Yasmin Jay Creates The Perfect Smokey Eye

Do try this at home.

Houseparty with your mates, Zoom meetings for work, FaceTime with the fam – our faces are getting a lot of airtime. Since we can't go out, and we've almost forgotten what shoes are for, the fun way to express our personalities is with some fun new makeup looks.

Always wanted to try a bold lip? Need the time and steady hand to perfect that winged eyeliner? Now is the time to learn new techniques and change up our beauty routines. Lucky for us, hair and makeup tips and tutorials are simple and fun to do at home, so we asked Yasmin Jay how she creates her signature smokey eye...

“The key is to apply the product slowly. It's easier to build up the product instead of messing up and having to start over, trust me on this one! When handling eyeshadow brushes, hold from the very bottom of the brush as it gives good grip and allows for lots of movement. The eyeshadow will blend easier and means harsh or heavy lines are avoided. This is super important to keep in mind especially when starting out. Less is more.

The eyes, chico, they never lie! I like to keep my smokey eye clean to compliment my base, so it doesn't take long to perfect! I always use warm tones because it brings out my eyes and gives a subtle yet defining look. Using my favourite cocoa-hued palette I dive in.

Step 1. The transition shade. Blend it all over the eyelids to give depth.

Step 2. Crease definition. Using a darker shade, apply and blend into the outer edge of the eyelid and work your way into the crease to create definition. Tip: to really give that smokey effect, I apply that same shade to my lash line.

Step 3. Shimmer. Using the tip of my ring finger, I just dab a glittery eyeshadow from the palette and apply it on my eyelid. And then blend it all in with a transition brush.

Yasmin’s favourite lip to go with? The ombré look:

“To create a fuller more plump looking lip using a darker shade lipstick or lip liner, slightly overdrawn following the outline of your lip shape. Use a lighter shade to fill the inner part of the lip and blend, blend, blend! Finish with a clear or similar colour gloss and voilà! Hydrated-looking lips for everyone.”

Prep makes perfect