Accidental Smoky Eye

I mentioned this "accidental" eye look in my recent Colorburst Plum post. I wanted to share it as I was really pleased with it, even though it wasn't right with the lipstick. In fact, I wore a slightly muted version of it again today.

The reason I refer to it as accidental is because it came about from correcting a mistake. I wanted to use my Avon Supershock eyeliner to just create a simple lined eye to wear with the dark lipstick. I struggle to use this eyeliner neatly though and I ended up with really thick, punky lined eyes. I tried to tidy it up with an eyeliner brush. Still no good. I tried to smudge it out. Even worse! So, my only option (other than taking it off of course) was to use eyeshadow to tone it down.

I opted for my Les Gris L'Wren palette as I thought a smoky eye would work well with the liner. I pressed the darker of the two greys on to the mobile lid, over the top of the smudged liner and I softened the outer edges with the lightest shimmery shade from the palette. I was really pleased with how well it softened the stark black of the liner.

Les Gris L'Wren palette

My apologies for all of the photographs but I was pleased with how it looked. It was very quick to repeat again today and with a light gloss on the lips, I felt much happier wearing it out in the day.

Lancome Les Gris L'Wren Palette

Here are the swatches of the Lancôme Les Gris L'Wren palette as promised. I have also included a look I did using the eyeshadows.

The highlighter shade is very sheer with little sparkles. There isn't a huge colour payoff but for me that is just fine, I find I can't pull off pigmented, frosty silver shades. The lighter grey is quite blue toned and I'd describe this as a satin finish. The darker grey is a lovely shimmery gunmetal colour and has a nice soft texture. The black is a matte finish. I find the shadows work best over a base, you can either use a pencil as Aaron recommended or a cream base. For the look I did below I used MUFE aqua cream in 02.

I applied the MUFE Aqua Creme in 02 all over the mobile lid. I used the eyeshadows from the quad in a sort of gradient fashion. I have the gunmetal and a little of the black on the mobile lid. I blended the line at the crease with the lighter grey and then the highlighter shade. I used Rouge Bunny Rouge lacquer liner to tightline and also to line above the lashes.

In these photos I'm wearing Teint Miracle foundation and I used RMK Super basic liquid concealer under the eyes. I used Becca Beach Tint in Fig on my cheeks and Rose Lanolips on my lips. I also used a small amount of the balm as highlighter on the tops of my cheeks. I went back though and added some MAC Dame blusher and I think I added something else on my lips but it escapes me now! Here's what it looked like with the additions.

As ever, I wish I had gone a little higher with the eyeshadow as once I open my eyes the eyeshadow disappears! In future I will use black as a base too. The eyeshadows seem a little sheer and I can see some lighter areas peeping through. Black liner as a base would definitely intensify the smoky look. I will be having a go at a glossy eye as described by Aaron. I will have to wait till the weekend though as I fear it might not be school run appropriate! I really like the palette. I have tended to steer clear of greys before as I find some shades don't work well on my colouring but the undertones make these very wearable.


Disclosure:  the palette was given to me without charge for consideration for review.