The smokey eye is a timeless makeup look that can add drama and sophistication to any outfit. However, achieving the perfect smokey eye can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to makeup. But fear not, as with any skill, practice makes perfect. In this article, we will break down the steps to achieving the perfect smokey eye, from choosing the right products to application techniques.
Step 1: Choose the Right Products
Before we begin, it is important to choose the right products for your skin type and desired look. Here are some things to consider:
Eyeshadow
When choosing eyeshadow for a smokey eye, it is important to choose shades that complement your eye color. For brown eyes, warm shades like bronze and gold work well, while blue eyes pop with cool shades like silver and grey. Green eyes look great with earthy tones like olive and taupe.
Some popular eyeshadow palettes for a smokey eye include:
- Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette
- Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Smokey
- Too Faced Smokey Eye Palette
Eyeliner
For a classic smokey eye, black eyeliner is a must. However, if you want a softer look, try using a brown or grey eyeliner instead.
Some popular eyeliners for a smokey eye include:
- MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
- Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Stingray
- Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner in Bedroom Black
Mascara
To complete the look, choose a volumizing mascara that will make your lashes look full and fluttery.
Some popular mascaras for a smokey eye include:
- Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Step 2: Prep Your Eyes
Before applying any makeup, it is important to prep your eyes to ensure that the makeup stays in place and looks flawless. Here's how:
Prime Your Lids
Using an eyeshadow primer will help to prevent creasing and make your eyeshadow last longer.
Some popular eyeshadow primers for a smokey eye include:
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
- NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer
Conceal Dark Circles
Use a concealer to cover any dark circles or discoloration around your eyes. This will help to brighten your eyes and make them look more awake.
Some popular concealers for a smokey eye include:
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Step 3: Apply Eyeshadow
Now that your eyes are prepped and ready, it's time to apply eyeshadow. Here's how to get the perfect smokey eye:
Apply the Base Shade
Start by applying a neutral base shade all over your lid. This will help to even out your skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the rest of your eyeshadow.
Some popular base shades for a smokey eye include:
- MAC Eyeshadow in Brule
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow in Birkin
- Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Vanilla Bean
Apply the Crease Shade
Next, apply a darker shade to your crease. Use a fluffy brush to blend the color upwards and outwards towards your brow bone. This will create a gradient effect and make your eyes look more defined.
Some popular crease shades for a smokey eye include:
- MAC Eyeshadow in Soft Brown
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow in Fawn
- Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Cocoa Bear
Apply the Lid Shade
Using a flat eyeshadow brush, apply a darker shade to your lid. Pack the color on for a more intense look, or blend it out for a softer effect.
Some popular lid shades for a smokey eye include:
- MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow in Stone
- Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Corrupt
Apply the Outer Corner Shade
To add even more depth to your smokey eye, apply a dark shade to the outer corner of your eye. Use a small, tapered brush to blend the color into your crease for a seamless transition.
Some popular outer corner shades for a smokey eye include:
- MAC Eyeshadow in Embark
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow in Noir
- Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Bitten
Blend, Blend, Blend
The key to a flawless smokey eye is blending. Use a clean fluffy brush to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless gradient effect.
Some popular blending brushes for a smokey eye include:
- MAC 217 Blending Brush
- Morphe M441 Pro Firm Blending Crease Brush
- Sigma E25 Blending Brush
Step 4: Apply Eyeliner and Mascara
Now that your eyeshadow is complete, it's time to add eyeliner and mascara. Here's how:
Apply Eyeliner
Using a black eyeliner, line your upper lash line. For a more intense look, you can also line your lower lash line. Use a smudger brush to blend out the liner for a smokey effect.
Some popular smudger brushes for a smokey eye include:
- MAC 219 Pencil Brush
- Morphe M507 Pointed Mini Blender Brush
- Sigma E30 Pencil Brush
Apply Mascara
Finish off the look by applying mascara to your top and bottom lashes. Use a volumizing mascara to make your lashes look full and fluttery.
Some popular volumizing mascaras for a smokey eye include:
- L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
- Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara
- Dior Diorshow Pump 'N' Volume Mascara
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect smokey eye:
- Use a light hand when applying eyeshadow. It's easier to add more color than to take it away.
- If you make a mistake, don't panic. Use a clean brush to blend out any harsh lines or mistakes.
- Experiment with different eyeshadow shades to find the ones that work best for your eye color and skin tone.
- Don't forget to blend! Blending is the key to a flawless smokey eye.
- If you have smaller eyes, try using a lighter shade on your lid to make your eyes appear larger.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect smokey eye may take some practice, but with the right products and techniques, anyone can do it. Remember to choose the right products for your skin type and desired look, prep your eyes before applying any makeup, and blend, blend, blend! With these tips and tricks, you'll be rocking the perfect smokey eye in no time.