Getting Fuller Lashes: Smoky Lash Trick

Black smoky liner with NYX Angel Blush, NYX Tea Rose lipstick (with Angel blush dusted over)

Mascara can lengthen and thicken lashes to some extent, but if you have sparse lashes, piling on more layers of mascara is not going to fool anyone into thinking you have lush lashes. 

One of the ways to make you look like you have a fuller lash line is adding dark smokiness to the base of your lashes. This trick uses few products, and can be done quickly with no need for smudging or special skills. In fact, this is a look I often wear to work (without the black along the lower lashes) because it looks polished and takes all of 5 minutes.

You need black shadow (matte is best), a firm smudger brush (pictured below), black liquid or kohl liner, and mascara.

Sephora Smudge Brush

 Step 1: Use the smudger brush to apply black shadow to the lash line. Instead of dragging the brush left and right, pack the color in sections, in a downwards motion, like you are painting your nails. If you want to keep it subtle, just leave the black near the base of the lashes.

Step 2:  For more drama, create a thicker line and extend horizontally outwards in a kitten flick.

Step 3: Intensify the roots of the lashes by running a thin liquid or kohl liner along the lash line for maximum sultriness. The liquid liner should look barely visible over the shadow, and will just darken the roots of your lashes.

Step 4: Apply the remainder of the black shadow (left on the brush) along the lower lash line as well, then apply black mascara generously. The roots should look extremely dark and the smokiness will give the illusion of more fullness without having to apply false lashes.