Apply eyeliner.

Step One
First, prep the skin around your eye and do your makeup for day . Before you add more color for evening, dust translucent powder under the eye with a big powder brush to catch any falling shadow. Apply a black powder shadow (like Nyx Shadow for Eyes in Black) close to the lashline, on top and underneath. On top, blend it with your finger from the lashes up to the crease.

Never: Drag the liner brush across the lashline. Gently press it in instead.
Apply brightener

Step Two
Brush away the translucent powder, and apply creamy shimmer at the inner corners to make whites look brighter. Use a pencil (like Benefit Mr. Frosty), or dip a small, flat brush into a shadow.

Never: Go too heavy on shimmer if you have crepey lids. A little at the corners is okay, but Matin suggests a cream, like Laura Mercier Secret Brightener, rather than a more textured powder or pencil.

Apply another coat of mascara

Step Three
Apply another coat of mascara to the top lashes. Wiggle the brush at the base of the lashes to deposit more color.

Always: Consider a colored mascara. Brown eyes look great with navy or sapphire blue on the lashes (Benefit Bad Gal Blue), deep purple (Givenchy Eye Fly in Violet) sets off green eyes, and a bright brown (DiorShow in Chestnut) flatters blue ones.

Add false eye lashes

Step Four
For more drama, try flares (sprigs of two or three false lashes). Using tweezers, dip the lashes in a bit of glue (often packaged with the lashes), and place them on the outer third of the upper lashline. Three flares should do the trick.

Always: Look for ones labeled knot-free (Matin used Ardell DuraLash Naturals)—the ends will blend seamlessly into your lashline.

Finished smoky eye

Step Five
You're done! Wipe away any wayward eyeliner or mascara with a makeup eraser pencil (like Revlon Makeup Eraser Pen). If you've overdone the shadow, glide a concealer brush over any areas you want to tone down. Concealer on the brush will pick up excess shadow.

Always: Use an oil-based eye makeup remover to melt away your makeup at the end of the day.