How To Create Smokey Eyes: Step-By-Step Hacks For Mastering The Look
The smokey eye is a classic makeup trend that has stood the test of time. It's the go-to look for those seeking drama and sophistication. While this iconic eye makeup style can seem daunting, you don't need to be a professional makeup artist to nail it. With just a few tips and tricks, anyone can create a flawless smokey eye with minimal effort. Whether you're preparing for a glamorous night out or simply want to elevate your daily look, mastering the smokey eye is a must. And with top-quality beauty products readily available on Myntra, achieving this look has never been easier.
How To Create Smokey Eyes: Step-By-Step Hacks For Mastering The Look; Photo Credit: Pexels
1. Prepping Your Canvas: The Importance Of A Good Base
Before diving into the smokey eye, prepping your eyelids is essential for ensuring long-lasting wear and preventing creasing. Start by applying an eye primer or a concealer to your eyelids. This step helps to even out skin tone and creates a smooth surface for your eyeshadow. If you don't have an eye primer, a dab of foundation will work as well.
Next, lightly dust translucent powder over your lids to set the primer. This will make blending easier and keep your makeup in place throughout the day or night. Remember, a well-prepped eyelid is the key to an effortlessly blended look that won't smudge. By laying down a solid base, you also prevent your makeup from slipping into fine lines, ensuring that your smokey eye remains flawless.
2. Choosing The Right Colours For Your Smokey Eye
How To Create Smokey Eyes: Step-By-Step Hacks For Mastering The Look; Photo Credit: Pexels
A classic smokey eye doesn't always have to be black. While deep blacks and charcoals create a striking look, softer alternatives such as brown, bronze, and grey can give a more subtle, daytime-appropriate version of the smokey eye. For a bold statement, consider jewel tones like navy, emerald, or plum to add a pop of colour while maintaining the sultriness.
Begin by selecting three complementary shades: a light base colour, a medium-tone transition shade, and a dark, defining shade. Typically, the lightest shade goes across the lid as a base, the medium tone works as a transition colour in the crease, and the darkest shade adds depth and definition around the lash line and outer corners. This gradual transition of colours helps create that signature smokey gradient.
Myntra has an extensive range of eyeshadow palettes to suit any preference, making it easy to find the perfect shades for any occasion.
3. Blending Techniques: The Secret To A Seamless Smokey Eye
Blending is the most crucial aspect of achieving a smokey eye. Without proper blending, the look can appear harsh or muddy. To create a smooth transition between shades, use a fluffy blending brush and make small, circular motions. Start with the lightest shade and gradually work your way to the darkest, focusing on blending the edges to avoid harsh lines.
One key tip is to hold the brush near the end, which gives you less control but ensures a lighter touch. The goal is to create a soft fade from dark to light, so take your time. It's always easier to build up intensity gradually rather than trying to fix an overly heavy application.
For beginners, it's important to note that you don't need to rush this step. Blending can take time, but the result will be worth the effort. A well-blended smokey eye is all about seamless transitions, so don't be afraid to go back in and blend a little more if necessary.
4. Defining with Eyeliner: Adding Drama To The Look
No smokey eye is complete without a touch of eyeliner to enhance the drama. A kohl pencil is ideal for this look, as it's easy to smudge and blend for that lived-in, sultry effect. Start by lining your upper and lower lash lines. Don't worry about precision here – the idea is to create a slightly messy, smokey effect that complements the eyeshadow.
Once you've lined your eyes, use a smudge brush or your fingertip to soften the lines. For added intensity, you can also line your waterline with waterproof eyeliner. If you prefer a more dramatic look, consider extending the liner slightly at the outer corners for a subtle winged effect.
Gel liners are another option for those seeking a bolder, more defined look. Use an angled brush to apply and blend the liner into your shadow, creating a seamless transition between the two.
5. Finishing Touches: Mascara And Highlighter
How To Create Smokey Eyes: Step-By-Step Hacks For Mastering The Look; Photo Credit: Pexels
The final steps in achieving the perfect smokey eye are mascara and a touch of highlighter. A volumising mascara will help define your lashes and add intensity to your overall look. Apply several coats, ensuring each lash is covered from root to tip. If you're going for a more glamorous finish, consider adding false lashes for extra drama.
To open up the eyes and add brightness, apply a small amount of highlighter or a shimmery light shade to the inner corners of your eyes. This step is particularly effective for balancing out the smokey, dark tones with a hint of light, creating a more dynamic and flattering look.
