Got a serious case of oily lids? Sometimes, longwearing matte eyeshadows and a super strength primer can't prevent smudging. Go in a different direction with a glossy finish. Dab on a colorful eye gloss, like M.A.C. Studio Eye Gloss, $22, and it will work with shiny eyelids. Alternatively, apply a clear eye gloss on top of a powder or cream eyeshadow for the same effect.
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Lived-in Liner
A smudged cat eye is tricky to pull off, but smudged eyeliner? The latter is like a fine wine because it gets better with age. Freshly applied eye pencil can be a bit harsh because of the crisp lines. Throughout the day, the edges will diffuse for a smudged finish. If the product drops down slightly, don't worry about it. The result is a sultry smoky effect without the hassle of actually creating a smoky eye.
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Flushed Blush
Let's not forget about blush. A rich cheek color gets better as time marches on because it blends into skin creating a more realistic blush. Powder blushes can sometimes look unnatural for the way they appear to sit on top of the skin. So, try a cream blush, like Make Up For Ever HD Blush, $26, to create a statement cheek color. Just take care to blend the lines thoroughly for a seamless finish.
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Softly Smoky
Smoky eyes don't have any harsh lines — at least they're not supposed to — which means they work well with a lived-in makeup look. For daytime, dial back sooty black eyeshadow. Try a wash of brown shadow with a bit of gray eyeliner blended around the lash line and outer corners. The smudged look could easily go into evening as is.
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Ethereal Glow
Don't be fooled by all of the chiseled strobed looks on the 'Gram. Highlighter wears surprisingly well because it blends with skin's natural oils, diffusing any too-harsh lines and creating a lit-from-within glow. For a fresh take, try applying highlighter down the center of the face, including lips, and across the forehead.
