The bold smokey eye is a timeless makeup look that’s both dramatic and seductive, perfect for evening outings, special occasions, or when you just want to make a statement. While it may seem like an intimidating style to master, creating a smokey eye is easier than you think, even for beginners. With the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, you can achieve a bold smokey eye that’s flawless and captivating.
Step 1: Prep Your Eyelids Before applying any makeup, it’s essential to prep your eyelids to ensure the shadows stay in place. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. This will help prevent creasing and enhance the intensity of your shadows. If you don’t have an eyeshadow primer, a dab of concealer works as a good alternative.
Step 2: Choose the Right Eyeshadow Shades A bold smokey eye typically involves a mix of dark and light eyeshadows. For beginners, start with a neutral palette that includes a deep shade (like black, charcoal, or dark brown), a medium shade (such as taupe or plum), and a light shade for highlighting (like champagne, beige, or ivory). These colors create the classic gradient effect associated with a smokey eye.
Step 3: Apply a Base Shade Begin by applying the lightest shade on your eyelids to create an even canvas. This will highlight the eyes and create a smooth base for the darker shades. Use a fluffy brush to dust the light shade across the entire lid, from the lash line up to the brow bone.
Step 4: Add Depth with a Medium Shade Next, apply the medium-toned shadow to your crease to add depth. This helps create the illusion of dimension. Use a fluffy crease brush to blend the shadow in a windshield wiper motion. Make sure to blend well to avoid any harsh lines—this is key for achieving a seamless smokey effect.
Step 5: Deepen the Look with a Dark Shade Now it’s time for the bold part! Using a small, dense brush, apply the darkest shadow along the lash line. Start at the outer corner of your eye and work your way inward, gradually building up the intensity. For a dramatic smokey eye, you can also apply this shade to the lower lash line, connecting it with the upper lash line. Make sure to blend the shadow upwards into the crease for a seamless transition between the dark and medium tones.
Step 6: Smudge for a Smokey Effect One of the defining features of a smokey eye is the soft, smudged look. To achieve this, take a clean blending brush and gently blend the dark eyeshadow into the crease and up to the brow bone. If you prefer a more intense look, you can use a pencil eyeliner along your upper and lower lash lines, then smudge it with a brush to soften the lines.
Step 7: Highlight the Inner Corner and Brow Bone To brighten and lift the eyes, apply a light, shimmery shade to the inner corner of the eyes and under the brow bone. This adds contrast to the dark shadows and creates a balanced, polished look. A champagne or pearlescent eyeshadow works best for this step.
Step 8: Define Your Lashes A smokey eye is not complete without well-defined lashes. Start by curling your lashes to open up your eyes. Then, apply a coat of black mascara to both your upper and lower lashes. For extra drama, you can apply false lashes to enhance the boldness of your smokey eye.
Step 9: Clean Up the Edges After applying your eyeshadow and mascara, clean up any fallout or smudges around your eyes with a makeup remover wipe or a cotton swab. If necessary, touch up your foundation or concealer to perfect your base.
Step 10: Finish the Look A bold smokey eye pairs well with neutral makeup on the rest of the face. Opt for a nude or soft pink lip and minimal blush to keep the focus on your eyes. Finish with a setting spray to lock in your makeup for long-lasting wear.
With these tips, even beginners can confidently create a bold smokey eye. The key is blending, layering, and taking your time to build up the color gradually. Once you master the technique, you can experiment with different colors and variations to suit your mood and style!
