The Summer Smoky Eye Is Blue

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Black may be the most flattering color, but I get the sense that even some of the most fervent Goths don't want to wear dark colors during the summer. Not even in makeup. “But Stacey, what do I do when I want a killer smoky eye?” you ask. The answer is simple: Cobalt. The perfect smoky eye for smoldering summer nights is just a marine splash of color across your lids away.

I think of blue as a neutral—and more flattering than black or brown for this look in particular. I firmly believe a true-blue looks amazing with all eye colors. Part classic, part graphic—a little sprinkle of editorial for your Saturday night. Follow along:

First we start with the frame. I'm using Givenchy's Parad'Eyes Fluid Eye Liner in Blue Lagoon to draw a triangle cat-eye style shape on the outer corner of your my eyes. Fill it in with my favorite bright blue from Make Up For Ever's 12 Flash Color Case using your finger to deposit color along your lash line and blend upward. The best part of this look is that it doesn't have to look perfect—a bedroom eye never is. It has an organic shape to it, and imperfection is always sexy.

Next I'm using Dior 5 Couleurs Designer All-In-One Artistry Palette in 208 Navy Design. Swirl your eyeshadow brush in the deepest blues and press the brush onto your lid. Setting the Make Up For Ever cream color with the powder Dior eyeshadow locks the color in all night. After you've done that, use a fluffy, long brush and make circular motions over it to blend out the powder and make any texture disappear. Next, stamp some shadow over the corners of your cat eye, blurring the lines upward, but keep the bottom line of the liner sharp. Finish with mascara.

It's a striking look that could be worn with just about everything. I like to keep the rest of the face neutral—just a touch of bronzer on the cheeks and rose-tinted lip balm on the lips = SEX.

—Stacey Nishimoto

Photos courtesy of the author. See all of Stacey's makeup tutorials here.