Smokey Eye Made Easy: 7 Makeup Must-Haves To Get The Look

There is no denying that a classic smokey eye look can carry you through every season, whether you’re headed for a wedding or a party. While this bold, statement-making eye can certainly make heads turn, it can also be intimidating to try out, especially if you’re a makeup newbie.

First off, what is a smokey eye look, really?

For starters, it involves using a dark eyeshadow and blending out the edges to get a softer finish. When you’re done with your look, there should be no solid outline or shape that should be visible on the lids. Instead, the colour should fade out seamlessly. Smokey eye makeup can be super simple to look at but it sure is a challenge to create! Before we get into the essentials you need to get the perfect smokey eye and the step-by-step tutorial, here are 5 easy hacks to ace it.

Arm Yourself With Great Brushes

When it comes to makeup, you can do a lot with your fingers but there are some cases like a smokey eye look where makeup brushes are somewhat essential. Make sure you have the 3 key tools: A crease brush to pat down colour, a fluffy brush to diffuse it and a pencil brush.

Blend, Blend, Blend…And Blend Some More

Seriously, the trick to a perfect smokey eye lies in blending the shadows together. And just when you think you have achieved the look you want, go ahead and give your lids five swipes more.

Brown Smokey Eye Makeup Is Easier To Nail Than Black

If you’re looking to just dip your toes in the smokey eye trend, opt for a brown eyeliner or eyeshadow look. It is less dramatic and has a romantic feel to it. Plus, it is WAY easier to clean up if you make a mistake! Simply line your top lid with eyeliner and blend it using a densely packed brush. Extend it into a winged shape towards the outer corner of your eye and voila! You have an easy, diffused brown smokey eye look ready.

Play Around With Textures

Why stick to grunge-y black eyeshadow only? Opt for a dash of glitter or some metallic eyeshadow to add that extra touch of glam to your look. Personally, I feel like you can never go wrong with some gold glitter paired with a smokey eye look. All you need to do is tap some on the centre of your lids.

Keep Makeup Remover Handy

Using dark eyeshadows can cause fallout under the eyes, which leads to messy under-eyes. Instead of doing your base makeup first, do it after you’re done with your smokey eye makeup. This way you can avoid any makeup accidents. If you’re not happy with the diffused edges of your smokey eye or feel like it’s giving more panda than perfect, dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and simply swipe away the pigment.

Now, let’s move on to the main bit…

Step 1: Use A Primer On Your Lids

When creating something as dramatic as smokey eye makeup, you want to make sure your lids are prepped and primed to take on all the layers you will be working with to create depth. Working with a smooth base helps all the eyeshadow colours to stay smudge-proof and give your eyelids a smoother base, ultimately preventing creasing. If you don’t want to shell out cash for an extra product, you can achieve a similar effect using a concealer and dusting setting powder on your lids before proceeding.

Step 2: Black Kajal Or Eyeliner Can Be Your Smokey Eye BFF

Apply a black, creamy eyeliner along your top lid and blend it out quickly using a pencil brush. Diffuse the colour to build your base outline and then we’ll work to add some depth and darkness to your smokey eye look. This eyeliner is a great one to have as it is absolutely smudge proof. When you’re using this as eyeliner, move quickly to blend it because once it sets, it stays in place.

Step 3: Set It All With Eyeshadow

Buff dark eyeshadow near your top lash line, all across it. Now is when you can add a lighter shade like a grey colour or a shimmer formula to brighten your lids and make them pop. This palette is a super handy option to have as it not only has a bunch of super pigmented matte shades but also comes with some great lighter glitter options.

Step 4: Finish Off With Mascara

Complete your smokey eye look with a few coats of mascara. This drugstore option is a cult-favourite and for good reason. It will not leave you with clumpy lashes, no matter what. The formula is waterproof and smudgeproof so if you forget you’re wearing mascara and rub your lids, don’t fret all!

PS: Feel free to go all out with your dramatic smokey eye look by pairing it with a red lip. But, if you’re trying to go for a more subtle look, apply a nude lipstick and you’re done!