Simple Smoky Eye

You know sometimes you get that sudden rush of inspiration when it comes to makeup? As sad as it sounds, that it what has happened to me over the past few weeks :) The first thing I think about when I wake up (aside from Coco Pops) is what makeup I am going to wear that day. I know it’s lame – but hey we all need something to give us that kick out of bed at 5.30am ;) So something that I have been experimenting with is a über simple smoky eye – no fancy colour combinations going on here, just one colour blended all over the lid and slightly above the crease, it seriously takes 2 minutes with my trusty MAC 217. I have been leaning more towards deep browns, nothing too on the cool side – more warm taupes and these are my fav’s.

NARS Ondine
A stunning purple toned brown, this is probably my favourite out of the bunch. It does contain a slight shimmer to it, but this is forgotten after a good blend with a 217. This gives an instant smoky eye and I find that it is the perfect compliment to my green eyes. I have tried a few NARS eyeshadows in my time and I have to say I am always impressed, the pigmentation is great, they have a creamy butter-like consistency and come in a great range of (mostly) everyday, wearable shades. Other NARS shadows worth trying out are Cyprus and Nepal. 
MAC Sable
This is a shade that I lusted after for ages, after hearing constant ravings from Laura. It is very similar to Ondine in the way that it has a tone of purple running through it, but also contains an equal amount of bronze. It’s a velvet finish and so blends very smoothly on the eye, although it does have a shimmer to it. I love this blended all the round the eyes – all over the lids and then blended under the eye too – yeah I really go for it with this shade ;)  
Urban Decay Sidecar & Toasted
If you are a girl, and you like makeup, you own the Urban Decay Naked Palette – it’s basically a law ;) This palette is a go-to dictionary of shades for a neutral eyeshadow lover like myself! I find myself reaching for these shades pretty often considering the ridiculous amount of shadows I own and Sidecar and Toasted are 2 of my most used. Sidecar is one that I don’t even think I swatched till a few weeks (despite having this palette for over a year now!). All the reviews complaining of glittery fall-out put me off. But if you give your brush a good shake before you apply Sidecar all over the lid it is the perfect golden taupe shade. Toasted is one that I go for a lot when I’m doing my make up for an evening out. A nice pinky taupe, again it’s a stunner for those with green eyes. 
Right, predictable post over ;) What are your favourite products for a quick smoky eye? Any other ridiculously neutral eyeshadows that I need to try – go on – tempt me!!
  • Anonymous

    I’ve taken a look at Ondine a few times! I think my fave smokey eye atm is the Naked Palette too, I put Sin all over the eye, Hustle in the outer corner and socket and blend the two with Toasted :)

    Otherwise, my go-to eyeshadow is Naked Lunch all over the eye and Satin Taupe in the crease :) Never fails me!

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Ooooo I need to try that Naked combo – it sounds lush!!! xx

  • Ferraro Roshni

    I love Mac Orb and Mac Cork for a quick smokey eye :) xx 

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Thanks for the recommendations hun! xx

  • zoe.12

    The naked palette is my all time go to for eye shadows! Love putting virgin in the corner for a highlight and then using half baked in the crease with either naked or buck all over.
    http://zozeze.blogspot.com/xo

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Ooooo nice combo, will have to give that a go xx

  • Zara O’Dowd

    That NARS eyeshadow looks beautiful!  :)

    Zara
    x
    http://lifesprettyvisions.blogspot.com

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      It is sooo pretty! xx

  • http://www.MrAJBx3.com MrAJBx3

    Im a boy well…..i have the bits dont look like a boy but i loveeee makeup,and own the Urban Decay Naked Palette ;)

    awesome post hehe! <3 

    http://www.MrAJBx3.com
    ((Check out my First Ever Halloween Giveaway))

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      I will rephrase – all girls and boys of the world need a naked palette! Good on you hun :) Pleased you liked it! xx

  • http://twitter.com/Just_Sarah1 Sarah

    I bought Ondine from ASOS in their sale a few weeks ago, got it for around £10 which is an absolute steal as they retail for around £16! I was worried it would make me look like I have been punched in the face with two bruised, black eyes but it really doesn’t (thankfully). I’ve been keeping my eye out in TKMaxx for NARS products as I’ve seen a few blog posts floating around of people finding products in there for crazy prices, like a bottle of Sheer Glow for £7.99 (gutted it wasn’t me who found it lol) xx

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Oh wow what an absolute bargain!! Pleased to hear you like it too! and cheers for letting me know about cheapie NARS in TKMaxx – amazing! xx

  • http://www.daisybutter.com Michelle

    I’m a huge Sidecar fan too (: Toasted is such a lovely colour too, but it’s the one shadow of the Naked palette that never lasts long on the eyelid for me. Smog is really pretty applied towards the lash line and smudged out too! xx

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Thanks for all those recommendations! Will give them a whirl :) xx

  • http://emmabovarybeauty.blogspot.com emmabovary

    Really gorgeous colours there! I need to use my naked palette more, the colours in there are amazing!

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Thanks hun! It is a great palette :) xx

  • http://www.twinklebug.com/ Gemma Antonia

    I love a good smokey eye! I’m  definitely going to have to try your combinations! I do Mac’s All That Glitters on the lid and then Satin Taupe in the crease or with the Naked palette I really love Half-Baked on the lid with Darkhorse in the crease :)

    Gem x
    http://www.twinklebug.com

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      OOOOOoooo great combinations! xx

  • Hedi

    Nars Ondine looks great :)
    A tutourial would be great ;)

    xx hedi

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Will try and get on that hun! xx

  • victoria

    Sable is one of my favourites too. I’ll have to take a look at the Nars one, so pretty x

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      It is sooo gorgeous, if you love sable you will love ondine! xx

  • Anonymous

    i use every shade in the naked palette and use it most days out of ease… except sidecar i just end up like a glitter ball, i dont think i have the right technique down hehe :D xx

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Ah a simple tap of blow of the brush and all the glitter is gone! It’s such a wicked colour xx

  • Anonymous

    I love Sidecar too! It needs more love from everyone!!

    I love doing this too, my shadow of choice is MAC’s Twinks. It looks awesome with green eyes!! Check it out.

    Hannah xoxo

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Oooo I will do! Thanks for the recommendations hun xx

  • Sarah S.

    ADORE Toasted :) Try an olive smokey eye with one shade, works like the plum-taupe you’re doing!

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      oooooo sounds pretty! Thanks for the recommendation xx

  • http://mizzrubiiee.blogspot.com Rubiiee

    I love all colors in this palette. I agree with Sarah. Olive smokey eye <3

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Ooooo I really need to try an Olive Smoky eye now :) xx

  • princesselfy

    One of my favourite shadows is the dark shade in the NARS Key Largo e/s duo. Gorgeous for a simple smokey eye!x

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Ohhh I need to have a look at that!!! xx

  • Hala201064

    hey Vivianna. i’m halima  from morocco.u have Great blog .i love  all your video… glad you enjoyed it

    • http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/ Vivianna

      Aw thank you hun! xx

  • Oakley Sunglasses

    Oakley
    vault
    shades today have owned the actual
    hearts of millions. It’s an exclusive collection of sunglasses that may give a
    stylish and classy turn to your personality. Oakley
    Sunglasses
    can give a range of collections
    for both women and men. If you really think that you’re not sufficient or
    lagging behind others regarding your eyewear, then
    Cheap Oakley
    sunglasses
    are the greatest band that can
    provide you with a smart look. Cheap Oakley
    Vault
    is a luxury brand that may give the
    best options for women and men of today.