Learn how to create a stunning smokey eye look with our beginner guide to smokey eye makeup. Follow our step-by-step tutorial and discover the best products and techniques for achieving a flawless, smoke-inspired look. Get ready to take your makeup skills to the next level!
Smokey eye makeup is one of the most popular and versatile makeup looks that can suit any occasion and style. Whether you want to create a sultry, glamorous, or edgy look, smokey eye makeup can help you achieve it. However, smokey eye makeup can also be intimidating and challenging for beginners, as it requires blending, shading, and smudging skills. If you are new to makeup or struggling with creating a smokey eye look, you might need a beginner's guide that can teach you the basics and tips of smokey eye makeup. That's why we've created this blog post, which will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a flawless smokey eye look for beginners. In this post, we'll show you what products and tools you need, how to prep your eyes, how to apply and blend eyeshadows, how to add eyeliner and mascara, and how to finish your look. By following this tutorial, you'll be able to create a smokey eye look that will make your eyes pop and enhance your beauty.
Preparation
Before you start creating your smokey eye look, you need to prepare your eyes and gather the necessary tools and products. Here are some of the things you will need:
• An eyeshadow palette that has a range of shades from light to dark, preferably in neutral tones such as brown, grey, or black. You can also use a single eyeshadow quad or trio that has a base, a crease, and a lid colour. Some examples of eyeshadow palettes that are suitable for smokey eye looks are Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palettes.
• An eyeliner that is dark and pigmented, preferably in black or brown. You can use a pencil, a liquid, or a gel eyeliner, depending on your preference and skill level. Some examples of eyeliners that are suitable for smokey eye looks are L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, and Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Definer.
• A mascara that is volumizing and lengthening, preferably in black or brown. You can use a regular or a waterproof mascara, depending on your preference and the occasion. Some examples of mascaras that are suitable for smokey eye looks are L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, and CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara.
• An eye primer that is smooth and long-lasting, preferably in a neutral or skin-toned shade. You can also use a concealer or a foundation as an eye primer, as long as they are not too oily or too dry. Some examples of eye primers that are suitable for smokey eye looks are Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, NYX Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer, and e.l.f. Cosmetics Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer.
How and when to apply primer? We'll explain why you should use makeup primers and how to apply them correctly. Continue reading to find out more - What Is Makeup Primer and How to Use it?
To prepare your eyes for makeup, you need to follow these steps:
• Remove any old makeup from your eyes using gentle makeup remover or micellar water. You can use a cotton pad, a tissue, or a reusable makeup remover cloth to wipe off the makeup. Some examples of makeup removers that are suitable for the eyes are Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, and Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water.
•Clean your eye area using a mild cleanser or a toner. You can use a cotton pad, a tissue, or a reusable makeup remover cloth to apply the cleanser or the toner. Some examples of cleansers or toners that are suitable for the eye area are CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
• Prime your eyelids using an eye primer, a concealer, or a foundation. You can use a small amount of the product and blend it with your finger, a sponge, or a brush. Make sure to cover the entire eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone. This will help to create a smooth and even base for the eyeshadow and to prevent creasing and fading.
Want to know the difference between setting powder and finishing powder? Read on to learn how to use setting powders and how finishing powder helps makeup last longer - Everything You Need to Know About Makeup Setting Powder.
Prime the Lids
One of the most important steps in creating a smokey eye look is to prime the lids before applying eyeshadow. Priming the lids helps to create a smooth and even base for the eyeshadow, and to prevent creasing and fading. Priming the lids also helps to enhance the colour and intensity of the eyeshadow, and to make it last longer.
To prime the lids, you need to use an eye primer, a concealer, or a foundation that matches your skin tone. You can use a small amount of the product and blend it with your finger, a sponge, or a brush. Make sure to cover the entire eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone. You also need to apply the product to the inner corner and the outer corner of the eye, as these are the areas where the eyeshadow will be the darkest and the most blended. You can use a small brush or a cotton swab to apply the product to these areas. This will help to create a seamless and flawless smokey eye look.
Apply Transition Shades
Transition shades are eyeshadows that help to create a seamless blend between the lid and crease colours. They are usually in a nude shade that is similar to your skin tone, or in a shade that is in between the two colours you are trying to blend together. Transition shades help to create a smooth and even base for the eyeshadow, and to prevent harsh lines or muddiness.
