Master the Art of Glamour: Beginner Smokey Eye Step-by-Step Guide
The smokey eye is a classic makeup look that has a rich history and a timeless appeal. Whether you’re going for an alluring evening style or a subtle day look, the smokey eye can elevate any outfit with its dramatic and mysterious charm. Before we dive into our Beginner Smokey Eye step-by-step guide, let’s explore the origins, variations, and suitability of this iconic makeup style.
The Origins of the Smokey Eye
The concept of darkening the eyes for a captivating effect dates back to ancient times. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used kohl to line their eyes and create a smokey appearance, which was believed to have protective and spiritual properties. Cleopatra was famously known for her bold and heavily-lined eyes, which contributed to her allure and mystique.
The smokey eye, as we know it today, gained popularity in the 1920s during the flapper era, when smudged kohl liner and dark eyeshadow were used to create a sultry look that complemented the bold fashion of the time. Over the years, the smokey eye has evolved, with different techniques, colors, and styles entering the beauty scene.
Variations of the Smokey Eye
The smokey eye is highly versatile and can be achieved in various ways, depending on your personal style and the occasion:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Black Smokey Eye | The quintessential smokey eye look, characterized by intense black eyeshadow blended seamlessly from the lash line to the crease. It is perfect for a dramatic evening or special event. |
| Soft Brown Smokey Eye | A more subtle and natural version of the smokey eye, using brown shades that are perfect for daytime wear or a casual outing. |
| Colorful Smokey Eye | For a modern and playful twist, experiment with vibrant colors like purple, blue, or green. This variation allows you to express your creativity and make a bold statement. |
| Halo Smokey Eye | This variation involves applying a darker shade to the inner and outer corners of the eyes, with a lighter or shimmery shade in the center of the lid. It creates a halo effect that adds depth and dimension. |
Suitability for Different Occasions
The smokey eye is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit a range of occasions:
| Occasion | Description |
|---|---|
| Evening Events | A classic black or dark brown smokey eye is perfect for an evening gala, wedding, or date night. Pair it with a bold lip for a show-stopping look. |
| Daytime Wear | For a daytime-appropriate smokey eye, opt for softer brown or taupe shades that enhance your eyes without overpowering them. |
| Festivals and Parties | A colorful smokey eye or a glittery version is a fun and festive choice for concerts, festivals, or themed parties. |
| Professional Settings | A muted smokey eye using neutral shades can add definition to your eyes without being too dramatic for the workplace. |
If you know what you’re doing, the smokey eye is a simple eye makeup style to achieve. After much time and effort, I have finally mastered the art of creating the ideal blend. Even if you don’t consider yourself a makeup artist, the tips in this article will help you achieve a look that is gentle and seductive without being overly babyish.
In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of creating the perfect smokey eye tailored to suit any eye shape. With our expert tips and techniques in our perfect smokey eye guide, you’ll be ready to captivate attention and make a lasting impression with a stunning, eye-catching new look!
Beginner Smokey Eye Guide Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Eyelids
It is absolutely necessary to prepare your eyelids before venturing into the world of smokey eyes. To make sure your makeup stays on longer and doesn’t crease, start by applying an eyeshadow primer. If you don’t have a primer on hand, you can also use a concealer.
Step 2: Select Your Eyeshadow Palette
To create a flawless smokey eye, it’s essential to choose the right eyeshadow palette and use the correct application techniques. A makeup artist would typically recommend choosing a palette with at least three colors and using an eyeliner pencil to line the upper lash line and add extra depth to the outer corners of the eyes. When applying the dark color to the outside corners, be sure to blend thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines. And don’t forget to draw attention to your inner corners with a highlighter shade – this will create a bright and illuminated effect, making your eyes appear larger and more awake.
Step 3: Put on the Base Color
The base color, which is the lightest hue in your eyeshadow palette, is utilized to provide a flat surface for blending the other colors. Apply the base color all over your eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone, using a flat eyeshadow brush. To avoid strong lines, make sure the colors are blended equally. This is a crucial stage in developing a unified style, since it ensures that the other colors blend in harmoniously.
If you have oily eyelids, you may want to set the foundation color with a translucent powder or an eyeshadow that matches your skin tone. This will assist to minimize creasing and extend the wear time of your eyeshadow throughout the day.
Step 4: Describe Your Crease
Using the medium transition shade into the crease of your eye with a fluffy blending brush is a great way to add depth and dimension to your smoky eye look. Follow these guidelines for different eye shapes:
Almond eyes: Use the shade in a windshield wiper motion along the natural crease.
