Smokey eyes bring a strong, elegant vibe to your look. If you're getting ready for a night out or a special event, learning to create smokey eyes can improve your makeup skills. This simple guide will show you what to do, from choosing the right eyeshadow to getting the final blend just right.
What is a Smokey Eye Makeup Style?
A smokey eye is a bold makeup look characterized by dark, smudged eyeshadow around the eyes, usually in shades of black, grey, and brown. The key is to blend the colors seamlessly to create a "smoked-out" effect, giving the eyes a sultry, dramatic appearance. You can tailor smokey eyes for all skin tones. This gives a flexible style for any event.
How to Get Smokey Eyes: A Simple Guide
Follow these easy steps to create a stunning smokey eye makeup look. Regardless if you're a beginner or a pro in makeup, these suggestions will assist you in crafting the ideal smokey eye.
1. Prep Your Eyes
Before applying eyeshadow, make sure your eyelids are clean and free of any oil. To keep your makeup from creasing or fading, use an eyeshadow primer for lasting wear.
2. Apply a Base Shade
Start with a neutral eyeshadow as your base. Apply it all over your eyelids, from the lash line to the crease. This will help create a smooth canvas for the darker shades.
3. Create the Smokey Effect
Now, choose a dark eyeshadow (usually black, dark brown, or grey) and apply it to the outer corner of your eye. Gently blend the shadow towards the crease, creating a "V" shape. Be sure to blend the color well to avoid harsh lines. For a classic smokey eye, stick to traditional shades like deep blacks and browns.
4. Smudge and Blend
The key to a perfect smokey eye is blending. Take a clean blending brush and gently smudge the eyeshadow to soften the edges. The more you blend, the more seamless the transition between the dark and lighter shades will be. Use eyeshadow brushes that are soft and designed for blending to ensure smooth, even application and avoid streaky results.
5. Add a Lighter Shade
To brighten up the look, apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes and under the brow bone. This will open your eyes and add dimension to the smokey look. For a softer effect, choose mid-tone shades like taupe or light bronze.
6. Line Your Eyes
Employ a black or deep brown eyeliner to outline your upper and lower eyelash lines. Smudge it slightly with a pencil brush to maintain the smokey effect. If you prefer a softer look, you can use a brown eyeliner instead. For a bold statement, try a cat-eye to accentuate your almond-shaped eyes.
7. Mascara and Lashes
Finish the look with several coats of mascara. For extra volume, consider applying false lashes for added drama.
Enhance Your Makeup with the Perfect Mirror
To truly perfect your smokey eye makeup, the right mirror is essential. A high quality mirror can help you achieve precise, flawless application by providing clear, even lighting.
Look for mirrors with adjustable light settings, such as those in the Lighted Makeup Mirror collection. With natural light, these mirrors help you see your makeup accurately from all sides. While the adjustable lighting feature lets you change the brightness for different times of day or tasks. This gives you full control over your makeup routine.
A magnifying mirror is also perfect for detailed work like eyeliner or applying eyeshadow. With Nicesail’s mirrors, you can make sure your smokey eye makeup is well blended. This is true whether you use bright eyeshadows or lighter shades for a natural look.
Smokey Eye Makeup for Different Eye Shapes
One of the great things about smokey eyes is that they can be customized to suit different eye shapes. Here’s how to tailor the look for your eye shape:
- Round Eyes: To make your eyes look longer, use dark eyeshadow on the upper lash line. Blend it outward for a smooth look.
- Almond Eyes: You can make a classic smokey eye. Start by applying dark eyeshadow to the outer corner. Then, blend it along the crease.
- Hooded Eyes: Use a matte shadow in the crease to add depth. Blend the outer corners well for a lifted look.
For brown eyeshadow, consider choosing shades like rich chocolate or deep burgundy to enhance the warmth of brown eyes.
Tips for a Natural Smokey Eye Look
For a more subtle, everyday smokey eye, choose softer shades like taupe, brown, or soft grey. Here are some additional tips to keep your smokey eye makeup looking natural:
- Use Lighter Shades: Instead of jet-black eyeshadow, opt for brown or grey shades for a softer effect.
- Minimal Liner: Skip the heavy eyeliner and use a light pencil or gel liner close to the lash line for a more natural finish.
- Avoid Overdoing the Lashes: Choose natural-looking lashes that add volume instead of length. This will keep the look balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Doing Smokey Eyes
Achieving a perfect smokey eye requires precision, and there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
- Overloading on Dark Shadow: It's easy to go overboard with dark eyeshadows. Start with a light hand and build the intensity gradually.
- Not Blending Enough: The secret to a great smokey eye is blending. Take your time to ensure there are no harsh lines.
- Skipping Primer: Without primer, your smokey eye will likely fade or crease throughout the day. Always prep your eyes first.
Conclusion
Mastering the smokey eye look can be a game changer for your makeup routine. With the right techniques and highly pigmented eyeshadows, you can create a sultry, bold eye look for any occasion.
Whether you want a bold classic smokey eye or a softer, easy-to-blend style, practice is important. Blending well is the key to getting the look just right. Keep experimenting and find the smokey eye style that works best for you.
