Smokey Eye Step by Step: An Easy Smoky Eye Tutorial

The smokey eye is one of the most iconic makeup looks. It has a reputation for being difficult, but it is actually quite forgiving: the idea is for everything to look blended, with no perfect lines.

We will show you a simple technique with pencil and shadows, and how to adapt it for day or night.

What is a smokey eye?

It is a color gradient that goes from most intense near the lashes to softer toward the crease, with diffused edges that look like smoke. It does not have to be black: it can be done in brown, plum, green, navy or bronze.

What you need

• Eyeshadow primer.
• A creamy eyeliner pencil (black or brown).
• Three shadows: a transition shade, a medium shade and a dark shade.
• Optional: a shimmer shadow for the center of the lid.
• A blending brush, small tapered brush and flat brush.
• Mascara and, if you like, false lashes.

Step by step

1. Prep your lid

Apply primer and set it with a little powder or skin-tone shadow. This makes blending easier.

2. Transition shade

With the fluffy brush, apply a light brown or caramel shade to the crease in side-to-side motions. This step prevents harsh edges.

3. Pencil base

Draw a thick line with the pencil along your upper lash line, wider toward the outer corner. Before it sets, smudge it upward with a small brush or your finger.

4. Dark shadow on top

With the small brush, press the dark shadow over the pencil. This sets the pencil and intensifies the color.

5. Medium shade to connect

Apply the medium shade just above the dark one and blend until you cannot tell where one ends and the other begins.

6. Lower lash line

Take the pencil and dark shadow along your lower lash line, blending with the medium shade. For more intensity, line your waterline.

7. Light and lashes

Optional: a shimmer shadow on the center of the lid and a light touch on the inner corner. Finish with generous mascara or false lashes.

Smokey eye variations

• Soft brown smokey: perfect for daytime and the office. Use brown shades and a brown pencil.
• Classic black smokey: for night, with black pencil and shadow and liner on the waterline.
• Colorful smokey: plum, green or navy for something different.
• Shimmery smokey: add a metallic shadow or glitter to the center.

Pro tips

• Do your eyes before foundation so you can easily clean up fallout.
• Build intensity gradually: it is easier to go darker than lighter.
• Blend with a clean brush at the end to soften everything.
• Balance with soft lips: nude or pink.
• If you have hooded eyes, take the smoke slightly higher and outward, and check it with your eyes open.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the transition shade, which leaves a harsh edge.
• Smoking all the way around the eye in a circle, which can make it look smaller.
• Forgetting the lower lash line, so the look feels unfinished.
• Too much product without blending.

Find it at BeautyRosee

In our makeup collection you will find eyeshadow palettes with brown, black and metallic shades, eyeshadow primers, gel and pencil eyeliners, eyeshadow brushes and false lashes. The Kevin & Coco palettes have chocolate tones that are ideal for a soft smokey eye, and at Beauty Creations you will find palettes and brushes.

FAQ

Can I do a smokey eye without pencil?

Yes, with just shadows. Pencil helps add intensity and creates a base that blends easily, but it is not required.

Is a smokey eye only for night?

No. A soft version in brown shades looks great during the day.

How do I keep it from looking muddy?

Use a transition shade, blend the edges well and clean up any fallout under your eyes before applying foundation.

Which smokey eye color suits brown eyes?

Almost all of them, but plum, bronze, olive green and navy tend to make them stand out.

The smokey eye is a classic that never goes out of style. Find your palette in our makeup collection.