A smoky eye combines depth with softly blended edges. Start with a small amount of colour and build gradually: you can create the effect in brown, charcoal, plum or another shade family you enjoy.
What to Have Ready
Choose eyeshadow made for your intended eye-area placement, a brush for laying down colour and a suitable blending brush. A detail brush, eyeliner, mascara and eye primer are optional additions. Check the actual shades and finishes in a palette rather than assuming its name tells you the contents.
Step 1: Prepare Your Lids
Follow your chosen eyeshadow's directions. If using eye primer, apply it as instructed and allow any recommended settling time. Wear and creasing depend on the formula and your routine.
Step 2: Start with a Medium Shade
If you want a gradual transition, place a small amount of a medium shade near the crease and soften the edge. A separate transition shade is useful for some looks, not mandatory for every smoky eye.
Step 3: Place the Deeper Colour
Press a little deeper colour onto the lid or outer area with a suitable brush. Keep the main depth where you want the focus and add more gradually.
Step 4: Refine the Outer Corner
Check the shape with your eyes relaxed and open. Build a little extra depth at the outer lid if desired, then soften the boundary without blending away all the colour.
Step 5: Add an Optional Lighter Accent
A lighter shade can create contrast. Use it only in areas permitted by the particular product, and do not assume glitter or face highlighter is appropriate at the inner corner.
Step 6: Choose Your Liner
If using eyeliner, apply short strokes and soften the line if the formula allows. Lower-lash definition is optional. Waterline placement needs a product expressly intended for that area.
Step 7: Check the Blend
Use a clean blending brush to soften the edges you want diffused. Leave the deeper area visible; more blending is not automatically better.
Step 8: Finish Your Lashes
Apply mascara according to its instructions if you want it. If using a curler, follow that tool's directions rather than assuming a fixed number of mascara coats suits every formula.
Step 9: Style the Rest Your Way
A soft lip is one option, but you can also pair a smoky eye with stronger lip colour. Choose the combination you enjoy.
Colour Combinations to Explore
- Charcoal and grey for a classic darker look.
- Brown and bronze-inspired colours for a warmer combination.
- Navy and a lighter blue for another direction.
- Plum and burgundy-inspired shades for a purple-toned look.
- Green with a gold-inspired accent, where the product directions permit.
Read More
Explore Colours and Tools
Browse eyeshadow palettes and compare the Blending Eyeshadow Brush and Precision Eyeshadow Brush. Choose tools by the placement and blending tasks you want to try.