We clearly want to be Rachel McAdams. Not only did she earn the illustrious spot in our Look of the Week, but we also love her makeup from the Los Angeles premiere of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Here, she proves that a serious smoky eye doesn’t have to look heavy, caked-on, or stripperific. Now here’s how to be exactly like her—or at least get makeup like her. We can dream though, right?
1.Pair Striking Eyes with a Matte Complexion
Although the eyes are the star of the show here, Rachel’s porcelain skin plays a very important role. Start this look by applying foundation to even out skin tone and cut down on shine. Try Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40, Sephora). The oil-free formula makes skin look flawless, and it comes in twenty-five different shades, assuring that there’s a perfect match for anyone. After the foundation, dust on Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, a translucent setting powder that creates an almost airbrush-like finish, helping makeup last longer and completely erasing any imperfections. ($30, Sephora)
2.Enhance the Eyes
Always begin any substantial eye makeup look by applying a shadow primer (like ULTA Extreme Wear Eyeshadow Primer, $10 at ULTA), which keeps powder shadow in place and crease-free all day. The easiest way to do a smoky eye is to grab a shadow kit that already has smoke-friendly shades pre-selected—no guesswork required! Try Jemma Kidd’s Smoke It Up I-Kit ($22, Target), which has five universally flattering shades for making sexy eyes. Using a large shadow brush, apply the taupe shadow from the lash line to the bottom of the brow bone, then use a smaller shadow brush to apply the deep brown shadow to both the upper and lower lash lines, as well as the crease. Blend well. Then wet a liner brush and use the black shadow to tightly line both the upper and lower lash lines. Use the large shadow brush again to sweep the lightest eggshell-colored shadow onto the brow bone as a highlight, and finish with two coats of black mascara.
