Sin #1: Naked Lids
I come to you as a sinner myself. I too have applied shadow without primer. I too have told myself it didn’t matter, just once won’t hurt. I too have fallen victim to the smears and the creases and the dissapearing eyeshadow. It isn’t worth it. Especially when you can make it for pennies (recipe here)
Sin #2: Perfectionism
Smokey eyes are sexy because they look slept in. They are called “smokey” because there are no harsh lines. Smokey eyes are like pretty much everything else in life, it’s the imperfections that make them beautiful.
Sin #3: Undefined Brows
What is the difference between raccoon eyes and a smokey eye?
Brows.
(here is my brow tutorial)
Sin #4: Off balance
Sometimes you can do a dark eye and a dark lip and not look hooker-ish. Sometimes you can do dark eyes and no blush and not look dead. Sometimes you can look at yourself in a magnified mirror and not be totally freaked out. Most of the time though, it’s best not to risk it. Some soft pink blush and a nude or light pink lip is a perfect pair.
Sin #5: Lash and tear line neglect
Without BLACK eyelashes and a BLACK tear line your eyes won’t pop as much and won’t look finished. (here is my FAV liner and mascara that won’t break the bank)
Sin #6: Lack of Layering
You can’t create the softness and the blendedness you need without a fair amount of layering. Build the color you want one layer at a time and you will be much happier with the end result.
Sin #7: Skipping the highlights.
This is probably the most forgotten and most important part of a smokey eye. I cannot stress it enough. You have to offset that dark with some bright! I use Maybelline New York Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer
also…..I have a little GIVEAWAY to tell you about!
PIN IT TO WIN IT!
SEPHORA COLLECTION Moonshadow Baked Palette – In the Dark
This palette is PERFECT for a smokey eye. So many stunning colors that shimmer and sparkle that will knock your socks off!
To enter you can:
Pin a photo from this post to your pin board and/or share this post on Facebook
for a total of 2 entries possible.
Then comment on this post for each entry! Simple as that! The contest will go until this Friday at noon! I can’t wait for one of you lovelies to win this hot ticket!
thanks for all of the tips! been working on creating a good smokey eye. just pinned the picture of the eyeshadow, im for sure buying it if i dont win it!!
Pinned – love your posts & sometimes pretend I can do makeup like you (it’s not pretty).
I pinned this awesome makeup pallete!
I also shared it on Facebook!
Ahhh, pinned! i love this post, i struggle with getting the prefect smokey eye
I check your blog everyday i love it! 
haven’t been able to “master the smokey eye” yet, but would love to try with that gorgeous palette!!! pinned it … now to fb it too
Pinned to my girly board! I’ve already bought the concealer per your suggestion, love it!
Hi Cara,
I pinned this on my pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/michaylashone/i-believe-in-manicures-i-believe-in-over-dressing-/
AND Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/michayla.shone
I hope you choose me, as I am in South Africa and this brand does not get sold here
Thanks for all your tips and tricks! <3
Great tips!!! I definitely need to keep these tips in mind, since I have committed every single one of those sins at some point of time.
Pinned
I have been on the prowl for new makeup tricks! This would be a great addition to my non-existent make-up collection! Lol. Great job!
Pinned! Love your tutorials
Pinned it! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks for all the great advise!
I am really isspermed at both how many birds you’ve seen (and identified!) and also at the wonderful close-up photos. When I try to take bird pictures I usually get a blur or an empty branch where it used to be sitting.
I am so afraid to do smokey eye! I have never tried it
Pinned you on pinterest…bragged about you a bit too. Love you site!
I shared on my facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/roekeek
And pinned on pinterest!
http://pinterest.com/kaceepayne/hair-and-beauty/
I love all of your posts!!!!
Pinned! Love this site! I use your makeup looks all the time!
Pinned it
Posted to facebook!
LOVE this. Thank you so much for the perfect smokey eye tips, definitely needed this one pinned. Your tutorials are the BEST!!!!
