Choose your colors. Any color can be used to create a
smoky eye, although you will need at least three shades of a similar
hue. The classic smoky eye is created with black or gray, but bronze and
brown are also commonly used.
- Green eyes look particularly good with a gray and plum smoky eye,
while blue eyes pop with gold or copper and brown eyes go great with
shades of navy and gray .
- You should choose three shades of each color: a light, creamy color, a medium base color, and a dark smoky color.
- Avoid choosing colors that are too bright, or if you have very fair
skin too dark. You want your smoky eye to accentuate your pretty face,
not to distract from it.
Use the right supplies. Although it may be quick and
easy to choose the first three complementary shades of eyeshadow you
find with a sponge applicator, the perfect smoky eye is created using
the right supplies.
- Using loose powders gives you the best blending ability, which is
necessary for creating a great smoky eye. You have the ability to use
pressed powders and cream shadows as well, but for the best look find loose eyeshadow.
- Use pitch-black eyeliner
to accentuate your smoky eye. You have the option of using a pencil,
cream, or liquid eyeliner, and any will work just fine. Cream and liquid
eyeliners give a very smooth finish, while a pencil eyeliner gives a softer blended look.
- Be sure to use good quality makeup brushes. Using dirty, old, or
sponge brushes will create a smeared look that doesn’t blend. The best makeup brush for a smoky eye is a domed eyeshadow brush, which is rounded at the top. You can find these at many beauty supply stores.
- Be sure have a concealer and eyeshadow primer to prep your lids
before applying the smoky eye. Use a concealer brush to apply both.
- Have a large fluffy brush, makeup remover and q-tips on hand to fix any mistakes or loose shadow on your cheeks.
Apply your face makeup.
Before you put on your smoky eye, you should create your neutral
palette. Apply concealer under your eyes and on any dark or red spots,
and then apply a powder foundation over the top to set it.
- You have the option of applying blush or bronzer to add dimension to
your face. For a bronzer, sweep it into the hollows of your cheeks with
a large fluffy brush. To apply a blush, blend it into the apples of
your cheeks. Remember to apply both lightly, for the most natural look.
- Make sure your eyebrows are well-shaped and colored, as the smoky
eye will draw attention to them. Having brows that are too thin or light
will make your smoky eye look too dark and unnatural.
