A smoky eye is a style of blended colour and depth, not just a black eyeshadow look. Try one of these ten colour combinations using eye-area products whose directions suit your intended placement. You do not need every shade or tool to begin.
Start with a Simple Method
- Choose your main colour and, if desired, a lighter or deeper companion shade.
- Apply a small amount to the lid, keeping depth where you want the focus.
- Soften the edges with a suitable clean blending brush.
- Add a little more colour gradually, checking with your eyes relaxed and open.
- Use eyeliner or a reflective accent only if you want it and the product allows that use.
1. Classic Charcoal or Black
Start with a small amount of charcoal or black at the outer lid and build towards your preferred depth. Keep the edges diffused or more defined according to your style.
2. Bronze and Copper
Try bronze-inspired colour across the lid with a copper accent. Compare the finishes before layering, and follow the actual product directions.
3. Brown and Taupe
Place a deeper brown where you want definition and soften into a lighter taupe-inspired shade. This can be a subtler option if that is the result you prefer.
4. Rose Gold and Mauve
Try mauve for depth with a rose-gold-inspired lid finish. Keep the reflective area small at first so you can assess the combination.
5. Navy Blue
Build navy at the outer lid and compare it with a lighter blue elsewhere. This is a styling option, not a claim that navy is currently trending.
6. Coral and Orange
Blend coral- and orange-inspired eye colours gradually. Add a little gold-toned reflection only where the product directions permit.
7. Purple and Plum
Compare a purple lid colour with deeper plum at the outer area. The look is not guaranteed to suit everyone; choose the combination you enjoy.
8. Champagne and Taupe
Use a lighter champagne-inspired finish with taupe for depth. A single matte shade is another option if you prefer less reflection.
9. Green and Olive
Try deeper green at the outer lid, softening into an olive-inspired colour. Check the edges in good light before adding more.
10. A Sparkling Accent
If you want sparkle, choose an eye-area product expressly suitable for the planned placement and follow its instructions. Do not use craft glitter, assume chunky glitter is suitable for the eyes, or improvise an adhesive. A shimmer finish is another option.
Refine the Look
Build colour gradually and remove fallout with a suitable method rather than simply covering particles with concealer. Follow the manufacturer's removal directions. A bold eye does not require a neutral lip, and a smoky look does not have to be completely free of defined edges.
Find Tools and Colours
Browse eyeshadow palettes and check each listing for its actual shades and finishes. Compare the Blending Eyeshadow Brush and Precision Eyeshadow Brush for the application tasks you want to try.