Extreme Smoky Eye DIY
Copy This Graphic, Rock 'n' Roll Cat Eye in Just 5 Steps
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There's a time and a place for soft shadow and nude lips, but when it comes to Fashion Week, we want to see beauty looks that take a risk. The edgy eye at Zimmermann's Fall 2015 show definitely grabbed our attention. "This season, the makeup inspiration for the show was a take on femininity and sophisticated structures," explained lead makeup artist Jodie Boland. "I utilized a graphic lined eye and softened out at the inner edges, giving it a modern edge." While this makeup is superdramatic, it's nothing you can't rock on a big night out with your girlfriends! We watched makeup artist Kelvin Dumé create a look for you to try at home, inspired by the original. And if you're wary of giving it a go in real life — the stark black shade can be a little daunting — consider using a metallic taupe for a softer look.
Step 1: Line your eyes.
After prepping the lid with loose powder, line your upper lash line using an angled brush and Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink ($25). You'll want to start at the inner corner with a thinner line, then thicken the line as you approach the outer edge of the eye.
Step 2: Measure up.
Using the handle of your liner brush, measure from the corner of the eye to the tip of the brow. "Halfway between these two points is where you'll start to trace your cat eye," explained Dumé.
Step 3: Create your crease.
Going above the natural crease, sweep your liner-loaded brush almost all the way across the lid, ending above the nostril.
Step 4: Color in the lines.
Now, start filling in the eye. "When your eye is open, you should see no bare skin in the outer corner," said Dumé. Once you've finished your shape, use the pigment that's left on the brush to line your outer lower lash line, connecting the outer corner up to the cat eye. Set your whole look using a black powder shadow like Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Shadow in Blackest Black ($30), being sure to keep the lines as crisp as possible.
Step 5: Lash out.
Finish by curling your lashes, then applying a full strip of natural-looking false lashes. Dumé used Duo Dark Lash Adhesive ($6), which blended seamlessly into the black liner.
