The Ultimate Smoky Eye with Strip Lashes

Last weekend at our free monthly workshops in LA and NY, we learned professional tricks, tips and tools to create the ultimate smoky eye with individual and strip lashes.

Start with an even surface for a greater blend ability by prepping the top area of the eye with a light coat of MUD’s Cream Foundation with #300 Small Shadow Brush. Set the base with Buttercream Loose Powder and #710 Powder Brush. Next, choose a highlight Eye Color of your liking and apply to the brow bone with #330 Shadow Fluff Brush. Use a medium shade Eye Color in the crease with #800 Crease Brush. Begin in the crease and blend upward into the highlight to achieve a soft edge. The medium shade will allow you to create a gradient of color between the highlight and shadow. The medium shade is typically a transitioning color ranging from a natural matte two to three shades darker than your skin tone to a shimmery pop of color. Carry the medium color down and onto the lower lid with the very tip of the #800 Crease Brush. Make sure to use light pressure as you follow the lash line. The Onyx Eye Color makes for a perfect shadow on the entire lid with #330 Shadow Fluff Brush.

Now, with #810 Smudger Brush and the Onyx Eye Color, smoke out the lower lash line and crease. Keeping blending until all your edges are soft. For added dimension, line the top and lower lash line with the Black Cake Eyeliner using a #210 Angle Liner Brush. Line the inside of the water line with the Black Eye Pencil for an intense look. Tip: Apply a light coat of Cream Mascara or Volumizing Mascara to tint the lashes before the false lashes are applied.

First step for a false lash application is to separate the lash strips from the bed. Lightly tug the strip away from the bed with your thumb. Be careful not to bend the plastic strip that holds the lashes together. Tip: Hold the bed with the plastic strip closest to you. The left strip goes on the left eye and the right goes on the right eye. Place one strip on the lash line to measure without the Duo adhesive. If it’s too long, remove from eye area and trim with Manicure Scissors. Once the lashes are fit, apply a small amount of the Duo to the inside of the plastic strip. Let stand 20 to 30 seconds to become tacky. Lay the strip in the area where the root of the natural lashes and the lid meet. Repeat the steps on the other eye. Allow the glue to dry before adding a second coat of Mascara. If necessary, use the Cake Eyeliner with #210 Angle Liner Brush to camouflage the plastic strip and glue.