How To Create A Smoky Eye Effect

Step 1: Choose A Color

A smoky eye is done with one color of eye shadow. Brown, grey, or black are good choices. Dark plum or navy are for the brave. Eyeliners should match.

Step 2: Prep Your Lid

Apply a thin layer of foundation across your lids. Then sweep on a nude colored shadow or powder. Use a light shimmer if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 3: Pencil In

Using your pencil, draw a line around your eyes. If you want your smoky eyes to look especially frisky, draw on your inner rims as well. Blend with a cotton swab.

Step 4: Brush Up

Start by sweeping on a layer of shadow close to the lashline with your eyeshadow brush, diffusing the eyeliner.

With a light hand, add another layer of eye shadow and blend upward... so the the color fades evenly from lash to crease. Line the lower eye with a liner brush and diffuse with a cotton swab.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Use a cotton swab to blend or clean up any shadow.

Apply two coats of mascara on curled lashes to polish the smoky eye look.