Makeup Tutorial: Smokey dinner makeup

Finally, another makeup tutorial is up :) I actually had another one to upload last week but I accidentally deleted the folder which I used to save the photos. :( 

This is a smokey makeup which is not too dramatic and is definitely suitable for any dinner events or weddings and etc. The eyeshadows are all from 1 single L'Oreal palette so it's very affordable and easy to find. As for the rest of the makeup, you can use similar products to achieve the same effects. So, let's get started!

This is the before and after photo. As you can see, I'm suffering from very bad breakouts. Thanks to the lighting, it's not so obvious. If you see me in real life without makeup...hooohoooo...beware. The pimples will scare you! Ok, not so exaggerating but this is one of the worst periods of my life/my face.   

Step #1 is to apply a primer and I used my Lioele Secret Pore Rich Balm which I introduced previously. Then, I applied my new gel foundation, also from Lioele, with a stippling brush by Real Techniques.

I prefer to dot it all over my face first then buff them in in circular motion with a brush. You can use a kabuki brush or stippling brush. Using a brush will give you an air-brush finish but if you prefer to use your hands, go ahead! But, make sure you clean them well. 

Step #2 is to conceal all imperfections! I used my L'Oreal's true match concealer for the blemishes and Maybelline's instant Age Rewind for my dark eye circles. After I dot it on the troubled areas, I pat it in with my fingers as the warmth on the fingers will be able to melt the product and blend it in better. For the undereye, I would suggest you to use your ring finger as it is more delicate around the eye area so less pressure and strength would be best and your ring finger has the least strength. After I blend all the concealer in, I set the base makeup with Rimmel's Stay Matte pressed powder. 

As you can see, I have very sparse brows so I need to and must fill in my brow with a brow pencil. So, for Step #3, I drew my brows with Lioele's auto brow pencil. First, use the pencil to mark out the bottom part of the brow, basically, it means the shape that you want. Then, move on the to top and lastly fill them in and brush the brows if needed with a spiral brush that resembles the brush of a mascara. 

Moving on to the eyes makeup, Step #4, I primed my eyelids with my favourite Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer potion then I applied Maybelline's colour tattoo as a shimmery base with my fingers. 

You just have to apply it using a patting motion so that the colour is more pigmented. 

As for the eyeshadow, I used this L'Oreal Open Eyes Pro Palette

Step #5, with the silvery eyeshadow, I applied it all over my lids till about 3/4 up with a brush.

With this grey eyeshadow, I move on to Step #6 where I applied it with this sponge applicator

So, simply apply it till you double eyelid crease (I have multiple eyelids). Make sure you can see the grey eyeshadow when you open your eyes.

Next is to use an angled brush and the darkest colour in this palette for Step #7.

I used it to line my lashes but still make it slightly visible when the eyes are open. It's supposed to make the look more smokey but bear in mind, we are not going for a super dramatic eye so don't be too generous when applying. You can also add this colour to the bottom lash line to give it a more uniformed look. 

Then, with my K-Palette 24hr Tatto Eye pencil, I lined my waterline and lash line to give the illusion of thicker lashes in Step #8.

Then, to open and brighten up my eyes, I applied the Lioele Glittering Jewel Liner in the inner corners of my eyes.

Step #9 and #10, apply a liquid eyeliner to bring the whole eye makeup together and also a generous coat of mascara.

Mascara

Liquid eyeliner

So this is the completed eye makeup. 

To complete the whole look, you need to contour your face to give it more dimension. This is especially important for me given my unflattering features. 

Using the Kate Designing Brow N, I contoured my nose by brushing the product on the sides of my nose. Then, with The Body Shop Bronzer, I contoured the side of my face.

This is the look with only one side contoured. You can see that the left side of my face look more slim and lifted.

This is the look where both sides are contoured. 

Next, with my current favourite blusher - NARS Orgasm, I applied it to the apples of my cheeks. 

After contouring, you also need to highlight certain parts of your face to make those features stand out.

So, I applied the silvery eyeshadow on my brow bone and the shimmer brick from Dior on the high points of my face such as my cheek bones, nose bridge and also my chin so that my face will look longer and less round. 

Last but not least, using my birthday present from R :)

I applied this orange lipstick on my lips with a lip brush.

I did not apply too much as the focus should be on the eyes and not the lips which explains why the colour of my lips is not so intense. 

These are the different looks you can get just by switching the way you style your hair. Look #1 is more sleek with my hair tied up into a pony tail and my fringe pinned up. Look #2 is more girly and romantic with the big curls and lastly, Look #3 is more mature and classy with a side swept hairstyle. Which one would you go for?

Alternatively, if you like braids, you can also braid your hair to one side. This is a more neat look.

This is more textured and messy with the braids slightly pulled out on the sides. 

I hope you enjoy this tutorial:)

Ciao!