How to achieve a smoky eye

By Makayla Wallace-Tidd

April 25, 2020

It’s the one makeup trend that has never left the spotlight. Smoky eyes work for everyone no matter your skin tone or eye shape. Despite being one of the most popular eye makeup trends, it can be deceivingly hard to master. Here are my top tips to create your best smoky eye yet.

Use three shades of eyeshadow 

makeup tips

This is the real kicker here. Three shades from the same colour family will work best. First, you’ll need to decide what colours you would like. Is it a classic cool-tone grey look or a more golden, bronzy look? You can even spice it up with some bolder tones like pinks, blues or oranges. What is most important is that they are the same tone: one light shade, one mid shade, and one dark shade. 

Application is key 

smoky eye tips

Using a flat eyeshadow brush and a fluffy blending brush you can create a gorgeous eye look.

Apply the lightest shade to your eyelid with the flat brush and blend edges upwards with a clean fluffy blending brush.

Apply your mid shade to the crease of your eye as well as the middle and outer thirds oy your lid. Blend with your brush so there are no harsh lines, but still a clear definition between the two shades. 

Next, apply your darker shade to the outer third of your eyelid and very end of your crease. Blend into the edge of the other shades, while keeping to the outer area.

Finally, take your fluffy brush and sweep any leftover shadow along your bottom lash line, while blending into the outer colour. This step really adds to the smokiness. Voila, you are done with the shadow.

Mascara’s the cherry on top 

eye makeup tips

You might not think mascara would come into play when creating a smoky eye look, but I really think it does.

The smoky eye needs to look really blown out and sultry, so a voluminous and well-spread lash is important. As per your objective, a package that says volumizing, false-lash effect, etc. is a good start.

Try reach for a mascara that has a thick bristle brush over a silicone one. Thicker, non-silicone brushes are much better for providing volume as they can catch every lash, especially the most-important outer corner ones.

Never be afraid to apply a second coat after the first one has dried as it can add extra drama if you think your lashes aren’t quite there yet.

Lastly, enjoy looking fierce with your smoky eyes!

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