Sam Fine Tells Us How to Achieve the Perfect Smoky Eye Using CoverGirl Queen / by Erin Baynham

Vanessa Williams at the 36th Annual March Of Dimes Beauty Ball The king of black beauty is at it again with longtime client Vanessa L. Williams. If you have his DVD, the Basics of Beauty, it is likely that you've already been applying his tricks to your own routine. Sam tells us exactly how he created the look above.

I always begin by dabbing concealer directly underneath the eye, nearest the lower lashes to highlight and remove any redness/discoloration around the eye area. Then, I used COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation with a sponge applicator to unify varied tones and create a flawless canvas. To add dimension and luminosity, I brushed Queen Collection Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer along the outer perimeter of the forehead and cheeks. 

For the eyes, I selected COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke. I began by using the pearl opalescent shade on the browbone, then surrounding the eye in the deep gray shade and tapped gently to blend together for a seamless, smoky effect. I also used COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire to line the inner rim of the eye for added drama. And lastly, I finished this look with a few coats ofCOVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara on both upper and lower lashes!

I always begin by lining the mouth with a shade that's close to my clients skin tone. I don't simply outline the mouth; I bring liner into the mouth, towards the center, so liner and lipstick "marry" seamlessly.  Afterwards, I use a lipbrush to apply lipstick for an even, satiny finish. For Vanessa, I applied QueenCollection Lasting Lip Pencil in Coffee and finished off the look with Queen Collection Lip Color in Nude Attitude.

Remember, a smoky eye is supposed to be a little messy... It's not a look that has to be perfect. Oftentimes, I'll begin makeup by applying eyeshadow, clean around the eye area with a cotton swab, and then begin to apply concealer and foundation. This is an especially great trick if you're going for a dark, dramatic eye like the one I've applied to Vanessa!  Also, I always leave my clients with the two things they'll need to touch-up during the night - Pressed Powder... and of course, lipstick!