How to: Smokey Eyes - Tips for Beginners
- 3 min reading time
Smokey eyes are the classic eye look: intense, seductive and perfect for every occasion. Whether you're going out for the evening or just fancy a dramatic touch to your make-up, smokey eyes are always a good choice. But how do you create this look as a beginner without looking like a panda? No stress! In this how-to we explain step by step how to create smokey eyes, which colours you can best use and what the perfect base is for a long-lasting result.
What are smokey eyes?
Smokey eyes are an eye makeup look where dark colors subtly blend into each other for a 'smoky' effect. It's all about blending eye shadow , so that harsh lines disappear and your eyes gain extra depth. You can make the look as intense or natural as you want, depending on the colors you use and how strong you apply it.
Which colors are good for smokey eyes?
Although black and grey are often associated with smokey eyes, you can vary endlessly with colour. These are nice colour options, especially if you are just starting out:
- Browns: Perfect for a soft, neutral smokey eye. Think taupe, chocolate brown and warm copper tones.
- Gray tones: Ideal for a classic, cool smokey look without it being too intense.
- Purple and plum: Gorgeous with green or hazel eyes and a fun twist on the original.
- Dark green or navy: Perfect for a subtle injection of color that still remains smokey.
As a beginner, brown and gray tones are a safe choice because they blend easily and don't look too harsh.
What is the perfect base for smokey eyes?
A good base is essential for a successful smokey eye. It prevents your eyeshadow from creasing or fading during the day. Always start with an eyeshadow primer to even out your lids and boost the color intensity. Want extra depth? Apply a creamy eyeliner or dark cream eyeshadow as a base – this will help your powder eyeshadow adhere better and make the look extra intense.
How to create a smokey eye in 7 simple steps
This is how you can effortlessly create a beautiful smokey eye as a beginner:
- Choose 3 complimentary shades that transition from dark to light. For example dark purple, medium purple and lilac.
- Apply an eyeshadow primer over your entire eyelid and set with setting powder . Want an extra intense smokey eye? Then use a black or dark primer on your moving eyelid, blend well, blending is key with a smokey eye.
- Take your darkest shade and apply it along your lash line with a pencil brush and blend upwards over your mobile lid with a blending brush .
- Apply the medium shade in your arcade arch and blend together with the darkest shade, creating a natural transition.
- Use the lightest shade and apply it above your brow bone, blending out towards your brow bone, but leaving space between your eyeshadow and your brow bone . Again, make sure you have a natural transition from the medium shade in your brow bone to light.
- Apply the darkest shade along your lower lash line. Blend it out with the medium shade. This creates a beautiful gradient from dark to light under your eyes as well. Highlight the inner corner of the eye and brow bone with a light shimmer for contrast.
- Complete the look with a volumizing mascara for that ultimate smokey eye impact!
Didn't succeed the first time? Don't worry, smokey eyes take a bit of practice. Make sure you blend all the shades well for a natural transition. Failed? Rinse and repeat, just start over and keep practicing until you are happy with the result.
Shop everything for the perfect smokey eyes at Boozyshop
Ready to get started with smokey eyes yourself? At Boozyshop you will find everything you need: from the best eyeshadow palettes to creamy pencils, brushes and primers. Whether you choose a soft look with brown tones or go all-out with green or black, we have the tools and products to make your look a success!
Curious about our entire eyeshadow assortment? Shop here quickly --->> Eyeshadow