Hooded eyes: Put the shade just above the natural crease to give the appearance of depth.
Deep-set eyes: Blend the color along the brow bone to bring the eyes forward.
To create a more elongated shape, extend the shade just a little bit past the outer corner.
Step 5: Darken the Outside Corners
The outer corners of your eyes need to have more definition and depth if you want to achieve a smokey effect. Apply a dark eyeshadow color (black, dark brown, or dark grey) to the outer corners of your eyelid using a pencil or smudge brush. Start at the outside corner and mix it in toward the center of the lid. For a more dramatic effect, use this color on the lower lash line. To prevent any hard lines, make careful to blend well.
Apply a tiny bit of the same dark eyeshadow hue to the crease of your eyelid using a clean blending brush to give your crease more definition. Mix it back and forth in a windshield wiper motion until it disappears into the rest of your eyeshadow. If you do this, you may expect a more polished and unified final product.
You may intensify the effect by applying the same dark eyeshadow colour as an eyeliner along your upper lash line with a smaller brush. This will produce a smoky, smudged appearance, ideal for a seductive nighttime look. Again, make sure to smooth everything out enough to prevent any obvious lines.
Step 6: Draw Attention to Your Inner Corners
To create a dramatic smokey eye, it’s important to add some contrast to the inner corners of your eyes. Using a small brush or your finger, apply a shimmery highlighter shade (such as gold, champagne, or silver) to the inner corners of your eyes. This will create a bright and illuminated effect, making your eyes appear larger and more awake. You can also use a matte highlighter shade if you prefer a more subtle look. Be sure to blend the highlighter shade into the main eyeshadow color to create a seamless transition. For an even more intense look, you can add a touch of highlighter to the brow bone as well.
Step 7: Draw Your Eyes
For added definition, use a black or brown eyeliner to line your upper lash line. Depending on your preference, you can choose a pencil, a liquid, or a gel liner. Smudge the liner with a small, angled brush to intensify the smokey effect.
Step 8: Apply mascara to seal the deal
The last step in creating the ideal smokey eye look is to apply mascara. It helps to define and highlight your eyelashes, giving your whole look more drama. Make sure that any eyeshadow that fell under your eyes has been cleaned up with a clean brush or cotton pad before applying mascara.
Start at the base of your upper lashes and move the brush back and forth as you move it up. This helps separate the lashes and add volume. Apply at least two coats of mascara to your upper lashes, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Apply a thin coat of mascara to your lower lashes with a light hand. Avoid putting too much mascara on your lower lashes because it can look like spider legs.
When choosing a mascara, look for one that won’t smudge or flake throughout the day. If you want to make sure your smokey eye look stays put, waterproof mascara is a great choice.
By doing these steps, you can get the perfect smokey eye look that will get everyone’s attention. Don’t forget to blend your eyeshadow well, add depth with an eyeliner pencil, and finish with a couple coats of your favorite mascara. The end result will be a sultry and glamorous look that is perfect for any occasion.
Step 9: Troubleshooting Tips
Blending issues: Use a clean, fluffy brush to gently mix the colors together in a circular or windshield wiper motion if you’re having difficulties blending the eyeshadow. Always keep in mind that you can only get a truly flawless smokey eye through practice, and that blending is the most important step.
Fallout: To prevent eyeshadow fallout, tap off any excess product from your brush before applying it to your eyelids. Alternatively, you can do your eye makeup before your foundation to easily clean up any fallout without ruining your base makeup.
Smudging: If your eyeliner tends to smudge, set it with a matching eyeshadow color or use a waterproof eyeliner to ensure it stays in place.“A daytime smoky eye can be achieved by using a smoky eyeshadow smudged around the eye very close to the lash line,” says Yves Saint Laurent professional makeup artist Dell Ashley. “To keep it from looking too dark, line only the inside waterline of the eye”.