I pinned it! Hope I win! I’ve never worn a smokey eye before so if I’m going to do it, I’d rather do it the right way!
I absolutely love this blog! Check it multiple times every day for updates!
Shared on facebook, might I add!
Pinned http://pinterest.com/shird06/make-up/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/savethefreckles
These tips are great! I always forget about using a highlighter.
Awesome tips to create a smokey eye. Thanks!
You should try out some Merle Norman products sometime- they are fantastic and 100% made in the USA!
http://www.merlenorman.com
pinned!
Want to try this since I have never really done a smokey eye. Posted on Facebook.
Posted on Pinterest. Thanks for all the tips!
I pinned the “sinless smoke” picture.. so pretty!
LOVE! Pinned! I check your blog every day for new posts! I just can’t get enough!
I pinned the makeup palatte…. I love your beauty tips!!!
Pinned it!
Shared it on Facebook!
PS You know I love you and all of your posts!
Pinned
I’ll admit, I’m guilty of the “naked eye”. BUT I’ve gathered together all of the ingredients for your homemade primer, and I’m making it when I get home! Super excited to try it!! Thanks for the tips!
I also shared it on facebook…. I love your site!!! I am kinda addicted
Just pinned
Pinned! I have a wedding coming up in August and this palette would help me out so much to achieve the look!
congrats on your engagement!
Thanks Cara , I pinned ;http://pinterest.com/pin/216454325811283232/
Love all your posts!! And love this palette, so of course I pinned it!!
I have slightly deep set eyes and I feel like when I bring a dark color underneath my eyes look sunken. Any tips on doing a smokey eye without it making me looking gaunt.
Pinned it!
And shared it on facebook!
I also posted on fb =]
I would love to see a tutorial on the blue smokey eye you have in this post.
Pinned it!
The differences betweet the sinful and sinless eye are incredible. I cannot believe how much a few details make. You did an amazing job with the tips and after watching the video also, I know exactly how to master a perfect smokey eye. Being only 16 and new into make up, your tips are honestly ones I look up to! Thank you so much.
Pinned on pinterest!
Shared on Facebook!
love all your tutorials! and congrats on the engagement!
I pinned this post and shared it on Facebook!
LOVE your site and maybe someday I will actually be able to do all these pretty makeup techniques on myself
Pinned it!!
http://pinterest.com/winota/beauty/
Congrats on your engagement!! You’ll make a beautiful bride!!
pinned it! thanks for the opportunity
Hi Cara, I shared this on my Facebook page and pinned it to my Pinterest board. I love this shadow set and look forward to creating a smokey eye. Thanks!
soo guilty of #5. pinned it
You have saved my life! thank you for your smokey eye wisdom and love!
I bartend at night and have been looking for the right look to add the perfect element.
thank you thank you thank you!
and I pinned this article! I was such a sinner, not doing it right. lol
Pinned and sharing!! I LOVE this pallet, thanks for the tips on making the perfect smokey eye
P.S. I’ve tried so many different colors of smokey eyes since your video and Im IN LOVE and looking Great too, thank you Cara 
Pinned! I was in sephora the other day and debated buying this pallet!! Hope I win it as I convinced myself I could do without! (Although I really can`t)!
The magic lumi really makes all the difference….spreading your ideas to all my girlfriends
I pinned under my board “products I love” !
I also posted it on Facebook. I love your blog so much, so many great tips and ideas! So I mentioned under my post and pinterest pin that it was from your blog so others can see all your amazing posts!
Pinned! I love doing smokey eyes for when I go out; it’s my go-to look and I’m always getting compliments. These are great tips and some things I never thought about, so maybe now I can perfect the look! Thanks. I’m always experimenting with new colors and I love the ones I see in that palette!
I pinned this! I am definitely going to have to share this with my sisters as well! I would love this palette and I am for sure going to be making your primer. I am so excited to have recently discovered your awesome blog!
http://pinterest.com/pin/50665564528634736/
Pinned! Love your tips.
