I don't know about you, but for me, nailing the perfect smoky eye look is a game of chances.
Often it's dependent on many contributing factors, including but not limited to: the length of time I've got left to get ready, how well I've prepped my skin, whether I've begun pre-drinking already (sometimes a shot of tequila actually aids in the process), whether mercury is in retrograde, and many other things besides.
The main issue? Fall-out - that incredibly annoying phenomenon in which crumbly pigment falls onto your cheeks while crafting your perfect cut-crease.
Luckily for us, our good friend Jessica Alba has treated the world to an incredibly soothing smoky eye tutorial, in which she solves the problem once and for all. Her solution? The savvy inclusion of an under-eye mask.
Jessica’s no stranger to an eye makeup hack - we’re still not over her her concealer hack of 2019. But this woman’s unstoppable, it seems.
In her most recent tutorial, she preps her skin with Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream and Everything Primer. Her eye mask of choice is Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Eye Patch - preferred by Jessica because of its bio-cellulose properties.
Then, as you’ll be able to spot at around 8 minutes in (as she applies the most dreamy shade from Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Eyeshadow Palette in Sublime), she uses the edge of the mask as a template for buffing out her smoky shadow wings.
Later, after peeling off the mask she goes back in to blend out any harsher lines, but we’re so on board with this as a trick to keep the under-eyes clear of dropped pigment, not to mention as a precaution against panda eyes more generally.
Other tricks to combat this annoying problem include avoiding overloading your brushes with pigment, and tapping the handle on a hard surface before application to dislodge excess somewhere that isn't your face.
That said, we're super into this solution too - after all, think how glowy that under-eye area will look post-eye mask?
The woman is a genius.
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13 under £20 makeup palettes that are so good they could be high-end
NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow Shadow Palette
There's not a single dud in this eyeshadow palette. Every shade is beautiful and wearable - plus, the long-wear formula will stay crease-free for hours.
With oh-so wearable shades in a selection of pinks, coppers, corals and creams, these super-pigmented, blendable eyeshadows are perfect for newbies and makeup pros alike.
Morphe are the reigning queen of budget-friendly eyeshadows, and this wearable palette is no exception.
If you want a highlight so bright it can be seen from outer space, this is the palette for you. With cream, shimmer and frost formulas, it's perfect for layering up to an all-out glow.
This bronzing highlighter palette is ideal if you like to switch up your glow. Opt for a barely-there champagne shimmer, or layer over bronzer for a glossy sun-kiss.
e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette in Summer Breeze
e.l.f have been killing it with their eyeshadow palettes of late, the Mad For Matte range offers a selection of creamy, blendable shades that work a treat for everyday eye looks.
The high-shine shimmers and creamy matte eyeshadows are a dream to blend, plus the range of wearable and bold shades allows you to create a truly unique eyeshadow look.
Bronze, highlight and blush = aka all your makeup essentials in one palette. This beauty is perfect for travelling.
For under £9 this Rimmel eyeshadow palette is a total steal. The formula is super-pigmented and easy to blend - win, win.
Zoeva are known for their impeccable eyeshadows (and makeup brushes, FYI). The Caramel Melange palette offers a selection of sophisticated warm neutrals, pick it up and I guarantee it'll be your most-used of 2019.
If you're into cherry hues, it's well worth investing in this purse-friendly palette. There are 16 shades to choose from including shimmers and mattes.
The ultimate highlight and bronze palette, Zoeva's silky powder formula is ultra glowy and long-lasting.
Everything about this eyeshadow palette is stunning, from the mattes to the shimmers to the giant mirror. LOVE.
