Like the headline says, here's an easy tutorial for getting a rocker-style eye - with only a few products, too! What's nice about this look is that you get the flava of a smokey eye without too much hassle, and you can make it as dark and sultry as you like. Plus, it works on any skintone or shade and with any dark shadow(s). How easy is that?
Highlights: A smoky, rocker eye that can be done in any dark color. Lotsa liner and mascara are the finishing touches to this lid-focused look. Smudging welcome!
Complexity Level: Beginner (but maybe not "newbie")
Ideal for: any skintone, any skin color, any age that wants to rock it
Grab:
- Shadow primer or a crease-proof cream eye shadow to use as a base
This will extend wear and help hold on the shadow - Your favorite long-wear black eyeliner
- A dark eyeshadow
- A taupe or mid-tone brown eyeshadow
- Mascara
How-to:
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Apply a shadow primer to the lid and crease
Colored cream shadow that complements your dark shadow will help intensify the look, but translucent or skintone-matching primer is fine, too.
I used: a blue-green crease-proof cream shadow [MAC Paint Pot: Greenstroke ~discontinued]
Technique tip: patting or pressing it on will help achieve an even layer of primer with no bald spots - Apply black eye liner to the waterlines (top & bottom - the green area in the pic below)
You can use pencil or gel/cream liner or even black shadow with a dampened brush; just don't use liquid liner!
I used: a black pencil [Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes OL]
Technique Tip: This is a critical part of the look, but don't be scared if you haven't lined your waterline before!
Looking in the mirror, use the thumb of your non-dominant hand to press lightly on the upper lid and pull up slightly. This will roll the waterline up and out a bit. Lightly press the liner onto the area. Repeat until done. If your eyes water, take a break. Then use your thumb to lightly press under the lower lashline and pull down slightly. Line the bottom lashline by pressing the pencil. I find holding the pencil horizontally (parallel to the waterline) works best on the lower waterline. It doesn't have to be perfect - rocker eyes are meant to be a bit rough! When done, squeeze eyes shut to really rough it up! - OPTIONAL STEP: Line top and bottom lashlines and around the tearduct. (the orange, yellow and pink areas in the picture above)
I skipped this on my example, because I didn't want to go "full-rocker". ;) If you do, have at it! Apply your dark shadow to the lid (the area outlined in blue on the picture below)
I used: a black shadow with a blue-green sparkle [Fyrinnae Biker Chic]
Technique Tip: Start along the top lashline and work towards the crease. I find holding the brush flat, but upside down (with the bristles up against the lashline) works the best. Use a patting or pressing motion, and layer it on until you've gotten the intensity you want.
Note: For more intensity, try dampening the brush with a spritz of water or patting on a wet tissue before picking up color.
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Apply a taupe or light-to-midtone brown shade to the crease (shown in pink below)
This helps bridge between the dark lid and the skin above; it also helps blend away any harsh lines on the edge of the dark color.
I used: a shimmery taupe [MAC Pigment - Subtle ~ LE]
Technique Tip: Use a fluffy blending brush and sweep back and forth lightly (yes, the brush being fluffy is pretty key!). The tip of the brush should nestle in the crease (hollow) above the lid. Often the movement here is described as being like a windshield wiper. If you do not have a crease, just blend this color into the top edge of the lid color - Place the taupe or brown under the lower lashline and blend it into the black liner (lime green, below)
I used a pencil brush, but a smudger brush or a q-tip work fine!
Technique Tip: A back and forth motion works best here, but use small movements to keep control over what you're doing.
- Mascara. Lots of it.
Pair with:
Matte or skinlike foundation (no shimmer!) and minimal cheek color (contouring a bit is ok, but easy on blush - if any). Nude lips or full-on color in a satiny or matte finish are the finishing touch, and dealer's choice. I do recommend keeping away from high-gloss, which can make this whole look seem overdone.
Note: I suggest keeping brows simple; fill-in as needed or use a gel to smooth them, but don't go over-the-top or your look will be too harsh.