Fashion PK » Make Up » How to do Smoky Eyes [Step By Step]

Smoky eyes have become a classic party eye makeup look. The secret of this trend's popularity is that smoky eyes can change your face dramatically, transforming the girl-next-door into a stylish diva. Once you learn and master these application and blending techniques, the transition will take you only a few minutes. You can have irresistible-looking eyes, even if they are not big or bright.

Choosing colour

You will need one eye pencil, two colours of powder eyeshadow, and dark mascara to produce a fantastic smoky eyes effect.

The base eyeshadow should be a light and shimmery (not metallic) powder texture. Note that blending becomes more challenging if you use a creamy texture. Choose between lilac, light peach, or champagne for a soft and sophisticated look or use a white base with any dark contouring shade for a high-contrast dramatic look.

The contouring eyeshadow must be a dark, slightly shimmery colour, enhanced by eye pencil of the same shade. Choose between dark brown, blue, green, or purple, depending on the colour of your attire. Use black with any outfit for a stunning effect.

Choose soft eye pencil of the same colour as your contouring shade. Never use liquid eyeliner, it is for crisp lines, not the soft and sultry look we are aiming for here.

Black thickening mascara and stronger-than-usual eyebrows are in tune with smoky eyes makeup.

Outline your eye contour with the eye pencil, all the way around. Make the line thicker along the upper lash line. Apply your base eyeshadow all over the upper eyelid. Blend well with a base brush.

Smoky Eyes

With a pointy sponge applicator, apply contouring eyeshadow along the lower lash line. Blend well with the pencil line using a small liner brush. Choose the spot where you will start applying contouring eyeshadow on the upper lid. Think of the point where your upper and lower eyelids come together, and lift that point halfway to the eyebrows.

Smoky Eyes

With a pointy sponge applicator, apply contouring eyeshadow in a horizontal ''V'' shape, starting from the spot defined in the previous step.

Smoky Eyes

With a medium-sized round brush (you can also use a flat one, holding it sideways), blend eyeshadow in the crease and along the upper lashes towards the inner corners of your eyes. Reapply and blend contouring colour in a ''V'' shape until you reach a desirable saturation.

Connect your upper and lower lash lines by blending them together. For an irresistible deep regard, outline the inside contour of your eyes with the same eye pencil.

Don't forget to enhance your eyebrows to balance strong ''smoky eyes'' makeup. Apply lots of mascara. Your eyes are now smokier then ever before!