How-to: a natural, pretty smoky eye

Do you absolutely love the thought of a striking charcoal smoky eye, but in reality find them to be an utter no-go zone? We hear you, beauties. They can be time-consuming and a wee bit messy. Plus, opting to for bold lip and nude eyes can leave you looking fresh, playful and vibrant in half the time. Win-win!

But guess what? I’ve found a smoky eye that does just that, but without the mess, the stress and the heaviness. Oh, and it’s crazy pretty, too…

Beauties, cast your eyes over the J Mendel spring/summer 2013 collection beauty look. As seen on the runway at New York Fashion Week earlier this month, it’s a modern take on the classic smoky eye; one that is girlish and fresh and delightfully natural. In fact, Gucci Westman – the creator of the look and Revlon’s global artistic director – summed up the make-up perfectly. He said: “I wanted to create a look that was universally beautiful, that any girl would want to wear.”

I think it’s safe to say he succeeded, right? So much so, I’ve snagged the how-to so you can recreate this super-cute beauty look, like, right now…

HOW TO GET THE J MENDEL NYFW SPRING/SUMMER 2013 LOOK:

STEP 1: Apply a sheer, matte foundation to your face to create an even complexion, before adding a touch of sun-kissed colour to your cheeks using Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer in Bronzed and Chic.

STEP 2: Take a taupe eye shadow palette like Revlon ColorStay 16H Eye Shadow Palette in Addictive, and apply the darkest hue in a light wash across your eyelid and up towards your brow bone.

STEP 3: Using a medium taupe hue, apply the colour along your lower lash line, keeping it tight to the lash base. To open up your eyes, apply the lightest pigment in the inner corners of both of your eyes.

STEP 4: To get that smoky effect, apply a brown eyeliner along your upper and lower inner waterline, smudging the pencil ever so slightly into the lashes as you go. Try: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown.

STEP 5: Give your eyes a fluttery, pretty finish by applying a mascara like Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in Black.

STEP 6: Complete the look with a neutral, non-attention grabbing lip gloss, such as Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Bellini. The shiny finish will make your pout appear bigger, but without competing with your eyes.