Myntra offers a wide variety of mascaras and highlighters, making it easy to add the perfect finishing touches to your smokey eye look.
1. Recode Holographic Shimmery Liquid Eyeliner - 2.5 ml - Multi 03
Discount: 10% | Price: ₹359 | M.R.P.: ₹399 | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This lightweight, shimmery liquid eyeliner adds an ethereal sparkle to your smokey eye. The unique holographic shimmer can be layered over dark eyeshadows or used on its own for a pop of colour. Its paraben-free formula ensures long wear without causing irritation. If you're looking to make your smokey eye stand out with a bit of shine, this one's your go-to.
2. Lakme 9to5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner Smudgeproof, Waterproof - Black, 4.5 ml
Discount: 18% | Price: ₹245 | M.R.P.: ₹299 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
A smudge-proof, waterproof liquid eyeliner that offers precise application. The deep black pigment is perfect for creating the defining lines of a smokey eye. Its easy-glide brush ensures that even beginners can achieve bold lines, while the quick-dry formula helps it stay intact all day. This eyeliner is great for tight-lining and enhancing the depth of your smokey look.
3. Lakme Glitterati Chroma Chic Eye Shadow Palette - Stilettos - 12 g
Discount: 31% | Price: ₹827 | M.R.P.: ₹1199 | Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
With a mix of shimmery and matte shades, this eye shadow palette offers a variety of colours for layering. The "Stilettos" palette is an ideal choice for smokey eyes, featuring rich blacks, browns, and metallic shades. The pressed powder formulation ensures easy application and blending. You can mix and match colours to create a custom smokey eye look for day or night.
4. Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - Blackest Black
Discount: 28% | Price: ₹431 | M.R.P.: ₹599 | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
If you want intense black lines that last, Maybelline's gel eyeliner is perfect. The smooth gel formula offers smudge-proof, waterproof wear for up to 36 hours. It's ophthalmologist-tested, so it's safe for sensitive eyes. This product gives your smokey eye the precision and drama it needs, without the mess of traditional liners.
5. Swiss Beauty Waterproof Holographic Eyeliner - Stardust 03
Discount: 10% | Price: ₹404 | M.R.P.: ₹449 | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
For those who love a little sparkle in their makeup, Swiss Beauty's holographic eyeliner in Stardust 03 adds a magical, twinkling finish to your smokey eye. Waterproof and long-lasting, this metallic stick is easy to apply and stays put throughout the day. It works well on both the upper lash line and waterline for an edgy look.
6. Lakme Absolute Explore High Shine And Lightweight Eyeshadow Stick - Hawaiian Pink
Discount: 30% | Price: ₹525 | M.R.P.: ₹750 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This eyeshadow stick offers a smooth, creamy texture that glides effortlessly over your lids. With its long-lasting formula and bold colour payoff, it's an excellent addition to your smokey eye toolkit. Use the Hawaiian Pink shade to highlight your inner corners or blend it into darker shades for a unique look. Cruelty-free and easy to carry, it's perfect for touch-ups on the go.
7. Etude Bling Bling Eye Stick 1.4 g - Ivory Baby Star 08
Discount: 10% | Price: ₹450 | M.R.P.: ₹500 | Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
For a soft shimmer, Etude's Bling Bling Eye Stick in Ivory Baby Star is the perfect choice. It adds a golden glow to the inner corners of your eyes or can be layered over darker shades for a luminous effect. The crayon-like formula is easy to blend and lasts all day without fading. This is a great product to complement any smokey eye look, adding just the right amount of shine.
8. Renee Fab Face For Lips, Cheeks And Eyes - Nude
Discount: 41% | Price: ₹442 | M.R.P.: ₹750 | Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
A multi-use product, the Renee Fab Face stick can be used not just on your eyes but also on your lips and cheeks. The nude shade works beautifully as a base for your smokey eye or can be worn alone for a soft, natural look. The creamy formulation is long-lasting and provides a smooth finish that blends easily with other products.
Mastering the smokey eye doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools, shades, and techniques, anyone can create this iconic look with ease. By focusing on proper blending, selecting complementary colours, and adding the right finishing touches, the perfect smokey eye is well within reach. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a little patience, you'll be able to achieve this timeless look effortlessly. For all your makeup needs, Myntra has you covered with a wide range of products that cater to every style and occasion. So, why wait? Unleash your inner makeup artist and start experimenting with the smokey eye today. Shop now on Myntra
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