Creating smoky eyes can add a touch of sophistication and intensity to your look, whether you're going to a big concert or a gala. With the right tools and a little experience, making it perfectly is within everyone's reach. Learn how to create a classic or particularly intense smoky by following these quick and easy steps.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting started
Step 1. Choose the colors
You can use the ones you prefer for smoky, the important thing is to have at least three eyeshadows with a similar shade. The classic smoky eye makeup is created with black or gray, but bronze and brown are also quite common.
- Green eyes look pretty good with a smoky gray and plum color; for the blue ones bronze and brown are preferable, while for the brown ones navy blue and gray are preferable.
- You should choose three eyeshadows for each color: a light, cream-colored one; a medium color (which will be the base of the make-up) and a darker one (which must be blended with particular attention).
- Avoid too bright colors; if you have very light skin, steer clear of those that are very dark for you. Makeup should enhance the face, and not be a distraction.
Step 2. Use the right tools
While it seems quick and easy to choose the first three complementary colored eyeshadows you find and apply them with any brush, a perfect makeup can only be created using certain tools.
- Using loose powder eyeshadows allows you to blend with greater precision, which is necessary for a smooth result. You can also use compact and cream eyeshadows, but to have a good result, the loose powder ones are the best.
- Use a very black eyeliner to accentuate your makeup. You have the option of using an eye pencil, otherwise a gel or liquid eyeliner. In short, choose the one you prefer. Gel and liquid eyeliners offer a very precise finish, while pencils give a softer look.
- Make sure you are using good quality brushes. Using dirty, old or sponge brushes results in a hard-to-blend look. The best brush is the classic eyeshadow brush, with a rounded tip. You can find different brands around.
- You should use an eyeshadow concealer or primer for the purpose of preparing the eyelids before creating makeup. Use the concealer brush during application.
- Keep a large, soft brush, make-up remover and cotton swab handy to correct any mistakes and remove eye shadow stains from the cheeks.
Step 3. Prepare the base
Before you start creating smoky eyes, you should make a neutral face base. Apply the concealer under the eyes, on blemishes and imperfections, then fix with a powder foundation.
- You have the option to apply blush or bronzer to define the face. As for the bronzer, apply it in the hollow of the cheeks with a large, soft brush. The blush should instead be blended on the cheekbones. Remember to proceed with a light hand for an absolutely natural look.
- Eyebrows should be in good shape and defined, in fact this makeup draws attention to them. If they are too thin or light, the smoky will look decidedly dark and unnatural.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Classic Smoky
Step 1. Apply the highlighter
This eyeshadow is the lightest of the three. Using a special brush, apply it to the inner corner of both eyelids. Also blend it directly under the eyebrows, from one end of the arch to the other.
Step 2. Apply the mid-toned eyeshadow
Pick it up with a brush and spread it over the entire mobile eyelid. Blend it in the inner corner with the highlighter, so that there is no sharp break between the two colors. Apply it from the bottom up, up to the natural crease of the eyelid; do not go as far as the highlighter under the browbone.
Step 3. Start applying the darker color
Start at the outer corner of the eye, drawing a C from the outside in, down to the middle of the lashline. Cover this area completely with the product, even spreading it in the crease of the eye.
- The darkest part should always be at the top of the lashline. Whenever you need to apply more eyeshadow, start from this point and work inward or upward.
- Don't go beyond this part. The inner half or two thirds of the eyelid should not be touched by the dark eyeshadow. In this way, the look will be more open and brilliant.
- To add intensity to the smoky, apply the eyeshadow by making a tip towards the end of the eyebrow, creating a shape more like a "<" rather than a "C" shape. Make sure that the darkest point is the one corresponding to the outer corner of the lashline.
- Apply a touch of dark eyeshadow under the inner rim of the eye. Again, start from the outer corner and don't go past the center of the lashline. This way, you will be able to balance the upper dark part.
Step 4. Blend the eyeshadows
Clean the brush with a special no-rinse product, or with water and facial cleanser / shampoo. Blot it with a clean towel or cloth, moving it quickly back and forth across the fabric. Afterward, use the brush to blend the colors.
- Start by blending the lighter eyeshadows. Make sure that the medium color applied to the eyelid does not have a sharp break with the darker one, which is in the crease of the eye. Gently move the brush creating a C where these two colors meet, in order to achieve a gradient effect.
- Blend the eyeshadow applied in the crease of the eye towards the browbone. It should gradually blend in with the skin, without covering too much of the highlighter applied under the eyebrows.
