INTENSE, DRAMATIC, TIMELESS — MAKE EYES SMOULDER IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS​

If there’s anyone that knows how to do a smoky eye to perfection, it’s YSL Global Beauty Director Tom Pecheaux. It has forever been a Saint Laurent runway signature, and now, Le Smoky Eye can be yours. Let us guess: you’re yet to enter the smoky eye arena, but you’ve got an occasion that commands you all the attention. Or is it that you’ve tried a thousand different techniques and products, but something’s still amiss? Well — call us biased if you want — but this is the one to master. It’s daring, yes, but being bold will pay off — because daring on the outside means daring on the inside, and that’s what we’re all about when it comes to beauty.​

 ​

So, load up your makeup toolkit with these smoky eye essentials and prepare yourself for ease, speed and impressive impact. Lights, camera, action: we’re about to create some drama.

​

STEP 1: PREP YOUR LASHES​

 ​

A truly eye-opening smoky eye appears three-dimensional — and this calls for amplified lashes. Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils The Curler Base takes eyelashes above and beyond with a two-in-one curling and volumising effect. The creamy sunset pink primer preps them for sky-high length and fixes them in place for a fanned-out, wide-eyed glare.​

 ​

HOW-TO: ​

Start at the root of the lash, working in a zig-zag motion towards the outside of the eye. Use the tip of the brush on the inner and bottom lashes, coating them individually for doe-eyed definition.

STEP 2: APPLY MASCARA​

 ​

Why fake it, when you can have it for real? Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara creates the supreme length and stand-out volume. Plus, argan oil and pro-vitamin walnut leaf extract from the YSL Ourika Gardens in Morocco promote even healthier lashes. Do you need any more reasons not to go faux?​

 ​

HOW-TO: ​

Start right at the root for densely pigmented colour, then swipe upwards, stacking up length and velvety volume with every additional layer.

STEP 3: BLUR THE LINES​

 ​

Crushliner Waterproof Eyeliner and a smoky eye go together hand in hand. While antioxidant pomegranate extract from our Ourika Gardens helps protect the eyes against free radicals, intense colour payoff makes the liner addictive to apply — and this is the time to go wild. ​

 ​

HOW-TO: ​

Start with a wing at the outer edge of your eye, then glide the pencil inwards along the upper lash line all the way to the inner eye corner, creating one flawless, full-pigment stroke. The formula is flexible, but once in place, it won’t budge — blend out with a small, firm eyeshadow brush for the sleekest charred edges.

STEP 4: ADD THE SMOKE​

 ​

The perfect plumes are yours with help from Matte Mono Eyeshadow. The ultimate black, thanks to its adjustable intensity that dials up from sheer to bold, it remains flawless, even and in place all night long. For this step, you’ll want to hone Tom Pecheaux’s dab and pull technique…​

 ​

HOW-TO: ​

Using a large, soft eyeshadow brush, dab colour onto the eyelid, then pull the pigment gently outwards to form a natural gradient. Layer up until you meet your desired intensity — we won’t judge.

STEP 5: LAY DOWN COLOUR AND DENSITY​

 ​

Thicken the smoke and brighten the haze with a veil of Satin Crush Eyeshadow. The finishing touch that really sets your eyes ablaze, this creamy compressed formula is inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s original bold, sheer couture creations. Oh, and don’t forget our iconic Touche Éclat, the essential in your makeupbag, apply it to the inner corner of the eye for a wide-awake look or around the eye area to add light and help with the appearance of dullness or dark circles for a bright-eyed appearance.​

 ​

HOW-TO: ​

Using a soft eyeshadow brush, sweep over the lids to add a metallic veil to your matte eye shade. Target it on the inner eye corners and lower lash line to top it all off with twinkling highlights.