Rachel Spillane shares tips, tricks and foolproof products to master the art of dramatic makeup.

The Smokey Eye

It may be daunting at first but a smokey eye is deceivingly simple once you have the right tools. A versatile palette, two eyeshadow brushes and a dark kohl liner are all you need to create a sultry look. I find the mantra ‘less is more’ to be fitting when dealing with darker eyeshadows - especially black - and building up the colour slowly will ensure there’s minimal fallout. And, you won’t look as though you’ve been given two black eyes.

Steps

1 Take an eyeshadow primer and apply it to your lid. This will enhance the colours you put on your eye and will make sure the shadow doesn’t budge.

2 Take a transition shade - a colour which will help to soften the edges of your shadows - and blend it into the crease. I use light, warm browns here.

3 Using a flat brush, pack the black eyeshadow onto your lid as far up as your natural eye crease.

4 Then using a fluffy brush and that same transition colour, buff out the shadow and blend any harsh black lines for a seamless look.

5 Finish with a black kohl pencil along your waterline. Be sure to smudge your liner out for maximum smokiness.

Natasha Denona Mini Xenon Eyeshadow Palette €27.45

Wet n Wild 5-pan Eyeshadow Palette Walking On Eggshells €4.99

SoSu by SJ Kohl Pencil Black €9.95

Fluttery Lashes

Big, dramatic lashes will enhance any eye look you choose. In the case of a smokey eye look, you’ll find faux lashes, or a good volumising mascara, will help to open up the eyes and give a doe-eyed appearance. Once you master the art of glueing your lashes down, you’ll never look back. The key is in a good-quality glue like Duo glue. I prefer wispy or cat-eye styles as they are the most flattering, without overpowering the eyeshadow look. And if fake lashes aren’t for you, there are plenty of great mascaras on the market that will work instead.

Kiss Masterpiece Lash Pret-A-Porter €11.75

Luna by Lisa Freddy Lash €8

Duo Brush On Lash Glue €7.99

Flormar Hero Volume & Curl Mascara €8.95

All About That Base

Paired with a smokey eye look and a bold red lip, a full-coverage foundation thrives. And full coverage doesn’t necessarily mean cakey or heavy either. Soft-matte formulas with decent coverage have become better and better with each product drop. The era of ‘cake face’ is officially over, ladies.

Experiment with contour and blusher to carve out your cheekbones and enhance the shape of your face. Liquid blush is my personal favourite as it can be really illuminating.

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation €33, visit spacenk.com

Iconic London Multi-Use Sculpting Contour Palette €39.95, visit lookfantastic.ie

Kash Beauty Skin Glaze €19.95

The Red Lip

I always think wearing a red lip is like arming yourself before battle. You instantly feel more confident, your inner vixen shouting ‘I am fabulous’ throughout the day. The only thing to be aware of is the shade of red you choose…and of course, the dreaded smudging.

A blue-toned red - think Marilyn Monroe - will make your teeth sparkle. An orange-toned red is fantastic to wear in the spring and summer as it brings warmth to the complexion. But beware, it may do the same to your smile. Invest in a lip-liner so you can create a crisp outline for your lipstick and don’t be afraid to apply some gloss to take it to the next level.

Blue-toned red: BYSK Moulin Rouge Lipstick €18.50, visit sarahkeary.ie

Orange-toned red: Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Tell Laura €32

MAC Lip Pencil Ruby Woo €19.50

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