via Condé Nast Sway. All opinions are my own!