Sultry Smoky Eye Bridal Beauty – Get the Look by Make-up Artist Ailbhe Lynch

Hair, Make Up & Beauty

When make-up artist Ailbhe Lynch met bride Natalie for her make-up trial before her wedding, Natalie explained how she really wanted her eyes to stand out. She wanted something dramatic and defined, yet something that would work for daytime also. Taking Natalie’s preferences into account, Ailbhe created a look for her that kept emphasis on eyes while keeping blush and lips soft and feminine. Here she tells us how she achieved the look and what tools you need to do the same!

Get the Look – Soft & Smoky Eyed Bride

make up base smoky look

Skin: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm | Estee Lauder Double Wear Light

I prepped Natalie’s skin with a light application of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm to create a healthy glow from beneath her foundation. I then applied Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation to even out skin tone, perfecting the base with light touches of concealer to create a flawless finish.

mac eyeshadows smoky eye

Eyes: MAC eyeshadows in Brule, Wedge, Charcoal Brown | Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black | MAC Kohl Pencil in Coffee | Individual lashes

To achieve an overall soft look to Natalie’s eye make-up I opted for matte textured shadows. I applied MAC Brule eyeshadow at the inner corners of the eyes and blended it up to the brow bone to brighten under the brow and create a neutral base. I blended MAC Wedge eyeshadow over the lid and into the socket, using MAC Charcoal Brown at the outer corners of the lids and in the outer sockets to deepen and contour.

To line the upper lash line, I used Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel liner in Black Ink. Using a gel liner is a great way of adding impact to the eye without going too dark with your eyeshadow.

I applied MAC Kohl Pencil in Coffee to the waterline of the eyes. This brown/black shade of liner is a good alternative to black as it’s slightly softer and less stark, which makes it a good option for a dramatic eye that’s suitable for daytime. I blended some of the Charcoal brown shadow underneath the eyes to create a defused and well blended smoky effect.

I completed the eye makeup with several coats of black mascara on the upper lashes, finally addingsome individual lashes for extra volume and glamour.

mac blusher

Finishing products: MAC Blush in Pinch O’Peach | MAC Lipglass in Ample Pink Plush

The rule of thumb when wearing dramatic eye make-up is to keep everything else soft and subtle. To compliment Natalie’s blonde complexion I chose soft pink tones for her cheeks and lips. I applied a light sweep of MAC Blusher in Pinch O’Peach to cheeks, finishing the look with an application of MAC Ample Pink Plushglass on the lips.

About Ailbhe Lynch

Ailbhe Lynch Make up artist wedding
Photo by Daithi Taylor, Capture Photography

WeddingsOnline.ie Wedding Supplier of the Year 2012 Ailbhe Lynch has been working as a Make-up Artist for almost two decades. Her natural talent for make-up and her professionalism has kept her in high demand over the years, working alongside top photographers on magazine editorials and advertising campaigns. Her love of beauty and make-up led to her career in bridal make-up. With her vast experience and expertise, Ailbhe continues to be one of Ireland’s leading commercial and bridal Make-up Artists. Ailbhe is based in Dublin and travels nationwide.

Ailbhe Lynch Contact Details
Phone: 087 226 2949 | Mail: [email protected] | Web: www.makeupbyailbhelynch.com

Edited by Karen Birney | Main image by Daithi Taylor, Capture Photography