Michelle Clark, senior national artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics, recommends a diffused look she calls "black velvet" that features smoky outer and inner corners, a lighter lid, and lined waterlines. "When I think of black eyeshadow, I think matte, round, and velvety in texture," she tells Bustle. "Not overthinking the shape or how to achieve it is key."
To get the look, Clark says to first apply concealer over the lid to create a soft canvas. Then, use a black kohl liner (like M.A.C.'s Eye Kohl eyeliner) and apply it to the inner corner, outer corner, and upper and lower waterlines. Next, use a soft, fluffy brush to blend out the color, keeping it close to the waterline and away from the center of the lid. "This adds dimension and makes it look like you used multiple colors when, in fact, you are only using one," she says.
To finalize it, use a soft, round brush and set the kohl with a matte black shadow like Anastasia Beverly Hills' shadow in Noir, and you're good to go.