Step 5. Add eyeliner
If you want a cat-like look, spread it from the tip of the eyelid to the tip of the eyebrow. Finish with a tapered line at the edge of the eyeshadow, where the darker part meets the bare skin. For a smudged look, draw a thick line along the lashline, then use your finger or a small brush to blur it out.
- To give a more intense touch to the make-up, apply the pencil to the lower inner rim of the eye. Draw a line in this area, located directly below the lower lashline. For some it can be difficult, because that means bringing the pencil closer to the pupil.
- You can also apply a white pencil to the tear duct area, emphasizing the inner corner. In this way, the look will stand out, making the eyes sparkle despite the smoky.
Step 6. Apply mascara
Proceed carefully, waving the brush between your lashes to define them. Do not do more than two passes to avoid lumps and an unnatural look. On the lower lashes, a single swipe is enough to define them without having a raccoon look.
Step 7. Remove all excess color
If any traces of eyeshadow or mascara fall on the cheeks or under the eyes, use a large brush to remove it in quick, sweeping strokes. In case of smudges, you can use a cotton swab after having impregnated it with make-up remover, and then pass the brush to remedy the makeup removed.
Part 3 of 3: Creating an Intense Smoky
Step 1. Apply the highlighter
Using the same technique used for a classic smoky, take the lighter eyeshadow and apply it to the inner corner of the eye, as well as directly under the browbone, above the crease of the eye. At the bottom, go slightly beyond the inner corner, blending it.
Step 2. Apply the darker color along the lash line
Instead of starting with the medium eyeshadow, take the darker one and apply it with the brush along the entire lashline. It should be darker near the lashes. Then, blend it up, towards the crease of the eye.
- Use some along the lower lashline, but only towards the outermost end. Work slightly inward with the dark eyeshadow, stopping at the center of the eye.
- Use the darker eyeshadow reaching up to the central part of the mobile eyelid. You shouldn't go all the way to the crease, which is reserved for medium eyeshadow instead.
Step 3. Apply the mid-toned eyeshadow
Take this eyeshadow and start applying it from the middle part of the movable lid to the crease of the eye. You should start applying it to the eyelid area where you can mix it with the darker color.
- You can blend this color upwards, going beyond the crease and, if you want, mixing it with the highlighter. The goal is to create a gradation of color (from darkest to lightest) from lashes to eyebrows.
- Use some to blend the dark eyeshadow at the lower lashline. Add what's left below.
Step 4. Blend the colors
Clean the brush by washing it with a facial cleanser / shampoo and water, or by spraying a no-rinse product. Dry the brush completely with a cloth or towel before using it to blend eyeshadows. Next, blend in soft, sweeping movements along the eyelid where the different shades meet.
- When you blend, you proceed by moving in the direction of the lashline (horizontally), but it creates the illusion that the color is blurring upwards.
- Make sure that the lashline is the darkest part of the movable lid. If necessary, apply more dark eyeshadow directly to this area while blending upward.
- Don't forget to blend outwards and the ends of the eye, so that the eyeshadow blends softly with the skin color. The same goes for the color applied under the eyes.
Step 5. Add eyeliner
For a particularly intense smoky, it is better to blend this product well. Use a special pencil to draw a thick line only along the upper lashline. Then, use a brush or your finger to blend the ends up.
- Apply a pencil to the upper and lower inner rim of the eye to darken it further. Draw a line inside, directly under the lashes.
- If you apply eyeliner both under and over, stop at the end of the darker eyeshadow for the lower lashes. But make sure to thin the line towards the end, mixing it with the eyeshadow so that the result is not too strong.
Step 6. Add mascara
Proceed carefully to avoid getting your eyelids dirty. At first, apply it to your upper lashes, then do a quick swipe on your lower lashes. Wave the brush between your lashes to be able to separate and define them. Avoid doing more than two passes so you don't end up with unsightly lumps.
Step 7. Eliminate excess makeup
If you have smudged your cheeks with eyeshadow or mascara, remove it with a large brush. Make large, quick movements to avoid leaving smudges on the skin. If this happens accidentally, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to correct the mistake, then use a blending brush to restore the area to its original state.
Advice
- Keep in mind that overdoing it is easy, but making up for it is annoying. Start with a light application, then gradually add more product according to your preferences.
- Invest in good quality makeup brushes, which will help you get a more professional look.
- Use quality tricks. Pop into perfumery, Sephora or MAC to find many of the most popular products.
