A smokey eye is a timeless and sexy makeup look. It’s perfect for nighttime and can even be adapted for the daytime. Despite its popularity, some women avoid this technique, thinking it’s too hard to create. But with the right tips and tricks, a smokey eye can be easy and fun. From the classic black smokey eye to colorful looks for your eye color, here’s everything you need to know to master the smokey eye.
How to Achieve the Perfect Smokey Eyes
Classic Black Smokey Eye
A classic black smokey eye is famous for a reason. It looks good on everyone and is great for a sexy nighttime look. Here’s how to create it:
1. Moisturize your eye area to prepare your skin.
2. Apply primer to your eyelids and add concealer to any dark circles under your eyes.
3. Use a medium round brush to apply grey eyeshadow in an arch above your eye crease and blend it downwards over your eyelids.
4. Apply black kohl pencil to your upper lash line and smudge it upwards over your eyelids.
5. Use a small angled brush to apply black or gunmetal eyeshadow to your lower lash line.
6. Apply silver eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes for a pop of brightness.
7. Add multiple coats of mascara to your curled lashes.
8. Clean up any excess shadow with a cotton swab dipped in concealer.
Smokey Eye for Brown Eyes
Brown eyes look great with nearly every shade of smokey eye, especially vibrant jeweled hues like purple. Here’s how to create a modern purple smokey eye:
1. Apply a light orchid or violet shadow all over your lids.
2. Blend a rich plum hue into the creases of your eyes, mixing with the violet.
3. Apply black eyeliner to your lower lash line and lightly smudge it.
4. Use a wet brush to apply lilac eyeshadow over your lower lash liner.
5. Add black eyeliner to your upper lashes and finish with two coats of mascara.
Smokey Eye for Blue Eyes
A bronze smokey eye can make blue eyes look brighter. This warm shade is perfect for day or night. Here’s how to create it:
1. Use a cream-based eyeshadow in light bronze or gold.
2. Apply the shadow to your lids from lashes to the crease using a small round brush.
3. Blend the edges of the shadow with your ring finger and press it into the inner corners of your eyes.
4. Apply rich bronze eyeshadow above the crease of your lid, to the outer corner of your eye, and along your lower lash line.
5. Blend a highlighter along your brow bone and in the inner corners of your eyes.
6. Apply brown eyeliner to your upper lids and finish with a coat of black mascara.
Smokey Eye for Grey Eyes
Burgundy eyeshadow is a trendy choice for grey eyes. This color adds depth and makes grey eyes look stunning. Here’s how to create a burgundy smokey eye:
1. Press burgundy eyeshadow onto your lids from lashes to the crease using a medium flat brush.
2. Apply the same shadow to your lower lash line with a small angled brush.
3. Blend a matte warm brown or peach shadow on and above the crease, sweeping it into the burgundy.
4. Rim your eyes with a warm brown eyeliner and smudge it.
5. Apply two or three coats of black mascara and pair with a nude lip for a balanced look.
Smokey Eye for Hazel Eyes
Navy tones look fantastic with hazel eyes. This rich color is a fun alternative to black and adds a modern touch. Here’s how to create it:
1. Apply a warm matte brown eyeshadow on and above the crease with a soft brush.
2. Line both lash lines with chocolate brown liner and smudge with a pencil brush.
3. Press navy eyeshadow onto the outer third of your lids and blend across.
4. Line the inner rim of your lower lid with a black waterproof liner.
5. Add a shimmery highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and finish with mascara.
Smokey Eye for Green Eyes
Emerald green eyeshadow looks amazing on green eyes, creating a dramatic and romantic look. Here’s how to create it:
1. Apply cream or nude-colored shadow to your eyelids, creases, and inner corners.
2. Use a small rounded brush to apply emerald shadow to the inner corners of your eyes and sweep it across your lids.
3. Blend dark brown matte shadow into the outer corner of your eye and into the emerald.
4. Create a wing on the outer corner of your eyes with matte black shadow using an angled brush. Blend back across the crease.
5. Apply emerald shadow to your lower lash line, add brown shadow to the outer half, and finish with black eyeliner and mascara.
Colored Smokey Eyes
Colored smokey eyes are modern and vibrant, offering beautiful results. They are lighter than black, making them easier to wear during the day. Here’s how to make this look work:
1. Choose the right shade for your eye color. For example, purple for brown eyes, bronze for blue eyes, and emerald for green eyes.
2. Follow the basic steps of applying and blending eyeshadow, adding eyeliner, and finishing with mascara.
3. Experiment with different colors to find the one that enhances your eyes the most.
By following these simple tips, you can master the smokey eye look for any occasion and eye color. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the style that suits you best!
Takeaways
Mastering the smokey eye look can transform your makeup routine, giving you a versatile and stunning option for both day and night. Whether you opt for the classic black smokey eye or experiment with vibrant colors tailored to your eye shade, the key is in the blending and the right tools. With the tips and tricks outlined above, you can confidently create a flawless smokey eye that enhances your natural beauty and adds a touch of drama to any look. Don’t be afraid to play with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be rocking the smokey eye like a pro!