Last Minute Party Makeup: Urban Decay’s Smoke Out

Don’t you just love the little makeup kits that contain everything you need? They are so perfect for traveling, taking to the office to touch up your makeup, keep in your gym bag, etc. A new one I recently checked out has a super sweet case (although not very practical for travel) and contains everything you need to make the perfect smoky eye. Plus it comes in three color combos, so you can find one that suites your skin tone or eye color.

Urban Decay’s Smoke Out Kit comes in a multi-tiered box, where each level swivels out to display the mini makeup products within. The top layer even has a little drawer with an instruction pamphlet inside on how to apply the products for a smoky eye look. Once you swing out the top layer, you can flip it over to use the mirror. The second layer has four shadows, the third a mini brush and mini 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil and the bottom layer has a mini tube of Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara.

I was a little daunted by the instruction pamphlet, because it contains 10 (!) steps and starts with this:

Successful smoky eyes are all in the details, so take your time. They involve a measure amount of strategically placed black eye pencil, lots of blending and patience.

Well, I don’t really have time or patience, but I gave it a shot. The first try took about 10 minutes, but the second time I got it down to about 2 – not too shaby! The directions only contain 2 things the kit doesn’t come with: eye shadow primer and eye lash curlers. It has a diagram showing you how to use each shadow: matte nude shadow and a matte white shadow (in all kits) and a medium and dark toned shadow. It also has instructions on how to properly apply the eyeliner – a great thing for all of us who’ve attempted the smoky eye and ended up looking like we’d gotten a black eye. The mascara is a great touch, since kits often leave them out. And the small size is great for touch up any day.

The final look? Totally hot. I used the Yerba kit, which had a meduim and deep green as the other two shadows. The lighter version (as opposed to blacks) really helped on my fair coloring and made my blue eyes stand out. My only complaint is that as cool as the swivel design is, it doesn’t stay shut well. My fix? A hair tie around the box to keep it shut when I take it on the go with me.