Beauty Basics: Smoky Eyes Step-by-Step

A perfect smoky eye is like the Holy Grail of beauty. "It's the most asked question that I get," says makeup artist Carmindy.

Luckily, it looks much harder than it really is. Follow Carmindy's 6 easy steps, and you'll have a smoldering gaze in minutes.

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STEP 1: Eyeliner on Upper Lashes

The first step is always black eye liner. Carmindy recommends a gel liner because it has great slip. Just smudge it along the entire upper lash line, creating a dark line all the way from the inner corner to the outer corner.

Carmindy's Tip: Gel liner can be a challenge to sharpen. Many women just shove it in their sharpener and go really hard. Instead, take it slow and easy - do one turn and then pull it out. To perfect the point, take a paper towel, stick the tip of the liner in it, lightly grasp it with your finger and twist. Or, If you have time, stick your liner in the fridge to make it colder before sharpening to harden it up a little but.

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STEP 2: Dark Eye Shadow

Carmindy uses 3 different eye shadows - a dark shade, a medium shade and a pale, iridescent highlighter. First, apply a dark shade across the lid from the lash line to the crease.

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STEP 3: Shade Lower Lashes

Apply that same dark shadow underneath the bottom lash line, using an angle brush. The angle brush will blend the shadow, so you won't have the harsh look of a heavy eyeliner.

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STEP 4: Crease Color

Next, apply the crease color. Choose a color that's lighter than the base shadow, but still in a smoldering tone - a lighter gray or a taupe works well. Use a shadow brush to apply the color in the crease and just above it, from the inner to the outer corner.

Mat Swajkos for AOL

STEP 5: Highlight

The last eye shadow step is the highlighter. This step is key because it ties everything in. Apply it right underneath the eyebrows, and at the inner corners of the eyes.

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STEP 6: Mascara

Polish it all off with black mascara. To get a perfect, clump-free application, Carmindy recommends holding the wand vertically, brushing it back and forth across the lashes.

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FINISHED LOOK

And there you have it: Sexy, smoldering, smoky eyes, in six easy steps. Since the eyes are strong, pair the look with light blush and natural lips.

Mat Swajkos for AOL