It's easy to get stuck and play it safe when it comes to make-up. Do you feel you would love to try out different trends but just don't know where to start? A smoky eye look is a fail-safe look that will see you through the Christmas party season.

When trying out new looks it is always best to give yourself time. Don't try new looks an hour before you are due to head out for the night. You don't want to leave the house with panda eyes! Play around and see what suits you best before debuting your new look.

Step-by-step guide

I'm going to use a black shadow for this smoky eye, but this look can be created with browns, purples, navy or silver.

STEP 1: Apply some of your cream concealer on your eyelid to create a smooth canvas make sure the shadow sticks.

STEP 2: Pick a nude or cream colour and apply all over the lid.

STEP 3: Gather some of your dark colour with your brush and create an arch shape. Start midway at the crease of your lid and sweep down towards your lash line. Then start blending to give a smoky effect.

STEP 4: Using a charcoal black pencil, drag the pencil across the lower lash line to meet the outer corner. Use a blending brush, cotton tip or your finger to smudge the liner on the bottom lash line to create that sexy smoky eye look.

STEP 5: Now to give the eye a little lift, you can either apply a nice vibrant colour or a nude shade only in the centre of your eye bringing it to meet the dark colour.

STEP 6: Now it's time to blend. Always blend upwards and outwards - this ensures there are no harsh lines.

STEP 7:  With this look, you can use gold, silver or white dust shimmer to highlight angles. Create contrast by brushing shimmer onto your brow bone and right in the corner of the eye.

STEP 8: If you are not confident using liquid liner you can always use a pencil, but make sure it is freshly sharpened before you start. Starting from the outer corner right into the inner eye, apply a thin layer of liner. Straight away, you will see how this helps bring the whole look together.

STEP9: Don't forget your brows. To create the perfect brow, use an angled brush, brown shadow or a pencil. Follow the natural brush strokes of your hair with your brush to define  your brow shape.

STEP 10: Using a jet black mascara from root to tip apply your mascara give two or three layers on both top and both lashes. And there you have it, the perfect smoky eye in 10 easy steps.

From instant tan to sprays and tinted moisturisers, the volume of different self tanners available is endless. So how do you choose? Start by looking at your skin type. Whether fair, medium or dark skinned you need to match the tan to your skin tone.Tantastic Self Tanning Liquid

Giving a sun kissed instant glow, Tantastic is an easy choice for me when I want an instant glow. Being a liquid tan, it can be tricky to apply so make sure you follow the steps below and you should be fine!

€18.00 for 150ml available in Pharmacies nationwide.

Benefits

• 5 full bodies application, lasting up to 7 days

• Instant colour

• Fades gradually with no patches

• Dries quickly due to advance skin absorbing ingredients

• Paraben and alcohol free.

• Contains Ecocert approved natural DNA (6%)

How to apply

• Apply fragrance free moisture to hands, elbows, knees and ankles

•Use an application mitt to apply small amounts of tan at a time

• Apply in for it circular motions and allow to dry

A spray tan is often the best option if you are going to an event, wedding or away for the weekend. A spray tan will last longer without leaving any streaky marks. Best of all, it is applied by a professional and all you have to do is prep your skin beforehand.

Avg €20.00 for a full body, available in salons nation wide.

Benefits 

• Application done by a professional

• Brown colour with no orange tint

• Last for up to 6 days

• No streaks

• Quick drying

• Very natural fade off and the remainder is easily removed with exfoliator.

Preparation

•Exfoliate and moisture a couple of days before hand but not on the day of tanning

• Wear loose clothing

• Do not apply deodorant or perfume on the day of a spray tan

	Dove Summer Glow - medium to dark skin Dove Summer Glow is a fantastic way to build your tan up over time while also moisturising your skin. If you are fair skinned, I would suggest going for the lighter shade. €6.69  250ml bottle in Boots or any supermarket nation wide. Benefits • Gradually builds a natural, glowing tan • Moisturises the skin • Can also be applied on the face • Good value for money How to apply • Gently rub into the skin in circular motions with the moisturiser • Apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly to brows and hairline to apply discolouration • Wash hands immediately after use