How to Create Smoky Eyes in 6 Easy Steps

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Acupuncturist Lara Rosenthal, 42, arrived at our offices wearing what she called her "most dramatic" smoky eye makeup. Do you see it in the before shot? Look closer. A little closer. Right: We couldn't see it, either. So we asked Giorgio Armani Beauty makeup artist Tim Quinn to show Lara how to create smoky eyes that are noticeably smoldering.

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step One

After curling your lashes, line your upper and lower lashlines with a black pencil. Start lining at the inner corner where your lashes begin; end at the outer corner.

Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in #4, $28; GiorgioArmaniBeauty-usa.com

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step Two

With a shadow brush, press a dark powder shadow over your lids, from upper lashline to the crease. Olive green flatters every eye color and looks dramatic.

Lancôme Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in Designer, $18; Lancome-USA.com.

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step Three

With a small eyeliner brush, trace the same powder shadow right underneath your lower lashlines.

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step Four

Choose a deeper shadow shade, like eggplant, and press it into your upper lashlines with a flat shadow brush. Then brush a matte brown shadow (or your favorite bronzer, if it's not too shimmery) back and forth along the crease.

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step Five

Use a pencil one shade lighter than your brows to fill them in with short, feathery strokes. (You don't want your brows to disappear next to your intense eye makeup.)

Photo: Sara Fleur Abou El Haj

Step Six

Apply two coats of black mascara to your top lashes. Enough mascara will naturally transfer to your bottom lashes when you blink.

Next: Spring's best beauty buys