Overdone look: Use a lighter transition shade to blur the lines between hues and tone down an overly dramatic smokey eye.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Smokey Eye Look
It can be hard, especially for beginners, to get the perfect smokey eye. But avoiding common mistakes can help you make a flawless and interesting look. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes people make when doing a smokey eye, as well as how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Not Using an Eyeshadow Primer Mistake | If you don't use an eyeshadow primer, your eyeshadow may crease, fade, or be applied unevenly. | Apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids to begin your smokey eye look. This helps make a smooth base and keeps your eyeshadow bright and free of creases all day. |
| 2. Using too much dark eyeshadow | Putting on too much dark eyeshadow can make you look harsh and unattractive. | Begin with a light touch and gradually increase the darkness of the dark eyeshadow. Focus on blending the colors together smoothly, and use a transition shade to soften any sharp edges. |
| 3. Forgetting to Blend Mistake | Forgetting to blend the eyeshadow properly can result in harsh lines and an unpolished appearance. | Blend the eyeshadow colors together using a clean, fluffy blending brush. To achieve a well-blended, diffused finish, use a windshield wiper and circular motions. Remember that blending is the key to achieving a professional smokey eye look. |
| 4. Ignoring the Lower Lash Line Mistake | Ignoring the lower lash line can make your makeup look unfinished or off-balance. | Apply a small amount of the same dark eyeshadow used on the upper lid along the lower lash line. This gives the eyes definition and brings the whole look together. Blend it out gently to make it look like it fits together. |
| 5. Making the Wrong Colors Mistake | Using colors that don't go with your skin tone or eyes can make you look less put together. | Pick eye shadow colors that bring out your best features. For instance, purple and plum colors look good with green eyes, while bronze and warm colors look good with blue eyes. Find the best color combinations for your distinctive look by experimenting. |
| 6. Using Too Much Mascara on the Lower Lash | A "spider legs" effect can be produced by using too much mascara on the lower lashes. | When applying mascara to the lower lashes, use a light touch. Usually, one thin coat is enough to define the lashes without making them look overdone. |
You can create a stunning and sophisticated smokey eye look that is perfect for any occasion by avoiding these common mistakes. Don’t forget to practice and experiment with different colors and techniques to find the best smokey eye style for you.
Product Recommendations:
Here are some product recommendations for achieving a perfect smokey eye makeup look:
- Lamora Au Naturel Smokey Eyeshadow Palette is known for its long-lasting formula.
- Vodisa 25 Smokey Eyeshadow Glitter Makeup Kit is great for oily skin types.
- NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette Smokey and Highlight has highly-pigmented shadows.
- SHANY Eyeshadow Palette Ultra Shimmer Studio Colors For Smokey Eyes comes with double-ended applicators.
If you have monolid eyes, it’s best to use a waterproof eyeliner like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Aubergine or Bronze instead of eyeshadow.
Video Tutorial
You may watch a video tutorial of an outstanding classic smokey eye makeup look.
And there you have it: our perfect smokey eye method to achieving the ideal smokey eye for any eye shape.
Practice makes perfect, so keep trying out different colors and styles until you find the one that looks best on you. Blend away!
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is smokey eye makeup, and why is it so popular? | Smokey eye makeup is a classic and versatile makeup technique that involves blending dark and light eyeshadows to create a gradient, smoky effect around the eyes. The look adds depth and dimension to the eyes, making them appear more alluring and dramatic. Its popularity lies in its ability to elevate any look, making it suitable for both casual outings and glamorous events. |
| I'm a beginner at makeup. Can I still achieve the smokey eye look? | Absolutely! With the right tools and a step-by-step guide, even beginners can achieve a stunning smokey eye look. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer, then follow with a base color. Gradually build and blend darker shades on the outer corners and crease, while highlighting the inner corners. Don't forget to blend well for a seamless finish. Practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting until you're happy with the result. |
| Can I create a smokey eye look with different colors? | Indeed, you can! While black or dark brown makeup is the traditional choice for a smoky eye, you can also try purple, blue, green, or even metallic hues. The trick is to blend properly for a seamless transition between tones and to pick colors that go well with your skin tone and eye color. |
| How do I avoid eyeshadow fallout when creating a smokey eye? | When applying makeup to your eyelids, tap off any excess using a paper towel. Instead of applying your foundation after you've finished your eye makeup, try doing it the other way around. The use of an eyeshadow primer improves the eyeshadow's hold and prevents fallout. |
| How can I make my smokey eye makeup last all day? | Using an eyeshadow primer first will help create a smooth base and minimize creasing so that your smokey eye makeup will last all day. Employ high-quality, long-wearing eyeshadows, then set your makeup with a setting spray to keep everything in place. To avoid smearing your eyeliner, choose a waterproof formula. Last but not least, touch-ups throughout the day can help keep a fresh and perfect appearance. |
Pamela is a talented makeup artist with a passion for helping women look and feel their best. With over 9 years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills and developed a signature style that is both classic and modern. Pamela had been working for Elle, L’Oréal and Netflix Productions.