When I was studying to be a makeup artist, I learned how to do the sophisticated look. This classis style will never go out of fashion and has been in vogue for hundreds of years. You can do it in all sorts of colours but the basic look is usually in shades of grey.

For those who don’t like the smoky eye, the sophisticated look is ideal. It opens up your eyes and makes them look bigger whereas the smoky eye can give the illusion of a smaller eye especially for oriental women or those with droopy lids.
This chic look is perfect for a party. It requires some technique, as with the smoky eye, but practice makes perfect.

I took this photo from my makeup artist’s portfolio and scanned it. I’m telling you this because I want to emphasise how this look can change a face. The model was my young cousin who was only 12 years old at the time. So for teenagers who want to look older and try to get into a nightclub, try this look before using a false identity card! lol!

Complexion

First step: create a flawless skin. Conceal imperfections, under-eye dark circles and create a uniform surface with foundation and powder.
If you wish, you can do this at the end, in case some powder eye shadow falls on your cheeks and makes a mess. This way, it’ll be easier to wipe it off without smearing your foundation as well! You could also apply a coat of loose powder under your eyes if you decide to do the foundation first and then swipe it off with a big brush when you’ve finished the eye makeup.

Next you have to structure the cheekbones to make them stand out. Take a bronzer and apply under the cheekbones, going upwards towards the temples. Stop about a third of the way across the face from the outside (don’t go too near the nose). You can also apply a pearly highlighting powder directly on the cheekbone to accentuate the structure.

The second step is to apply a good eye primer so that the makeup will last longer and be more opaque. For suggestions, see my article on the subject.

White or beige eyeshadow

The third step is to apply a light-coloured luminous eye shadow over the whole eyelid, including underneath the eye, half-way across from the inner corner and also under the eyebrow. The best colour is white. It doesn’t matter what kind of finish, matte or metallic, it’s a matter of taste.

Grey eyeshadow

The fourth step is to apply a medium to dark eye shadow, such as grey, to create a strategic shadow and structure the lid. The shadow should begin at the outer edge of the mobile lid, go upwards a little towards the end of the eyebrow and then extend across the eye socket without going onto the mobile lid except for the outer quarter. It’s a little complicated to explain but take a look at the photo: a picture is worth a thousand words.

Black eyeshadow

The fifth step is to go for a more dramatic effect with a dark shadow. I chose black to accentuate the outer corner and go down under the eye up to ¾ of the way across, meeting the white shadow applied previously.

Black eye pencil

To add definition and complete the look, line the whole eye with a black pencil. For big eyes, line the eye the whole way round, from the inside to the outside. For smaller eyes, end the line halfway across and insist more on the outer corner.

Mascara

As with any look, mascara is essential so for the sixth step, add two coats of black lengthening and volumizing mascara. False eyelashes also look good with this intense style.

Eyebrow makeup

For the seventh step, apply eyebrow makeup. If your eye makeup is dramatic, the eyebrows should match it in intensity.

Lipstick

The eighth step is to finish with lipstick. For a really glamorous look, (as was the case for my black and white photo) use a dark-colored lipstick. I can’t remember what colour I used as it was so long ago but I think it was a Bordeaux shade. If you want a more natural look, you could use a pale lipstick, like beige for example.

So, are you ready to go to the ball?