A smokey eye is an iconic makeup look that adds the perfect amount of drama and edge to any ensemble. From glamming up for work meetings or impressing on date night, these beauty hacks will help you master a flawless smokey eye look.
Always start with clean skin before applying makeup; this will make any mishaps easier to clean up later.
1. Choose Your Shades Wisely
Donning the Smokey Eye Properly A well-done Smokey eye can instantly transform you from looking plain Jane into looking sultry and ready for your closeup. However, doing it improperly and you risk appearing like a raccoon or the victim of an elaborate practical joke gone awry!
To protect against this misfortune, start by prepping your eyes with a creamy concealer or primer containing moisture-absorbing properties to stop makeup creasing or flaking throughout the day and make blending much simpler. Furthermore, waterproof mascara will stay put even if tears come pouring out!
Select your shades wisely. A classic smokey eye consists of dark grays, blacks, and browns; but for something more vibrant try mixing in green, purple or red shades – the key here is finding hues that complement one another rather than clashing against each other.
Start by applying a medium shade to your lids, blending it out using circular motions. Next, choose a dark shade that complements this medium tone and work it into your outer corner by applying small amounts of pigment until achieving the desired smoky look. Finally, sweep this dark hue along both your upper and lower lash lines, finishing off the look with gel eyeliner for either dramatic effects or super sharp lines – whatever suits you best!
2. Use an Angled Brush
One common misperception about smokey eyes is that they only consist of dark shadow. But this look can actually include any combination of colors that create depth at the corner of your eyes. An angled brush can help achieve this look as it allows you to reach both corners and apply colors close to the lid line with precision; one such option would be our Wing Man curved eyeliner brush.
Start by applying a light-colored highlight shade all over your lids and inner corners, followed by medium shade blended into your crease. Finally, use darker hues on the outer corners and lower lash lines of both eyes until there is no clear distinction between these tones.
For a bolder smoky eye look, tightlining with either an eyeliner pencil (we recommend Maybelline’s Colorshow Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black) or liquid liner can create the ultimate dramatic effect. Just ensure to choose an easy-to-apply formula so there won’t be any harsh lines across your lashes!
Finish off your look with a layer of mascara to really bring out your eyelashes and add extra drama. When choosing your mascara, look for one with lengthening properties so your lashes don’t flop over. Additionally, a strip of false lashes may further define and intensify the dramatic feel.
3. Apply Eyeliner Wisely
People usually associate smokey eyes with rock and roll styles: dark eyeshadow paired with heavy eyeliner and smudged mascara. Although this look works well for many events and occasions, it is important to remember there are different variations that can suit any mood or style imaginable.
Mastering the art of the smoky eye lies in mastering eyeliner application. Start by priming your lids with primer, so as to prevent shadow fallout and smudging later on. Next, use pencil liner or kohl pencils to draw a thin line along your lower lash line with sharp or smudgy lines depending on desired effect.
After you’ve applied liner, finish off your smokey eye look with gel eyeliner in either black or dark brown to complete it. Apply it along both the upper and lower lash lines if you desire. For added drama, draw another thin line above your upper lids before smudging slightly to add to its drama.
If you prefer more playful and vibrant looks, follow the same steps but switch out gray shades for colorful ones instead. Consider opting for metallic hues to achieve a shimmery shimmer that’s great for summer events – just be sure to blend all colors so there are no harsh lines.
4. Blend Your Shadows
As soon as you’ve perfected the smokey eye look, it can give you the confidence to post unfiltered Instagram pics or wear those heels you have been hoarding in your closet. But be wary when applying too much color – too dark of an eye makeup could actually cause your eyes to look smaller!
To avoid that, choose colors in between. Black and grey shades are most often chosen; however, browns and greens also work very well when creating a soft smokey effect. A primer will also help ensure that colors do not run together too easily when applying your makeup – and make your makeup last longer too!
Make use of a damp brush to intensify the color. This technique works especially well with sparkly colors; just remember to clean your brush immediately afterwards in order to avoid smudging the look.
Start by applying the lightest shade on the inner corners and beneath your eyebrow. Next, take your in-between shade and use a blending brush to gradually blend it into the crease of your lid crease if necessary. Finally, if desired add additional in-between color on outer corner as needed.
5. Add a Pop of Highlight
At the final step in creating an exquisite smokey eye look, adding a pop of highlight is key to giving your eyes an eye-catching appearance that looks fresh and awake. Simply apply highlighter on either the inner corner or lower lash line before blending it in with shadows for maximum impact.
Apply a highlighting powder or cream over your entire lid if you prefer, just be sure that it doesn’t crease or flake, like this formula from Bobbi Brown.
Finally, complete your look with some mascara to complete it. A good mascara can help your lashes appear fuller and longer, drawing attention to your eyes further. When choosing waterproof mascaras make sure they won’t run throughout the day!
Reaping the benefits of smokey eye don’t need to be intimidating – with the appropriate techniques and colors it can be easy and enjoyable! Plus, you can experiment with various looks based on your eye color, skin tone and personal style – for instance blue eyes look best with cooler tones like lilac, silver or baby blue eyeshadow; neutral tones such as beige and brown complement blues well, helping elongate their appearance further still; however hazel or green eyes benefit more from warming brown shades for creating beautiful classic looks.
6. Finish With Eyeliner
Add depth and polish to your smokey eye look by adding a hint of dark liner in the inner corner and upper lid area. For optimal results, this step should be darker than your crease shade (it is best not to go beyond this point otherwise you risk looking like a raccoon).
Experts agree that using an eyeliner correctly is key when it comes to nailing the smokey look. Experts advise choosing either black or dark brown pencil liners thicker than usual to achieve this look, which will also help create more of an feline appearance while softening out any harsh lines caused by eyeshadow application.
As with other aspects of makeup application, eyeliner application requires taking your time so as to ensure a precise and neat application that blends fully. Take extra care to blend out any stark lines between the liner and your eyes as much as possible for optimal results.
Add mascara for an added pop, such as Hourglass Caution Mascara PS25 or waterproof formulas such as Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara; depending on the look you’re going for. For an even bolder statement piece, add false lashes.https://www.youtube.com/embed/yH3rW8M6O5o