How to Create a Smoky Eye Makeup Effect – Six Easy Steps!

Smoky eye makeup is a perennial favorite among glamour pusses, movie stars, and fashion lovers.  It hearkens back to the days of Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth, when ladies had an air of mystery and sophistication in addition to their charm and beauty.  It is one of the essential looks that every woman wants in her cosmetics arsenal.  Millions of customers ask the same question each day at makeup counters around the world:  How do I create the smoky eye makeup effect at home?

Without a doubt, the key to flawless smoky eye makeup is blending.   Even though it is a dramatic look, there is an element of natural shading that you want to maintain.   That being said, you really should invest in a couple decent bushes to make sure you are applying and blending the shadows perfectly.  You also should have an excellent set of eye shadows.  Since this look is never going to go out of style, go ahead and invest in a nice set of shadows.  I suggest the Cargo Smoky Eye Kit ($85) or the Backstage Beauty Eye Shadow Palette by Stila ($40), both available from Sephora.com.

Regardless of the brand of shadow you choose, you are going to need a minimum of two colors, preferably three that range from pale to dark.  Consider you complexion and buy a set of shadows that will look smoky without making you look like a raccoon.  If you’re blonde, for example, try a pale gold and a deep taupe combination.  You’ll also need powder or eyeliner that is darker than both the other shades.

Next, follow these steps:

1. Apply your eyeliner FIRST to your upper lash line.  Make sure you eyeliner coordinates with your shadow selection.  (Dark brown for taupes and tans, etc.)
2. Use a chiseled edge brush to blend the dark shade of your eye shadow on the bottom lash line.  Make sure you smudge it with a cotton swab —you do not want a definitive line.
3. Apply your lightest eye shadow as a base color on the entire eyelid, up to the brow bone.
4. Use the darker color of shadow on the eyelid and blend it up gradually so that it meets the brow bone.  Then, blend the shadow with the eyeliner, blending upward.  Stop at the crease of the eye.  The smoky makeup effect is created when there is no definitive stop or starting point between the color gradient on your lid.
5. Step back and look at the total eye, touching up your blending where it is needed.
6. Apply mascara.

It may take a couple practice runs to master the technique, but once you do, you’ll love wearing it for evening and formal events!