Ilove all of your tips!!!! pinned it!!!
I also Posted on Facebook!!! I have tried many of your tutorials!! some great success….others not so great…due to my inabilities!! lol…. love your blog~
Benita
Pinned! You have the most amazing tutorials, so glad I found you
I hope I win this amazing palette, hopefully then I can do make up as great as yourself! 
LOVE this palette!! Smokey eyes and nude lips are my FAV!!!
Pinned It to Win It!
I love your site!
I always love your tips. Even if I don’t look it, I feel much prettier after reading and applying your advice. pinned and facebooked!!!
Your blog has changed my life. I discovered it about a month ago and have been obsessed ever since. I have been spending so much time in front of the mirror lately trying the different things you’ve taught me but it’s been totally worth it. I look and feel great…so thanks!
I pin your posts and products you recommend all the time but I pinned this too.
Pinned! I feel like of all the things I’m knowledgeable about, hair and makeup are my mental blocks, but I’m trying! Thanks for all your great tips!
Pinned it!! You are the best!
pinned it. I hope my attempts turn out when I try to recreate this! I was shocked at how bad the bland eyebrow eye looked compared to the one with the done eyebrow! Definitely guilty of that!
Pinned it! Love those colors! They do go perfect with a nude lip. Thanks so much for all the tips!!
pinned
I pinned this amazing sephora eye shadow pallet I have the sun version of this and I love it, so I’m sure this one would be just as awesome
I shared this post on my Facebook wall as well
Cara, I couldn’t believe the difference between the sinful version and sinless version!! Thanks for the tips
xoxo
Thanks, Cara!! Just pinned a couple of pics from your blog! I watched your smokey eye tutorial and tried it out a few nights ago. But my four little boys were scared of me afterwards! I guess I need to watch it again and take better notes! ha
Totally love your blog! Thanks for all the tips! My sisters and I wish you could make us over!
pinned it!! thanks for all your tips. your blog is the best!
Pinned sinless smoke
Great tips, love your blog! It feeds my makeup addiction nicely.
Done and done!!!
Thanks for all the fabulous tips!!!
http://pinterest.com/pin/28217935135978053/
http://www.facebook.com/laura.brodaylyons
Pinned! Love all your tips and especially the make overs! Keep it up!
Also facebooked!
Need this pallet!!! Posted to facebook!
shared post on facebook!!
pinned the post on pinterest!! ps. thanks for the tips and i love the post of the homemade lid primer! love your tutorials!
Pinned it! Love your tips and it would be perfect for a date with my b/f. By the way – congrats on the engagement!!
Pinned
http://pinterest.com/emiiilyann/
I am obsessed with palettes for no real reason, but this one looks beautiful!
I pinned it and it’s on Facebook! Thanks again for the opportunity for great product and all the awesome makeup lessons!
Oh so separate entries… I did one for pin interest already, so this one can count towards the Facebook post. Thanks!
Pinned this fabulous palette! Love your tips! And congrats on your engagement!
Pinned it!!!!
Pinned and facebook! Love your blog…have used so many of your tips and tutorial advice!
i pinned it! and created a new board just for MAKE UP. neat.
facebooked!!
Pinned it, Shared on FB & comment! Would love to win this
I shared on Facebook! I would love to learn to do a smoky eye.
Pinned!! I would love love LOVE to win this! Love your blog…you are amazing and beautiful!
I pinned this! I hope I win! But it looks like I’m. It the only one haha. Love your blog. And I am so glad you posted about the cornstarch. I live in Guam so it’s pretty hot! All year around too! Thanks : ) <3
Pinned! I hope I win! But it looks like I’m not the only one who wants too haha. Btw I am solo glad you posted about the cornstarch as a mineral veil! I live in Guam so I really needed that. I was tired of my face melting off haha. Love your blog too! Thanks : )
I pinned it! The top picture is stunning!
