A smokey eye is a surefire way to add that star-quality glow to your makeup. Despite its intimidating reputation, it’s actually one of the easiest makeup techniques to master.
It’s all about how you blend the darker shades and liner. We’ve got the tips and tricks you need to achieve that perfect, smoldering look every time.
Choose the Right Shades
A good smokey eye makeup look can be a bit tricky to achieve for beginners. But with the right makeup tips and techniques, anyone can master this classic beauty look. The key is choosing the right shades and blending them well. With a little practice, you can create an amazing smoky eye that will leave everyone in awe of your stunning looks. TikTok’s top beauty trends are changing and can help you experiment with different things.
The first step is to apply a primer or concealer to the lids. This will help the shadows to stay on all day and will give you a flawless base.
Once the primer has dried, start by applying a light shade of eyeshadow to the entire eyelid. Then choose a darker shade to put in the crease. Use a small brush to get the color into the crease and blend it until you see no harsh lines. You can continue to build up the intensity of the pigment by applying additional layers until you have reached your desired look.
When creating a smokey eye, it’s important to choose the right colors for your skin tone and eye shape. A classic smoky eye is often done in shades of gray, but you can experiment with any color to suit your preference. If you have brown eyes, try using deep copper colors or even gold to make them pop. Purple hues can also look great on brown eyes, as can burgundy shades.
Once you’ve blended your dark shades to perfection, it’s time to add a touch of shimmer and highlight. Take a small brush and press a light, glittery eyeshadow into the inner corners of your eyes or along the brow bone for an extra pop of glam. To complete the look, top it off with a mascara that’s designed to lengthen and thicken your lashes. You can even add false lashes for a full-on dramatic effect. Then, top off your smoky eye with a face highlighter and some blush for the perfect finishing touches. You’re now ready to show off your smoldering new look!
Blend It
A lot of makeup looks come and go, but none have withstood the test of time quite like a classic smoky eye. The good news is that, with the right technique, anyone can master this iconic look. Whether you want to get glammed up for a big night out or simply dial down the drama for a run of errands, there’s a smoldering smokey eye for every occasion.
The first step to a smokey eye is choosing the right shades for your eye shape and coloring. Blacks and grays are staples for this look, but you can also experiment with other rich, dark colors to create a smoky effect. Browns of all tones are also a great option, as are purples, greens and blues.
Regardless of your color palette, the key is to blend all the shadows well. Make sure there’s no clear distinction between the lightest shade, the middle, and the darkest color. This is a common mistake that people make, and it can completely change the look of your eyes. To avoid this, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend all three shades until they are all one.
To keep your eyes looking polished, add a wash of a matte color over your lids and under the bottom lashes. This will help the other colors pop and appear more vibrant. To add a little extra shimmer, you can also apply a shimmery base to your eyelids. A powder is best for this, as it will be more long-lasting than a cream or liquid.
You’ll need to add a touch of definition to your eyes, too, and the best way to do that is with an eyeliner pencil. Greenberg recommends a high-quality, waterproof formula to ensure that it lasts all night long and doesn’t flake.
Once you’ve applied your liner, use a blending brush to soften the edges of it. Next, use a black or dark brown mascara to complete the look. You can also try a smoky lip to match for a bold statement that will catch everyone’s attention.
Create the Illusion
While some makeup looks come and go, the smoky eye is a beauty classic that has withstood the test of time. Whether you’re looking to get glammed up for the red carpet or dialed back for a night out, the look works with any outfit. And while it may seem like a complicated look to master, the smoky eye can actually be quite simple, especially when broken down into a few easy-to-follow steps.
To start, apply a light-colored highlight shade across your eyelids and inner corners, followed by medium-colored shadow from the middle of your lid to the outer corner. Blend, blending upwards and outwards to create the effect of a natural-looking crease. For more drama, apply a dark shadow on the outer corner of your eyes and tightline with eyeliner. This will make your eyes appear bigger and more defined.
Now it’s time to add your smoky hues. With a damp eyeshadow brush, begin by applying your lighter color to the entire lid and upper lash line. You can use a neutral shade for this step, or one of your favorite blacks. Next, move on to your crease shade. “Pat this shade onto the lid,” Davidson says, “and gently fade it toward the center of your eye along your crease.” To avoid any harsh lines, don’t rush this step and be sure to blend, blend, blend.
After that, you’ll want to add a little bit of depth to your smokey eye with a darker, smokier shade. You can use the same dark hue you used on your lower lash line, or you can try something more dramatic like a deep brown. Again, be sure to blend, and remember that less is more when it comes to a smoky eye!
When you’re done, use a clean eyeshadow brush to sweep away any remaining powder from your face. And don’t forget a swipe of mascara for the finishing touch. “Mascara is the perfect finisher for any eye look and can elevate your smoky eye even further,” says Oquendo.
Make It Last
The smokey eye is a classic look that works for just about any occasion. While it may seem like a complicated look to master, the steps are actually quite simple. All you need are the right makeup products and the perfect technique, and you’ll be rocking this sultry style in no time.
If you’re looking to give your smoky eyes some extra pop, try applying a highlighter under your brow bone for a brightening effect. This will help to make your eyes appear more vibrant, which is ideal if you’re wearing a dark smokey eye look for a formal event or wedding.
Another tip that experts recommend is to use a high-quality primer or concealer on your lids before you start working on the smoky eye. This will help to prevent the colors from fading or smudging throughout the day. For best results, use a concealer that has a creamy texture, and avoid those with a dry or matte finish.
Lastly, if you’re struggling with making your smoky eye look more defined, try adding some eyeliner to your upper and lower lash line.
As you can see, there are countless ways to create the perfect smokey eye look. By choosing the right shades, blending them well, and using a highlighter to brighten your eyes, you can achieve any type of smoky eye look that you’re going for. The key is to practice until you perfect the technique, and then experiment with different looks to find the perfect combination that suits you.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to smokey eyes! If you’re not a fan of the traditional gray shades, try swapping them out for fun hues like blue, green, or purple. The key is to have fun and play around with the color until you find a look that you love. Then, just like any other makeup look, you can take it to the next level by applying lashings of mascara and false lashes for a complete, polished look.
