Get the Look: Topaz Smoky Eyes

Makeup artist Robin Black explains how to get a seductive eye look for an especially eventful evening out.

Robin Black is a professional makeup artist, a skilled photographer, and the founder of Beauty is Boring. As a contributor to The Violet Files, she creates exclusive, one-of-a-kind looks for her column, The Black List.

Modern and smoldering, this smoky eye is perfect for a red carpet event or an intimate dinner with friends. The intense black line drawn along the lashes and inner rim are beautifully balanced by the shimmering, subtle-yet-dramatic topaz shades. And the barely there lip makes it practical for sipping Champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres. —R.B.

Model: Valyn @ Vision Los Angeles
Makeup: Robin Black
Hair: Bobby Elliot

THE TOPAZ EYE

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Start your routine with this light-diffusing primer, which instantly adds radiance and blurs imperfections, plus keeps foundation in place. For an extra glow, tap a small amount over the high points of the face after your makeup is complete.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDERGLOW INSTANT SOFT-FOCUS BEAUTY FLASH PRIMER
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Mix this multitasking foundation with a drop of moisturizer or primer for a sheer-to-medium finish. Apply lightly with a brush or damp sponge for full coverage, or dab on with a small brush as concealer.

KEVYN AUCOIN SENSUAL SKIN ENHANCER
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This bronzer, renowned for its ability to fake a three-week tan in three seconds, comes in a variety of shades and is perfect for adding subtle contour. For precise placement and especially easy blending, try applying it with the slanted Utowa Halberd Cheek Brush.

GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA BRONZING POWDER
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A gorgeous combination of smoky plums, silver, and rose gold, this palette is ideal for creating a modern smoky eye. Begin by blending the rose gold shade over your entire lid, just past the crease and along the bottom lash line, with emphasis on the inner corners. Blend the shimmering pewter color on the inner half of the eye, then apply the deeper plum shade (I used the matte for more contrast) in the outer corners and the crease.

TOM FORD EYE COLOR QUAD EYESHADOW PALETTE IN SILVERED TOPAZ
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Add drama by smudging this kohl pencil along the outside lower lash line and inner rim of the eye. Dot the pencil between your lashes for a complete “blackout” look.

TOM FORD EYE DEFINING PENCIL IN ONYX
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This is not the moment to be shy with your lashes! Layer thick coats of this super-black, satin-finish mascara to create an almost clumped effect. Comb through with your lash brush or a disposable mascara wand for a defined lash look.

KEVYN AUCOIN THE VOLUME MASCARA IN RICH PITCH BLACK
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The brows for this look should be full, natural, and polished to create a feathered effect. MAC’s brush-on gel deposits just enough color to fill in any gaps and leaves brows with a lovely sheen.

M·A·C PRO LONGWEAR WATERPROOF BROW SET
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Offset your dramatic eye with a sheer lip balm. This one is ultra-moisturizing and easy to keep in place, and it leaves your lips with a glossy, youthful finish.

BY TERRY BAUME DE ROSE NUTRI-COULEUR LIP BALM IN 6 TOFFEE CREAM
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Learn how to get the topaz smoky eye & more at VIOLETGREY.com