I’m all for playing up one feature when it comes to party make-up, and this season it’s all about the eyes. As always, prep is paramount, so start with a clean slate and be sure to banish any hint of old mascara and eyeliner using a gentle product such as NARS Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($45).

To create the best canvas for coloured eyeshadow, be it powder or cream, lay down a base of eyelid primer by pressing it onto your eyelids with your fingertips. If you prefer a powder eyeshadow, it’s best applied with a brush such as a M.A.C 224S ($60) for precision and longevity.

For a modern take on the smoky eye, let’s play with a rich chocolate brown – but the same rules apply for any colour you fancy. We like using Chanel Ombre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing Eyeshadow in “Brun Fauve” ($58) to cover the entire lid, blending it back and forth repeatedly for a smooth finish. For supreme intensity, go over this shade with a black shadow such as M.A.C Eyeshadow in Carbon ($35). To play up the smokiness, apply a luminiser like Smashbox x Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector ($72).

To keep everything in frame, use a felt-tipped liner along the upper lash line and give it a little flick at the outer edge. Remember to keep cotton buds and make-up remover on hand to fix any mishaps.

Next, take a kohl eyeliner in black and run it along the inner rim of the eyes, then blend concealer beneath the lower lash line to help eyes pop even more. Finally, apply lashings of mascara. Our pick for the season is Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black Honey ($50).

Now, as a rule, we are rule breakers when it comes to using colour coding for eye shades, but if you want to follow conventions, here they are. For blue eyes, go for contrasting shades in browns and gold, or break the rules with navy. Try Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Gold Lame ($57).

For green eyes, pick shades with reddish undertones, such as rust, purple and plum. We love all these shades in a fine or thick liner encircling the upper and lower lid line. Try T. LeClerc Eye Pencil in Violine ($41).

When it comes to brown eyes, opposites attract, so using a dark blue liner makes them zing. Brown and grey are also great for a sweep of colour on lids, while green and gold enhance hazel eyes. Estée Lauder Double Wear 24H Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil in Emerald Volt ($68) is a perfectly pitched green, and for gold highlights try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Gel Automatic Eye Liner in Soft Gold ($21). It’s time to crank up the volume.

ASK STEPH

How can I make my eyeshadow last all day?
Apply an eyelid primer first. This will help the eyeshadow to adhere better and prevent creasing and smudging as the day goes on. One of our favourites for both cream and powder eyeshadow is Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Primer ($22).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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