To apply transition shades, you need to use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and place it where the two eyeshadow colours meet, usually in the outer corner of the eye. Start from the lash line and work your way upwards towards the crease, using small circular motions to buff and blend the transition shade. You can also use a windshield wiper motion to sweep the transition shade across the crease, creating a soft and natural gradient. Make sure to use a light hand and a small amount of product, as you don't want to overpower the other eyeshadow colours. You can also use a spoolie or a lash comb to separate any clumps or flakes.
Expert Makeup Artists share the most helpful makeup tips for women over 40. How to apply foundation and do you need powder? Read our blog to find out - Best Makeup Tips for Women Over 40.
Add Depth to the Crease
To create a smokey eye look, you need to add depth and dimension to the crease using darker shades of eyeshadow. This will help to create a contrast and a gradient between the lid and the brow bone and to make your eyes look more defined and dramatic.
To add depth to the crease, you need to use a dark eyeshadow that is a few shades darker than your lid colour, preferably in a matte finish. You can use black, grey, or brown eyeshadow, depending on the intensity and the tone you want to achieve. Some examples of eyeshadow palettes that have dark shades suitable for smokey eye looks are Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette, Maybelline The Nudes Palette, and NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals.
To apply the dark eyeshadow to the crease, you need to use a small and tapered eyeshadow brush and place it on the outer corner of the crease, starting from the outer edge and working inwards towards the centre. You can use a back-and-forth motion to blend the eyeshadow along the crease, creating a soft and smooth transition. You can also use a circular motion to blend the eyeshadow upwards and outwards, creating a winged effect. Make sure to use a light hand and a small amount of product, as you don't want to overdo the dark eyeshadow or make it look too harsh. You can also use a clean fluffy brush to blend the edges and diffuse any harsh lines.
Do you aspire to flawless makeup? We've compiled a list of 10 flawless makeup artist tips to help you achieve the flawless makeup look you've always wanted - How to Create a Flawless Makeup Look with Minimal Products.
Highlight the Brow Bone
One of the final steps in creating a smokey eye look is to highlight the brow bone to brighten up the face and balance out the smokiness. Highlighting the brow bone helps to create a contrast and a lift between the brow and the lid, and to make the eyes look more open and awake.
To highlight the brow bone, you need to use a light eyeshadow shade that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone, preferably in a shimmery or satin finish. You can use a white, a beige, or a champagne eyeshadow, depending on the intensity and the tone you want to achieve. Some examples of eyeshadow palettes that have light shades suitable for highlighting the brow bone are Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palettes. The Nudes Palette, and NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals.
Unlock the secrets of skincare and discover the power of active ingredients! Our blog reveals the science behind skincare ingredients in the products on the market - The Science behind Skincare - Understanding the Ingredients that Work.
To apply the light eyeshadow shade to the brow bone, you need to use a small and flat eyeshadow brush and place it on the inner edge of the brow bone, right below the arch of the brow. You can use a dabbing motion to apply the eyeshadow along the brow bone, starting from the inner edge and working outwards towards the arch. You can also use a sweeping motion to blend the eyeshadow downwards and inwards, creating a soft and smooth transition. Make sure to use a light hand and a small amount of product, as you don't want to overdo the highlight or make it look too frosty. You can also use a clean fluffy brush to blend the edges and diffuse any harsh lines.
Line the Eyes
To create a smokey eye look, you need to line the upper lash line using a liquid eyeliner or a pencil eyeliner. Lining the upper lash line helps to define the eyes and create a contrast with the eyeshadow. You can also create a sharp, winged liner that connects to the outer corner of the eye, which will add some drama and flair to your look.
To line the upper lash line, you need to use a liquid eyeliner or a pencil eyeliner that is dark and pigmented, preferably in black or brown. You can use a pencil, a liquid, or a gel eyeliner, depending on your preference and skill level. Some examples of eyeliners that are suitable for smokey eye looks are L'Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, and Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Definer.
To apply the eyeliner to the upper lash line, you need to follow these steps:
• Start from the inner corner of the eye and draw a thin line along the lash line, following the natural shape of your eye. You can use short strokes or one long stroke, depending on your preference and skill level.
