Getting a smokey eye make up tip that doesn't make you look like a raccoon can be difficult. There are many factors you have to consider. And you will have to practice a lot to get just the right smokey eyes.

You will have to experiment with holding your brush at just the right angle for the application you like best, which amount of pressure to use when applying the colors, what colors you prefer and make your eyes stand out, and how to blend the lighter colors into the darker.

Practice, practice, practice.

I'll give you the basic smokey eye make up tip equipment and color choices, and you can experiment and pick and choose what you like and what works for you.

Eyeshadow Colors: Using a black or gray eyeshadow without proper application and blending can cause you to look a little "goth", besides, its out this season. If you don't think you want to look this way, I recommend using less intense colors.

Try violet, chocolate, coffee, dark pink, copper, dark green or purple, etc.

Eyeliner Colors: A dark grey, charcoal or black.

Here is the basic smokey eye make up tip technique. Like mentioned above, practice and play around until you get the feel and the look you like.

Step 1: Apply a crystalline or other highlighter shade just on your browbone. Applying it to the whole lid can cause your darker colors to look muddy when applied over it. Apply a little under your eye and right at the tear duct to keep eyes looking wide and open.

Step 2: Using a taupe, nude or sand color, apply just to your eyelid.

Step 3: Use a flat edge brush for this part. Rub the side of the bristles in your darker color. Then hold the brush almost vertically, with the flat edge touching your eyelashes. Sweep the color straight up to just above the crease. Its all about technique here. You need to be able to see this color a little above your crease when your eyes are open.

Step 4: Finally, use your darkest color for this step. It can be a dark brown, metallic colors, darker purples and greens, whatever. Use the same technique and sweep the color from your eyelashes up to just below the crease. Too high and youll look like a raccoon.

Step 5: Using a soft pencil eyeliner in black or charcoal, line all the way around your top and bottom lids. Using your finger or a sponge tip, smudge the eyeliner, so it doesn't have a distinct line. If you prefer, you might want to apply your mascara first, so you can blend any mistakes into the eyeliner. You can also use eyeshadow and an eyeshadow brush to line your eyes.

Step 6: Now use a very dark eyeshadow (black, dark grey, very dark purples or maroons, etc.) and smudge it into the pencil line and out and around your whole eye. (Dont smudge over your tearduct!)

Step 7: Now apply (a lot of) mascara and curl your lashes. This will finish your smokey eyes look.

Using this smokey eye make up tip and a little practice, you'll have gorgeous eyes in no time.

Lynn Starner

Lynn started Ultimate Skin Care Tips in May of 2004, when she saw a need for a comprehensive skin care and makeup tips site. The following Novemeber, 2004, Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics were born after close to a year of research and formulating. Now she works in her studio daily providing new and exciting products for her customers, while consistently adding new information to her skin care site.