How to do the Smoky Eye

The iconic smoky eye make-up look is incredibly popular. It can be as subtle or as dramatic as you like, so here’s a smoky eye step-by-step guide, along with the best shades to complement your eye colour.

Prep Before You Start

Primer is a key starting point to any eye makeup look, especially a smoky eye as it will prevent smudged or creased eye shadow. Apply the primer over the entire lid and up to the brow bone.

Use an eyelash curler and gently clamp it down as close to the eyelid as you can get it, holding it for about 10 seconds before releasing.

Tips on Choosing The Perfect Eye Shadow

A smoky eye will work with a number of different colours. Ideally, you need two or three eyeshadows in similar colours – a light, medium and dark to create a smoky eye. Most people tend to go for greys and neutrals, but you could opt for a shade that will complement your eye colour instead.

A smoky eye for blue or grey eyes should be neutral with hints of a peachy, champagne shade to make them pop. You don’t want to use colours that are too dark or harsh.
A smoky eye for green eyes could be purple if you want something dramatic, or shimmery browns if you’d rather pare down the look.
A smoky eye for brown eyes can be any shade you fancy, as most colours will work. Bronze will make them pop, and you could get away with blending black eye shadow in the crease of your eyelid to add extra definition.

How to Achieve the Smoky Eye Look

Step 1

Using a fluffy eye shadow brush, sweep the darkest coloured shadow as closely as possible to the lash line.

Step 2

Next, using a smaller eye shadow brush, apply the medium or second darkest shade from the middle of your eyelid outwards, taking it up slightly so the colour finishes just below the crease.

Step 3

Apply light grey eye shadow between the crease and the lash line. Once you’re happy, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and buff and blend the colours together. There should be no harsh lines when you’re finished – just beautifully blended colour

Step 4

Highlight the inner corners of your eye and the brow bone with a neutral to white eye shadow.

Step 5

For even more definition, apply eye pencil to the lower lash line. You can also gently smudge the liner with a cotton bud for the ultimate smoky eye.

Step 6

Gently stretching the eye, create a line on your upper lash line to create a stronger, edgier look.

Step 7

Finish the look with a slick of lengthening mascara, or go all out with false strip lashes or a couple of individual false lashes in the outer corners of your eyes.

Step 8 - Optional

When you’re happy, dip a cotton bud in some petroleum jelly and sweep under the eye to pick up any excess shadow that may have fallen onto your cheeks.

Shop Eye Shadows