• Gradually thicken the line as you move towards the outer corner of the eye, creating a slight curve upwards. You can also extend the line slightly past the outer corner of the eye, creating a small flick or a wing.
• Connect the wing to the outer corner of the eye, creating a triangular shape. You can also fill in any gaps or spaces between the lashes and the liner, making the line more solid and even.
• Repeat the same steps for the other eye, making sure the lines are symmetrical and balanced. You can also use a cotton swab or a makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or smudges.
Here's how to apply Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation for an even, flawless, streak-free finish that lasts throughout the day - Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: Tips and Tricks for a Flawless, Long-Lasting Finish.
One of the final steps in creating a smokey eye look is to apply mascara to the upper and lower lashes. Mascara helps to define the lashes and create a contrast with the eyeshadow. It also helps to make the eyes look more open and awake. You can use volumizing and lengthening mascara, preferably in black or brown, to create a dramatic and glamorous effect.
To apply mascara to the upper and lower lashes, you need to follow these steps:
- Curl your lashes with a lash curler for a more dramatic effect.
- Apply a coat of mascara from the base of the lashes to the tips, wiggling the wand slightly to coat every lash. You can use a mascara like L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara or Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara for extra volume and length.
- Apply a second coat for more drama and intensity, or a third coat for a false-lash effect. You can also use a spoolie or a lash comb to separate any clumps or flakes.
- Focus on the outer corner of the lashes, applying more mascara to create a winged and lifted effect. You can also use a small brush or a cotton swab to apply mascara to the outer corner of the lower lashes, creating a smoky and sultry look.
Latte Makeup has reached over 300 million videos on TikTok of people trying out these looks. We will discuss this flatter viral beauty trend and learn more about makeup - Latte Makeup: The Hottest Tiktok Beauty Trend of 2023.
Bonus Tips
To add some colour and balance to your face, you can apply a pop of colour to your lips or cheeks. You can use lipstick or a blush that complements your skin tone and your eyeshadow colour. For example, if you have a warm skin tone and a brown smokey eye, you can use peach or coral lipstick or blush. If you have a cool skin tone and grey smokey eye, you can use a pink or a mauve lipstick or blush.
To keep your smokey eye makeup in place all day long, you can use a setting spray to lock in the look. You can use a setting spray that suits your skin type and your desired finish. For example, if you have oily skin and want a matte finish, you can use a setting spray like Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. If you have dry skin and want a dewy finish, you can use a setting spray like NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Setting Spray.
To make your smokey eye look more fun and creative, you can experiment with different colours and textures of eyeshadow. You can use metallic, glitter, or duo chrome eyeshadow to add some sparkle and shine to your look. You can also use a colour that contrasts or complements your eye colour to make your eyes stand out. For example, if you have blue eyes, you can use a copper or a gold eyeshadow. If you have brown eyes, you can use a purple or a green eyeshadow.
Discover the secret to a flawless, minimalist beauty routine with our ultimate guide to building a capsule makeup collection. Learn how to curate the perfect selection of products, simplify your morning routine, and save time and money - Create a Flawless Minimalist Beauty Routine with a Capsule Makeup Collection - A Step-by-Step Guide.
Conclusion
We hope you have learned how to create a flawless smokey eye look for beginners. Smokey eye makeup is a popular and versatile look that can suit any occasion and style. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you will be able to create a smokey eye look that will make your eyes pop and enhance your beauty. However, remember that practice makes perfect, and you can always experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you. Here are some final thoughts and tips for maintaining a smokey-eye look throughout the day:
- To prevent your smokey eye makeup from smudging or fading, you can use a primer, a setting powder, and a setting spray to lock in the look;
- To avoid looking too heavy or overdone, you can balance your smokey eye makeup with a light and natural face and lip makeup;
- To refresh your smokey eye makeup during the day, you can use a cotton swab or a makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or smudges, and reapply some eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to intensify the look;
- To remove your smokey eye makeup at the end of the day, you can use a gentle and effective makeup remover or micellar water to wipe off the makeup, and follow up with a cleanser and a moisturizer to nourish your skin;
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy smokey eye makeup!