The smokey eye makeup look has been a timeless trend that never seems to go out of style. It is a versatile and sultry look that can be worn for any occasion, from a night out on the town to a fancy dinner party. However, achieving the perfect smokey eye can be a bit intimidating for some, as it requires some skill and precision. But fear not, as I am here to guide you through the steps of creating a flawless smokey eye makeup look.
Step 1: Prep and prime
Before you start applying any makeup, it is important to prep your eyelids. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow. This will help your eyeshadow stay in place and prevent creasing throughout the day. If you don’t have an eyeshadow primer, you can use a concealer or foundation as a base instead.
Step 2: Choose your colors
When it comes to creating a smokey eye, the key is to choose the right colors. While black is the classic shade for a smokey eye, you can also use dark shades of brown, gray, blue, or even purple to create a more unique look. It’s always a good idea to have a few different shades on hand to create depth and dimension in your smokey eye.
Step 3: Apply your base shade
Start by applying a medium-toned eyeshadow all over your eyelid as a base. This will help your darker shades blend more seamlessly and create a gradient effect. Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply the color, blending it from your lash line to the crease of your eyelid.
Step 4: Define your crease
Next, take a darker eyeshadow shade and apply it to the crease of your eyelid to add depth and definition. Use a smaller eyeshadow brush to apply the color in a windshield wiper motion, blending it upwards towards your brow bone. Be sure to blend out any harsh lines to create a seamless transition between colors.
Step 5: Add your darkest shade
Now it’s time to add the darkest shade to create the smokey effect. Use a small, dense eyeshadow brush to apply the darkest shade to the outer corner of your eyelid, blending it towards the center of your lid. This will create a gradient effect and give your eyes a sultry, smokey look. You can also run the darkest shade along your lower lash line for a more intense look.
Step 6: Highlight your brow bone
To finish off your smokey eye look, apply a shimmery or matte eyeshadow to your brow bone to highlight and lift your eyes. This will help to open up your eyes and add a touch of glamour to your look. Use a small eyeshadow brush to apply the highlight shade just under your eyebrow, blending it downwards towards your crease.
Step 7: Line your eyes
To complete your smokey eye look, line your eyes with a black or dark eyeliner. You can create a winged eyeliner look for added drama, or simply line your upper and lower lash lines for a more subtle look. Either way, lining your eyes will help to define your eye shape and add the finishing touch to your smokey eye.
Step 8: Curl your lashes and apply mascara
To complete your smokey eye look, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler and apply a few coats of mascara to add volume and length. This will help to frame your eyes and make them appear more open and bright. If you want to add even more drama to your look, you can also apply false eyelashes for a more intense effect.
Step 9: Clean up any fallout
Creating a smokey eye look can be a messy process, so be sure to clean up any fallout from your eyeshadow before applying your foundation and concealer. Use a makeup wipe or some micellar water on a cotton pad to gently remove any excess eyeshadow from under your eyes and on your cheeks.
Step 10: Finish with face makeup
Once you have completed your smokey eye look, finish off your makeup with foundation, concealer, blush, and lipstick. Keep the rest of your makeup relatively neutral to let your smokey eyes take center stage. A nude lip and a subtle blush will complement your smokey eye look without competing for attention.
Creating a smokey eye makeup look may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right tools, anyone can achieve this classic and sultry look. Just remember to start with a good eyeshadow primer, choose the right colors, and blend, blend, blend! Experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you, and most importantly, have fun with it! A smokey eye is a timeless and effortlessly chic look that will never go out of style.
