A spotlight eye is probably one of my favourite looks to do, both on myself and clients. It looks really pretty on as the ‘spotlight’ catches the light, a bit of smoky is always a winner and it’s actually way easier than you think to do. You can also customise it anyway you like and to compliment any look/ your own personal style too, just by switching up the colour/ adding glitter etc. I thought I’d talk you through one of my most worn colour combos and while I’m at it, a bit of a step by step rundown too, in case you fancy giving it a go yourself! Let’s get straight in to it!
I start with my brows done (read more about my current brow routine here) and eye area primed. I prime from lash to brow and generally buff a bit of eye primer underneath my lower lash line too. I really like the Urban Decay Primer Potion (Available from Debenhams*) to make sure my eye makeup stays put and at the moment, I’m using Enigma (read more here), a tinted version that evens out tone and means you get the best colour payoff from your shadows. Then using a fluffy blending brush like the Morphe M504 (Available from Beauty Bay*) I go in with a light neutral transition shade, which’ll help everything blend properly later. I’ll detail/ insert a pic of the actual shades used at the end.
Next…you want to get your darkest corner shade in place. Using a smaller, firmer brush like the MAC #239 (Available from MAC) pack on the inner corner and outer corner of your mobile lid (bellow the crease/ the bit that moves), leaving the centre of your eyelid totally free of colour.
Using a smaller blending brush, so you have more control for precise placement, (I used the Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease brush – Available from Beauty Bay*) apply your crease shade all the way across to give a bit more depth and definition. Go back in with the larger fluffy blender to soften and make sure everything’s well blended with no harsh edges.
I line my waterline and upper tight line with a soft black kohl pencil, I like Makeup Geek Obsidian Full Spectrum Pencil (Available from Beauty Bay*) and then alternating between a pencil brush (Zoeva Luxe Pencil brush – Available from Beauty Bay*) and the smaller blender I used in my crease, I smudge out the pencil between my lower lashes with the same dark shadow that I used in the corners, to give a smoky lower lash line and a bit of extra drama. Again, just go over everything with the big fluffy blender to make sure you’ve got a seamless blend!
Now…the bit we’ve been waiting for ha ha, the spotlight! I use the other side of my MAC #239 to do this bit. Mainly to save on brushes, I have to clean so many in my professional life, the last thing I want to do is use more personal brushes than I need to at home! I spritz it with MAC Prep + Prime Fix Plus Spray (Available from MAC) so when I go on with my metallic shade, it gives a super intense foiled finish! Pat your metallic shade on to the centre of the lid and just make sure the edges are blended away slightly so it doesn’t look stark/ unfinished.
You don’t have to use any liner, but I personally, am a sucker for a flick and don’t quite feel done without one! The Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner in Trooper (Available from Debenhams*) is my go to, can’t live without liner. It’s super back and stays where it should until you remove it! I go in with plenty of mascara and usually some lashes. If you struggle to apply lashes or just don’t feel like wearing them…don’t! Just load up on mascara and you’re good to go!
Here’s a close up of the brushes – (you could use these to create pretty much any eye look!)
And these are the exact eyeshadow shades I used, they’re from the Kat Von D Beauty Metal Matte Palette (Limited Edition – now sold out 🙁 ) like I said though, you can switch it up to suit your preferences and use shadows you already own too!
★ Suede – transition shade
★ Velvet – dark corner shade
★ Oak – crease definition shade
★ Tinsel – metallic pop/ spotlight
So there it is. I love this look and looks great on pretty much any eye shape and size! If you try this for yourself, make sure you tag me on Instagram (@lydmakeup) so I can see the colour combos you come up with! I usually pair this kind of eye look with lightly bronzed skin, a nude lip and plenty of glow, but it works equally well with a bright lip too if you’d rather or even vampy dark perfection!
Thank you all so much for reading and getting my blog to where it is in 2016…I hope you all have a very happy new year and a fun night, whatever the plan. See you in 2017!
Lyd X
PLEASE NOTE:
I’m now based in Cork, Ireland. Although I do still take select bookings for North Wales/ Cheshire and Dublin (get in touch for more info) and am available to travel country wide…I’m mainly taking makeup bookings for Cork City and surrounding areas.
As a bridal makeup specialist, I do get booked up well in advance so if you’re looking for wedding makeup in Cork contact me asap to check availability, secure your date and avoid disappointment! I’m freelance and travel to your home/ venue of choice.
Also available for makeup for any occasion/ event, lessons and master class makeup…find more information and a full list of services here.
Contact us for enquiries/ bookings and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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