What’s the Deal with the Smokey Eye Look?
Hey there, makeup lovers! You might have heard about the “smokey eye” look – it’s pretty much everywhere in the beauty world these days. But what exactly is it, and why is it so popular?
Well, the smokey eye is a makeup technique that involves blending various shades of eyeshadow together to create a smoky, gradient effect on the eyes. The shades used typically range from light to dark, with the darkest shade being concentrated on the outer corners of the eye. It’s a dramatic look that can suit a variety of occasions, from a night out to a fancy event.
So why is it so popular? Well, for one thing, it’s a classic look that has been around for decades, so it’s always going to be in style in some way or another. Plus, it’s versatile – you can make it more subtle for a daytime look, or really amp it up for a night out. And who doesn’t love a good glamourous look?
But here’s the thing – achieving the perfect smokey eye can be tricky. It’s easy to overdo it and end up looking like a raccoon, or to blend the shades in a way that looks muddy. But fear not! With the right technique and some practice, anyone can learn to create a beautiful smokey eye. Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, first make sure you avoid common makeup application mistakes by checking this post.
Prepping the Eye: Get Ready to Smoke It Out!
Alright ladies, before we dive into creating the perfect smokey eye look, we need to prep our eyes. This step is crucial to ensure that our eye makeup will stay put and won’t smear or smudge throughout the day or night.
First things first, we need to start with a clean slate. I always make sure to remove any excess makeup or dirt on my eyelids by gently cleaning them with a toner or micellar water. This helps to get rid of any oils or residue that may interfere with our eyeshadow later on.
Next up, we need to curl our lashes. By curling our lashes, we can really open up our eyes and make them appear bigger and brighter. I like to hold the curler for about 10 seconds on each eye, making sure to get as close to the lash line as possible.
Last but not least, we need to apply an eyeshadow primer. This step is key to ensuring that our eyeshadow stays put and doesn’t crease. I like to apply a small amount of primer to my eyelid and blend it out with my finger. Make sure to wait a few seconds for the primer to dry before moving on to the next step.
Prepare for the Smoke Show: Creating the Perfect Base for a Smokey Eye
All right, let’s get started. So, after cleaning and toning my eye area, I’m ready to prep my lids for the ultimate smokey eye look. First, I’m going to curl my eyelashes to make them look super voluminous. This step is essential to lift and open up my eyes.
Next, I’ll apply my favorite eyeshadow primer that helps to keep my makeup in place for hours. This product mattifies my lids, preventing my eyeshadow from creasing, smudging, or fading. I warm up a tiny amount with my fingers and apply it directly on my lids and a bit underneath my lower lash line.
Now it’s time to create the base. I like to start with a neutral base color that acts as a blank canvas for the rest of the colors. I use a medium-sized fluffy brush, go back and forth with the color, and sweep it all over my lid, blending it seamlessly on the crease and towards my brow bone. This step ensures that the final look is as flawless as possible.
Next, I pick my favorite crease color, one shade darker than my skin tone, for some depth- and dimension-building. I apply it to the outer corner of my lid, blending it inward and upward to create more depth and definition to my eyes.
Finally, I add the darkest shade to deepen the look further. I take a smudger brush and load it with the color, tapping off the excess. I apply the shadow on the outer corner of my eye again and blend it to make it appear smoky and connected with the crease color.
That’s it for the base creation, folks! Moving forward, we’ll be adding some more color and getting that super sultry look we all crave.
Adding Depth and Dimension
Alright, now we’re getting to the fun part! To really make your smokey eye pop, we need to add depth and dimension by layering on darker shades. I love using a medium-toned color on the outer corner to create a smoldering effect.First, I take a small blending brush and dip it into the medium shade, tapping off any excess before blending it onto the outer corner in small circles. This will create a gradient effect, with the darkest color concentrated on the outer corner and gradually fading outwards.
Next, it’s time to add that real sultry vibe with a dark color. Using a smaller brush, I apply the darkest shade along the lash line, blending it upwards towards the crease. This will create the illusion of a deeper and more defined eye socket. Remember, less is more! Start with a little bit of product and build it up gradually to avoid any harsh lines.
As you blend, don’t be afraid to use a clean brush or a blending sponge to diffuse the color and soften any lines. I also like to extend this darker color slightly beyond the outer corner and blend it into the crease for a more dramatic effect.
Adding depth and dimension is really where you can get creative and experiment with different color combinations. A deep purple or navy blue can give a smokey eye a unique twist. Play around with different shades and see what works best for you!
Now, stand back and admire your work. Adding depth and dimension has taken your smokey eye to the next level. It’s amazing how a little bit of shadow can make such a big difference! Next up, we’ll finish off our look with some finishing touches.
Finishing Touches: The Icing on the Cake!
Now that we’ve created the perfect base for our smokey eye, it’s time to add the finishing touches. These steps are simple, but they make all the difference in achieving a flawless look.
First, let’s highlight the inner corner of the eye. This gives our eyes a little extra sparkle and makes them appear brighter. I like to use a shimmery, light-colored eyeshadow and apply it with a small brush right in the inner corner.
Next, we need to define our brows. This frames the eyes and gives the entire look a polished finish. I like to use a brow pencil or powder and fill in any sparse areas, then comb them through with a spoolie brush to blend.
Now it’s time to apply mascara. This is the final step in creating a beautiful smokey eye and really brings everything together. I like to use a volumizing mascara and apply it in a zigzag motion from the roots to the tips of my lashes. This not only adds length and volume but also helps to separate the lashes.
Voila! We’ve completed the finishing touches and now have the perfect smokey eye look. Don’t forget to step back and admire your work. You look fabulous!
Wrap it Up: Achieving the Perfect Smokey Eye Look
So, there you have it! These are the steps I take to achieve the perfect smokey eye look. Of course, the key to nailing it is practice. You won’t get it on your first try, but don’t give up! Keep playing around with different shades and techniques until you find the look that works best for you.
Remember to always prep your eye by cleaning and toning the skin, curling your lashes, and applying eyeshadow primer. Then, start by creating a base with a neutral color and blending in a crease color. Next, add depth and dimension by applying a medium shade to the outer corner and a dark color to intensify the look. It’s important to also highlight the inner corner of your eye, define your brows, and finish with a coat of mascara.
Another important thing to remember is to not be afraid to experiment with different shades and textures. Play around with glitter or metallic shades to add some extra sparkle, or use a colorful shade to make a bold statement. The key is to have fun and express yourself!
Now that you know the steps to achieving the perfect smokey eye look, go out and rock it! And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!