Smoky eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. Here we show you step-by-step instructions on how to get the perfect smoky eye.

The key to the perfect smoky eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue & peach base with green hue.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

Prep the lid.
The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base. I prefer to dab at bit of MAC's 'paint' on lids before shadow application. Or try Fresh Freshface Perfecting Eye Primer.


Apply eyeliner.
If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If your opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smoky eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.


Blend in color on bottom lashes
For color on the bottom (a key smokey eye look) you'll want a lighter eyeliner & the key is to 'smudge it'. You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect.


Apply light base color
Again, the key to a smoky eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your browbone. I love Stila's whipped eye shadows $20. The moist 'mousse' consistency seems to stay on forever. My favorite colors are taupe & pearl.


Blend in darker color,
but keep dark color below the crease. Now that you have the base & eyeliner on, it's time to get the smoky effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line & blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease.


Doublecheck your work Make sure eyes match & blend color with a Q-tip if need be.


Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara.
Tried & true mascaras (featured in 'Elle' magazine's March 2006 issue) include DiorShow Mascara & L'Oreal Paris Volume Shocking Mascara. 'Elle's writer says they are the best volumnizers she's tried.


Tips:

Remember to keep lips nude. When applying strong makeup (like smoky eyes or red lips) put the focus on either eyes or lips, never both. (Think Angelina Jolie: She either plays up her huge eyes or her huge lips, never both. If she did, she'd look like a clown).

For a bit of fun, try a blue or purple mascara. It will make blue eyes 'pop.'

Liner doesn't have to come in pencil form. Makeup experts know eyeshadows make some of the best eyeliners. To do this take an eyeliner brush (available at Sephora, MAC or any dept store), wet it, then dab wet brush into the dark shadow. This allows for a deep, precise line. You can also use the dark shadows without wetting brush first. Either way, eyeliner is necessary for smoky eye.

This season go jewel-toned (blue is great for you blue-eyed girls) & keep your eyes smoky but stay away from dark browns & black & go for a deep purple, a gold-brown or any of the many vibrant colors in for 2006.