I also shared on facebook!!!:))
Pinned it!! I love seeing the side by Side difference of the sinful/sinless versions. What a difference!! Addicted to your blog
I also shared it on Facebook
keep all the great advice coming!
Pinned it! Your tips, tricks, and tutorials are so fabulous and easy to follow! I’ve learned so much. Keep up the great work
Pinned it. I wish I had your talent! You are so gorgeous and so is that palette
Pinned!! WHOOP. i have a sick obsession with eyeshodows..pick me pick me
Pinned to pinterest!! Absolutely love your blog!
Pinned it! Love all of your posts…georguos!!
I posted on Facebook. Not sure how to Pin it!:( If i figure it out, i’ll let ya know:). You are awesome!! I love love love your website!
Yay I figured out how to Pin it! It’s PINNED too!! Thanks so much!
I love those palettes. I have one, but is for the more natural look. I pinned it!
Pinned! I love your blog! Once I saw the picture of half your face without defined brows I though wow that’s exactly what I look like when I attempt the smokey eye! No wonder It never looked right! Thanks for the tips:)
O and congrats on the engagement!!
Shared your smokey eye post on my FB page. My friends are going to love discovering your tutorials!
O right and facebooked it too!
O right and i facebooked it too!
Pinned it! Love all of your tips and try to do my smoky eye like yours!
Pinned this and shared it on Facebook. Love your blog. Hope to win this pallette. I too, get distracted in Sephora, and always walk out with something for my skin but never any makeup.
Pinned this! I love your blog!
Also shared on Facebook!
Pinned & FB it. Love your blog! You are gorgeous!
Thank you so much for this! I have been perfecting my smokey eye technique since following you on pinterest and this has helped work wonders.
Pinned and FB’d it! I have been following your blog for as long as I can remember and have never commented or anything until now. I feel like a total creep bc I feel like I know you and you have no idea who I am haha! Anyways, love the blog and thanks for the inspiration!
I would love a short tutorial on applying highlighting concealer, especially all the way to the nostril. I have yet to master… I love all your tips!
GORGEOUS eyes in that sinless smoke photo! I pinned that photo to my board!
On a different note, what lip colors did you use for your lips in that sinless smoke photo? I want to go buy them right this second
Pinned this amazing pallet! Thank you for all the help and advice!
Pinned It!! Love Smokey eyes!! I wear it everyday, with nude lips..its my go to look.
Pinned it and love it! I could so use this!
Pinned the make up picture. This website has given more tips and tricks about make up and how to do it than I could have ever learned on my own. Thank you!
pinned it! love your blog, i follow it religiously and have bought a ton of products per your recommendation. your post on doing makeup with drugstore makeup totally changed my life. thank you so much!
Pinned it! http://pinterest.com/fashionista1684/
Love your blog!:)
I pinned it and facebooked it! I hope I win
Love, love, love your tutorials! Keep up the awesome work!
These are the best smokey eye tips ever…especially about the defined brows and importance of highlighting. I often think it’s okay to skimp on those and I pay for it later so I pinned to reference. Btw..big congrats on the engagement, I’m loving your wedding pinboard!! It will be a lovely wedding:)
Pinned! LOVE this! x
Pinned! Working up the courage to give the smokey eye a try!
Just pinned!
Pinned! Love your blog! I’m a daily “stalker!”
Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
It’s no question that you are my idol! I love everything you do! So happy for you and your engagment. Oh and I pinned it!! XX
Pinned the sinless smokey eye!
Posted to Facebook about how much I LOVE your blog. Yours is the only blog I even follow!
pinned it!
http://pinterest.com/pin/201184308324762099/
i love sephora and always try for a smoky eye but don’t think i ever get it quite right!
I love your blog and thanks for the tips! You actually inspired me to start my own blog (although I am pretty sure no one is reading it LOL)!
