Smokey eyes are one of the most popular and versatile eye makeup looks. They can add drama, glamour, and sophistication to any outfit and occasion. However, creating a perfect smokey eye can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the techniques and products involved. In this article, we will show you how to do a smokey eye step by step, using some tips from professional makeup artists.
What You Need for a Smokey Eye
To create a smokey eye, you will need the following items:
- An eye primer: This will help your eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing. You can use a dedicated eye primer or a concealer that matches your skin tone.
- A shader eyeshadow brush: This is a flat and dense brush that can pack on color on your eyelids.
- A blending brush: This is a fluffy and soft brush that can blend out the edges of your eyeshadow and create a smooth transition between colors.
- An eyeshadow palette: You will need at least three shades of eyeshadow in the same color family: a light shade, a medium shade, and a dark shade. You can also use a fourth shade that is sheer or sparkly for some extra dimension. The most common colors for a smokey eye are black, gray, brown, and plum, but you can also experiment with other colors that suit your eye color and skin tone.
- A gel eyeliner: This is a creamy and pigmented eyeliner that can glide on smoothly and create a rich line. You can use black for a classic smokey eye or a matching color for a more subtle effect.
- A black mascara: This will add volume and length to your lashes and complete your eye look.
How to Do a Smokey Eye
Follow these steps to create a smokey eye:
- Prime your eyelids. Apply a thin layer of primer or concealer all over your eyelids, from the lash line to the brow bone. This will create a smooth base for your eyeshadow and make it more vibrant and long-lasting.
- Apply the medium shade all over your eyelid. Using the shader brush, pick up some of the medium eyeshadow shade and apply it evenly over your entire eyelid, stopping at the crease. This will be the main color of your smokey eye.
- Apply the dark shade on the outer corner and crease of your eye. Using the same brush, dip it into the dark eyeshadow shade and apply it on the outer third of your eyelid, creating a V shape that extends to the crease. Blend it well with the medium shade using small circular motions.
- Apply the light shade on the inner corner and brow bone of your eye. Using a clean shader brush or your finger, dab some of the light eyeshadow shade on the inner corner of your eye and under your brow bone. This will brighten up your eyes and add some contrast to your smokey eye.
- Apply the gel eyeliner on your upper and lower lash line. Using a small angled brush or the applicator that comes with the gel eyeliner, draw a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and ending at the outer corner. You can wing it out slightly for a more dramatic effect. Then, apply some gel eyeliner on your lower lash line, starting from the outer corner and stopping halfway or three-quarters of the way in. Smudge it slightly with your finger or a cotton swab for a softer look.
- Apply mascara on your lashes. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler if you want to add some extra lift. Then, apply one or two coats of black mascara on your upper and lower lashes, wiggling the wand from the roots to the tips.
- Optional: Apply some sheer or sparkly eyeshadow on the center of your eyelid. If you want to add some extra dimension and shine to your smokey eye, you can use a fourth eyeshadow shade that is sheer or sparkly. Using your finger or a small shader brush, dab some of this eyeshadow on the center of your eyelid, where the light hits naturally. This will create an illusion of depth and make your eyes pop.
Tips for a Perfect Smokey Eye
Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless smokey eye:
- Choose colors that complement your eye color and skin tone. For example, green eyes look great with gray and plum shades, blue eyes stand out with gold or copper shades, and brown eyes look stunning with navy or charcoal shades.
- Blend well. The key to a smokey eye is to blend the eyeshadows well so that there are no harsh lines or patches. Use a clean blending brush to soften the edges of each color and create a smooth gradient.
- Start with less and build up gradually. It is easier to add more eyeshadow than to take it off. Start with a small amount of product and build up the intensity and coverage as you go. You can always go back and add more color or blend more if needed.
- Use a tissue or a powder under your eyes to catch any fallout. Some eyeshadows, especially dark or glittery ones, can fall on your cheeks or under your eyes as you apply them. To avoid this, you can place a tissue or a light layer of loose powder under your eyes before you start doing your eye makeup. This will catch any fallout and make it easier to clean up later.
- Balance your makeup. Since a smokey eye is a bold and dramatic look, you may want to keep the rest of your makeup simple and neutral. For example, you can use a light foundation, a peachy blush, and a nude or pink lip gloss to balance out your eye look.
Conclusion
A smokey eye is a timeless and versatile eye makeup look that can suit any occasion and style. By following the steps and tips in this article, you can create a perfect smokey eye using any color palette you like. Have fun experimenting with different shades and techniques, and enjoy your glamorous smokey eyes!
Source:
(1) How to Do a Smoky Eye, Easy Smoky Eye Makeup Tutorial | IPSY. https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-do-a-smoky-eye.
(2) 3 Ways to Get Smokey Eyes With Makeup – wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Smokey-Eyes-With-Makeup.
(3) The Expert Way To Do Smokey Eye Make-Up – Beauty Daily. https://beautydaily.clarins.co.uk/beauty/eyes/how-to-do-smokey-eye-makeup/.
(4) 7 Makeup Tips to Get the Perfect Smoky Eye From Pro Makeup Artists – Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/pro-tips-for-applying-smoky-under-eye-makeup.
(5) 15 Smokey Eye Tutorials – Step by Step Guide to Perfect Hollywood Makeup. https://wildaboutbeauty.com/smokey-eyes/.