Sophie i technique - iconic i

Illamasqua recently launched some new SOPHIE products and with it an online competition to create your own version of the sophie i technique smokey eye. This technique is explained on their site with a step my step guide to producing this creative smokey eye look. I am a supporter of this collection because of what it stands for in the fight against prejudice and bullying which was explained in one my previous blog posts. Illamasqua collections are always exciting and I hope to purchase some of the SOPHIE products when I next get paid. In the mean time i decided to put my creative skills to the test and enter their competition to win £100 worth of products and upload my version of the iconic i.

The step by step guide on how to create the SOPHIE i

For this look I wanted to create a smokey eye with a twist by using oranges and reds with the dark black and I feel it gives it a modern, almost futuristic look.

Here is how I created it in 10 steps:

1. I applied Chanel Vitalumiere aqua all over the skin to create a dewy but medium coverage base. I made sure to apply foundation to the eyelids which would act as a primer for the eyeshadows and counteract any discolouration on my eyelids.

2. I didn't have a black kohl eyeliner to hand so I used black eyeshadow to create the line from the outer corner of the eye through the socket line. This line gave me my initial shape but would be much more intense and easier to follow if using a black pencil. I blended it slightly but not too much so as not to lose too much intensity of colour or shape.

3. I applied a light orange colour all over the lid and blended using a mac 217 brush. I didn't go above the socket line as this is where the black line would be created.

4. I applied a red colour to the middle and outer corners of the lid, blending it into the orange at the meet so that the colours seemed to change seamlessly. I used the same 217 brush to blend.

5. I applied more of the black eyeshadow to the outer corner to intensify and create the winged smokey eye effect. I decided to create a long upturned wing because then I could use more colour on the lid and make the look more dramatic.

6. I used a black gel eyeliner along the lash line to make the eyes look darker and make lashes look thicker.

7. I used lots of mascara to thicken and lengthen lashes on both top and bottom lashes. 

8. I used concealer to tidy up under and around the eye. I used a sponge to make the outer corners of the eye more defined. I also put concealer under the brow to lift and define the shape of the smokey eye.

9. I added some bronzer to contour under the cheekbones. I made the contouring quite strong as this look would suit catwalk or editorial where the cheekbones could be made more prominent and highlights using light and dark shades on the face.

10. I added an orange/red lipstick to compliment the eye colours and make the look even more creative and dramatic without overpowering the smokey eyes.

The products I used:

Foundation - Chanel vitalumiere aqua

Concealer - Collection 2000 lasting perfection

Bronzer - Benefit Hoola

Eyeshadows - ELF 100 pc palette (orange and red) Sleek storm palette (black)

Mascara - Bourjois Volumizer

Eyeliner - Maybelline gel liner

The colours used are definitely not your traditional smokey eye, however I tried to follow the SOPHIE i technique to some extent whilst giving it my own creative twist! I love playing around with colours and even though I have used oranges and reds I still think this look is quite wearable and if your looking for something a little different for a night out this would look amazing with a black outfit and statement jewellery!

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