I pinned the sinless eye and if i win i will definitely be trying this!!
just pinned to FB! I LOVE your blog (check it ALL the time) and am hoping I win this amazing give away!
wow cara the sinful and sinless pics are perfect examples! im still too scared to try smokey eye though.. will you just do it for me?
on another note.. what brush do you use for secret camouflage? the one on the site looks thinner than the one you use..ya?
Love it!
Totally just shared this awesomeness on facebook!
…And now I just pinned it! Yah.
Pinned it! I’m obsessed with your blog! Thanks so much for all the tips and tutorials. I used to be so clueless about hair and makeup, but your blog has helped me so much. Keep it up!
You’re a total babe, by the way. Your hair is what I strive for daily lol
Pinned It!!
Facebooked it!! Totally want to WIN IT!!:)
Pinned it!
And shared on FB. Thank you!- I love your blog! I check it often. I try lots of new things because of you
I love this eyeshadow palette. I want it! So, guess what I did?? Pinned it!
Pinned it!! Love this site!
pinned this gorgeous pallet!!
Love this eyeshadow palette. I want it! (badly) So, guess what I did? Pinned it
pinned! i love this set!!!
You are the make up master. Keep teachin me your ways! I’ve never tried a smoky eye before but you have inspired me to be bold. Thx, girl!
I pinned an image to my “style me prettiful” board
REPINNED!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! Its amazing, so helpful for me since I suck at makeup myself lol Your gorg and I hope i can make more smokey eyes with this palette!
http://pinterest.com/pin/6544361929425771/
Repinned right here
Pinned!! Thanks for the tips!
Sooooo…. Who won this awesome gadget??
pinned and shared on facebook. i absolutely love your blog ive learned so many great things and i cant wait for more. youve inspired me to go back to school for cosmetology i cant wait
Pinned! Great tips and now giveaways???? whaaaaat?
I pinned it
http://pinterest.com/pin/44191640064333014/
http://www.daisyraeboutique.com
http://www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
Pinning right now…….would love to win this have been trying to work “the smokey eyes” for a while now. Ur site has help alot!
Pinned! Love your blog!
Pinned it!!
Great tips and great blog. I look forward to reading more of your posts. I pinned and posted on Facebook the palette. You’re right: it looks perfect!!!
Laura
Love your blog!
Gotta ask, what blush shade and brand do you use?
We have the same skin tone from what I can see in the pics. I can never find a blush shade that I truly love on me and yours looks so freakin good!!
I pinned this for sure I am definitely a sinner when it comes to the smokey eye, but not anymore, you have saved me!!
Do you have a video showing start to finish of the whole face and doing a smokey eye??
YES! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d73PPW0fp98
Pinned it. Love the smokey eye rules and totally agree about defining the brows!! As a natural blond, I have to fake it and add color to my brows, but it makes my whole face more striking.
I pinned!! I wanna win.
New makeup would b great!
Totally pinned! I love trying out new make up products and colors. I’ve used so many of your posts, it’s almost ridiculous. =)
Pinned it!
I do believe these shades would really help my grey eyes pop.
Thanks for the eyeshadow primer recipe!
I have dark hair, eyebrows & blue eyes like you. But my skin is a little more fair. What colors for eyeshadow do you recommend?
I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to do a smokey eye and just look like a raccoon every time I try so I am so excited to do this!!
I love all of your entries… Ever since I started reading and watching you I get the most amazing compliments on my makeup! friends at work have actually asked if i had my makeup professionally done (as if i would waste professionally done make up on work!) and I direct them all to your blog! Would love to win this… But totally purchasing it if I don’t!
Hi Cara,
Thanks so much for all you do.
I love your blog. I have been following for a few months now and it has made such a big difference in how I look. My biggest struggle is with a nude lip. I can’t seem to find something that works for me, or I’m not doing it right. I have pale skin and naturally dark pink lips. What are you using for your lips in this post? They look amazing. if you could do a video on a nude lip, that would be awesome.