How to perfect the smokey eye look: Step-by-step makeup guide for bold glam

1. Prep your eyes for a smooth base

Every makeup application requires the skin to be prepared, and the same goes for eye makeup as well. Before eyeshadow, your eyes need to be prepped. Start by cleansing the eyelids, then take a toner or a makeup remover wipe to lift excess oil and residue. After this, hydrate the skin by applying a lightweight eye cream. When the cream is absorbed, apply an eyeshadow primer. This product allows the eyeshadow to blend, enables the makeup to be long-lasting, and prevents creasing. As a tip, a small amount of concealer and translucent powder works as an alternative to a primer.

Select the right shades

Smokey eyes are often assumed to only use black or charcoal shades. But there are other colours you could use, including brown, bronze, plum, grey, navy, and emerald, to create different looks.

For a basic smokey eye, you need three main colours.

• First is the light transition shade which could be light brown, beige, or taupe.
• Second is the medium shade, which is brown, grey, or something metallic.
• Finally, the dark shade, which is black, deep chocolate, or charcoal. Pay attention to the blending of all the colours to avoid obvious and unappealing lines.

2. Start with a transition shade

With a fluffy blending brush, place the transition shade on the eye’s crease. This step is necessary as it will assist in blending the dark colours later. Use back-and-forth windshield wiper motions, gradually building the colour. A soft fade will give a seamless, professional look to the smokey eye.

3. Deepen the outer corner

Use your medium shade on a slightly smaller blending brush, place it on the outer corner of your eyelid and blend inwards, toward the centre of your lid. This is to give added depth and dimension to your eyes. Keep blending until the colour is soft and diffused to perfection.

4. Apply the darkest shade first

Now for the signature part! Take the darkest shade, which is usually black or dark brown, and apply it close to your lash line, or on the outer V of your eyelid. For this, use a dense brush for precise placement and blend outwards slightly. Take caution not to bring this dark shade too high. It should remain beneath the crease to preserve the look’s balance.

5. Blend it like a pro

Blending is the key to a perfect smokey eye. Use a clean blending brush to soften any harsh lines between the colours. Move the brush in circular motions to create a smooth gradient. The goal is to create a shadow effect where colours flow naturally from light to dark.

6. Add eyeshadow on the lower lash line

A smokey eye isn’t complete without defining the lower lash line. Take the medium shade and smudge it across the lower lash line. Then, add a little of the darkest shade near the outer half for a balanced look. This step ties the entire eye makeup together and adds intensity.

7. Highlight the inner corner and brow bone

To make eyes appear larger and more radiant, place a shimmery or matte highlighter in the inner corners and on the brow bone. The soft glow balances contrast against the darkness of the shadows, and adds a refined touch.

8. Line your eyes

Line the upper lash with a black kohl or gel liner. For a timeless smokey effect, use a small brush or cotton swab to blend the liner and to smudge it. You can also line the waterline to really peak the intensity. For a more muted effect, use a brown liner to replace the black.

9. Finish with mascara or false lashes

To finish the smokey eye look, apply two coats of a volumizing mascara to lift and separate the lashes. For bold looks at parties or events, false lashes are the best option. They really make your eyes pop and add to the smokey effect.

Final Tips for the perfect smokey eye look

To avoid patchiness, blending is key. Apply the colour in a building technique, instead of a large, quick application. For lasting make up, use products that are smudge proof. To balance the look, pair the smokey eye with nude or soft lips.

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