The Perfect Smokey Eye: a Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Look

 

The smokey eye makeup look is a timeless and sultry beauty trend that can instantly elevate any makeup look. While it may seem intimidating to achieve, the perfect smokey eye is within reach for anyone with a little practice and the right techniques.

Some days, it’s all about the quick routine — rolling out of bed, hitting the shower, slapping on some sunscreen, and breezing out the door in that easy, natural look. However, there are those other days (or nights) when the adventurous spirit kicks in and you crave an extra touch of glamor.

That’s where the smokey eye makeup look comes in. I mean, who can resist the enchantment of that smoldering, sultry gaze? 

However, the worry that you might end up looking more like a raccoon than a captivating, smoky-eyed seductress is a genuine concern. But fret not! We’re here to show you that absolutely anyone, and we mean ANYONE, can become a maestro in the art of the smokey eye.

Keep reading as we guide you through the step-by-step breakdown of achieving the perfect smokey eye makeup look. You’ll also be inspired with some smokey eye makeup looks that you can easily recreate to enhance your eye-catching allure. 

What is a smokey eye makeup look? 

Creating a smokey eye involves applying a dark eyeshadow along the lash line and expertly blending to achieve that sultry, “smoky” effect. This technique adds drama to the face, making the eyes a captivating focal point.

The beauty of the smokey eye lies in its adaptability, allowing you to experiment with textures, colors, and intensities to find the perfect version that complements your style. The key element? Lots and lots of blending to achieve that seamless finish.

3 things to consider before beginning your smokey eye makeup

• Consider the lash line

First, ensure the darkest shade is consistently applied along the lash line. This not only keeps your makeup looking fresh but also directs attention to your eyes rather than the makeup itself.

• Simplicity is key

Make your eyes stand out by using no more than three eyeshadows and an eyeliner.

• Embrace the power of blending

Utilize brushes to achieve the perfect mix of colors. The intensity of your smokey eye, regardless of how dark or colorful you go, depends on how effectively you blend the eyeliner and eyeshadow. This blending technique is what imparts that captivating, smoldering appearance to your eye makeup.

What you need to create the smoky eye makeup look

• Concealer/Eye primer

First, grab a full-coverage concealer or eye primer to smooth and prep your eyelids for eyeshadow application.

• Shading Brush

Next, arm yourself with a shading brush – opt for a compact, dense brush that efficiently picks up and packs pigment close to the lash line. For blending, acquire a fluffy blending brush that will soften any harsh edges seamlessly.

• Eye Pencil

Ensure you have a creamy eye pencil with a rich formula, such as gel or kohl, that effortlessly blends for the perfect eyeliner application. To add dimension to your eyes, choose three complementary eyeshadows: a medium shade for an all-over blend, a dark shade for the crease, and a light shade for highlighting – all from the same color family.

• Mascara

For the finishing touch, black mascara is a must. Apply two to three coats for stunning, voluminous lashes.

• Swabs of Cotton

Keep swabs of cotton on hand to define edges and tidy up any eyeshadow fallout. These can be used alone or with a touch of micellar water for quick and precise cleanup. With these tools at your disposal, you’re ready to master the art of the smoky eye.

Step-by-Step Instructions for creating a smoky eye

Experts recommend skipping foundation initially and focusing on eye makeup first to make cleaning up any shadow fallout easier on bare skin. This approach also allows your skincare to absorb and settle, providing a more even canvas for your makeup.

Applying a full-coverage concealer or eye primer helps keep your eyeshadow and liner in place throughout the day. This not only enhances the color payoff but also ensures your smoky eye lasts longer.

Moving on to step two, prime your lids. Step three involves choosing a color scheme. While a classic black smokey eye is timeless, you can also have fun with colors, especially when wearing black. Jewel-toned and shimmery shades work well for a vibrant, smoky eye. If you’re hesitant about going too dark, consider a bronze or brown smoky eye for a foolproof and approachable look.

Use a stiff brush to apply medium eyeshadow to the center of your lid, blending it upward and outward. This creates the foundational base for your smoky eye, and the gradient begins to take shape. If it feels a bit heavy initially, smooth the edges and tone down the pigment with a fluffy brush.

This is where the smoky-eyed magic happens. Use the stiff brush to pat the darkest shade onto the outer eyelid, gently fading it towards the middle along the crease. Pat it to ensure vibrant color, and recommend using the same brush for a seamless look.

If you’re feeling bold, experiment with a brighter hue at this point. For hooded eyes or monolids, consider a cut crease to maximize lid space. We advise keeping your eyes open during application, and if a cut crease isn’t your style, go for an ombré design, dark near the lash line, fading and blending upward.

Lighten the smoky-eye gradient by blending the lightest shade from the crease to the brow bone. Enhance eye openness by adding a highlight to the inner corners.

Depending on your desired drama level, this step is optional. Either leave your makeup as is or use eyeliner along the lash line, possibly extending to a wing or rimming the waterline.

Clean up any fallout or soften edges using a cotton bud. If needed, dip it in micellar water for effective cleanup.

Finish the rest of your makeup before returning to the eyes for mascara. A couple of coats will keep your lashes dark without any powder residue. Fake lashes are an option, especially for hooded lids.

5 Smoky Eyes We’re Obsessed With Right Now

Indulge in some celebrity-inspired smokey eye styles for that perfect visual boost before you begin your makeup journey. Here are five fantastic looks that we’re currently obsessed with:

Picture a sparkly silver shadow placed strategically on the movable lid and along the lower lash line, giving this brilliant smokey eye a charming and flirtatious twist. Especially ideal for those with petite eyes, we suggest adding a hint of shimmer or a light matte shade to the brow bone and inner corners to bring a radiant touch to the eyes.

Feast your eyes on this flawless, classic smokey eye look. The eyeshadow tones seamlessly blend, a touch of eyeliner is gently smeared over the lower lash line, and long, dramatic lashes add brightness and openness to the eyes, beautifully tying the entire look together.

When drama is the goal, ditch the neutrals and dive into dark eyeshadow colors like charcoal blacks or deep browns for an all-over shade and crease color. While this look emphasizes intensity in those regions, notice the lighter brown highlight and the long, lifted lashes working together to enhance eye openness.

This look challenges the notion that a smokey eye must be dominated by extremely dark shadows. Use vibrant colors like green, blue, purple, or red for a sultry appearance. As you gain confidence with colorful, smokey eyes, experiment with monochromatic looks. Choose a single color for your lid, a medium tone for the crease, and a light color for the highlight. It’s that simple!

If you prefer a no-makeup makeup style, start with a simple, smokey eye. Opt for softer shadow tones, go lighter on the crease color, and avoid smudging your liner.

Skip the dark liner around the lower lash line in favor of something brighter, or skip it entirely for a subtle touch. These looks offer a spectrum of smokey-eye possibilities for everyone.

 

Photo: TraceUK