With some influence from my “heavy metal” high school days, every now and again I revisit my senior year makeup bag when I want to “black out” my eye look. I dump out my glittery eye makeup, metallic eyeliners (yay that I can wear those now without an excuse since they’re “in”), and blackest black eyeshadows and eyeliners to really rev up my look. Generally, I keep the rest of my face subdued when I’m in this mood because I don’t want anything else competing with smoky eyes this fierce.

So, how do you get an edgy smoky eye look without looking like someone blacked your eye?

It’s all about starting with a perfected canvas (a bit of foundation, concealer, and eyeshadow base) and making sure the smoke – although dramatic – stays contained. We don’t want raccoon eyes. You will also need:

• a shimmery bone/tan colored eyeshadow

• a glittery eyeshadow in a shade of your choice (other than black)

• a matte or shimmery black eyeshadow

• black eyeliner, preferably kohl for smudge factor

• black mascara and/or false eyelashes (optional)

One cool thing about this look is that precision is not important. This can be a fun finger-painting opportunity if you choose not to use your makeup brushes! Also, remember to start out with less of everything then build up, as it is easier to add more than remove too much.

How To Get An Edgy Smoky Eye

1. Start by applying foundation or tinted moisturizer to a clean face. Not a lot, just enough to even out your complexion.

2. Apply a bit of concealer to your eye lid area. Just a bit. Hold off on applying around the rest of your eyes until we’re finished with our eye look because it may attract more fall-out from your eyeshadows.

3. Prep your eye lids with an eyeshadow base. I heard that a little goes a long way when you’re using Urban Decay Primer Potion.

4. Apply your shimmery bone/tan eyeshadow to your brow bone (the area below the arch of your ‘brows).

5. Take your glittery eyeshadow (I recommend anything made by Urban Decay) and pat onto your upper and lower eyelid, only avoiding your brow bone. Tap your makeup brush before applying to avoid fall-out.

6. Trace your upper and lower lash line with your black eyeliner. As stated, kohl is best as it is easily smudge-able (essential for this look). After applying your black eyeliner, smudge with your finger or a sponge-tipped eyeshadow applicator.

7. Smoke time! Using your finger or a sponge-tipped applicator, dip into your black eyeshadow and begin by patting into the crease starting from your outer eye area. It should look like a half [black] moon when you’re done. Stop ¾ of the way into your eyelid so that we can still see the glittery eyeshadow color you used on your inner eye area. Keep building this black smoke until you like what you see.

8. Apply layers upon layers of your favorite volumizing mascara.

9. Dot concealer around your eye area – especially underneath – and blend well to conceal any dark circles and/or bits of fall out.

10. Optionally, add false eyelashes or glitter eyeliner and any other fun extras you can think of.

Time to paint the town black!