If you’re looking for a makeup look that adds depth and mystery to your eyes, you should consider the smokey eye. Smokey eyes are one of the most iconic and versatile makeup techniques. Whether heading to a party or wanting to add drama to your everyday style, this look fits every occasion.

It’s also a makeup style that most reputable beauty institutes include in their comprehensive curriculum. At Orane, one of India’s top beauty academies with 115+ centres, hundreds of students are taught the art of creating the perfect smokey eye in their makeup courses. But what makes this makeup style unique, and how can you achieve it? 

Let us get started with this Smokey Eyes blog by learning about how it is popular not only among makeup enthusiasts but also with global celebrities.

Smokey Eye: A Favourite Among Celebrities

Whether it’s Hollywood or Bollywood, the smokey eye makeup look has been a favourite of many celebrities. Take Amber Heard, one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood, who often rocks the smokey eye with a touch of glam.

Image : Amber Heard
Source: Pinterest

Then there’s teenage heartthrob Zendaya, known for her role in Spider-Man: No Way Home, who effortlessly pulls off the smokey eye on red carpets and in fashion shoots.

Image: Zendaya

Source: Instagram

In Bollywood, Alia Bhatt has also embraced the smokey eye look, especially during movie promotions and award shows. This timeless style adds drama and sophistication, making it the perfect go-to for both casual outings and glamorous events. The smokey eye enhances their features, creating a bold yet elegant appearance that leaves a lasting impression.

Alia Bhatt Smokey Eyes Look

Source: Instagram

Now, let us move on to understand what kind of eye makeup is considered smokey eye makeup and the steps to create it for you and your clients.

What Are Smokey Eyes?

Smokey eyes are a popular makeup look where dark and light eyeshadows are blended around the eyes to create a soft, smokey effect. This style makes your eyes look bigger and more dramatic. You usually start with a dark colour on the outer corner of your eyelids and blend it with lighter shades towards the centre. Adding eyeliner and mascara helps complete the look. Smokey eyes work for all eye shapes and skin tones, making them a favourite for many. It’s a great way to add mystery and elegance to your makeup for any occasion.

What Makes Smokey Eyes Makeup So Popular?

Smokey eyes have remained popular for years due to their versatility and timeless appeal. The look creates a bold, sultry effect that enhances the eyes and adds depth and mystery to any makeup style. It can be adapted for different occasions, whether you’re going for a soft, natural look or a more dramatic, glamorous vibe.

1. Suitable for All Eye Shapes and Skin Tones

One of the reasons smokey eyes are so loved is that they suit all eye shapes, colours, and skin tones. The blending technique allows for endless creativity, enabling you to mix various shades—from neutral browns and greys to bold blacks, blues, and purples.

2. Perfect for Day-to-Night Transition

Smokey eyes are ideal for transitioning from day to night. You can easily elevate a simple daytime look into a striking evening appearance with a few adjustments.

3. Confidence and Sophistication

The smokey eye also adds an air of confidence and sophistication, making it a go-to choice for makeup enthusiasts and professionals.

What Do You Need?

Before you start, gather these tools and products:

• Eyeshadow Brushes (blending brush, crease brush, packing brush)
• Eyeshadow Primer – Helps your eyeshadow last longer and prevents creasing
• Eyeshadow Palette – Pick one with light, medium, and dark shades
• Eyeliner (pencil or liquid) – For that intense definition
• Mascara – To complete the look with voluminous lashes
• Makeup Remover – For any touch-ups or mistakes

How to Do Smokey Eyes Makeup: Step-by-Step Process

Here are the steps to create perfect and attractive smokey eye makeup.

1. Prep Your Eyes

• Start with a clean face. Apply a good moisturiser.
• Use eyeshadow primer on your lids to ensure your makeup stays in place all day (or night!).

2. Build The Smokey Effect

• Step 1: Apply a dark shade (like black or deep brown) to the outer corner of your eyelid and the crease. This adds depth and drama.
• Step 2: Using a fluffy blending brush, blend the dark colour upwards and inwards toward the centre of the lid.
• Step 3: To brighten the look, apply a lighter, shimmery shade (like gold or silver) to the centre of your lid.
• Step 4: Use your blending brush to smooth out any harsh lines between the colours. The key is to make the shades transition seamlessly.

3. Define Your Eyes

• Line your upper lash line with eyeliner (either pencil or liquid works). Apply it along the waterline (tightline) for a more intense look.
• Smudge the liner using a small, angled brush and some dark eyeshadow. This softens the harshness of the eyeliner and creates that signature “smokey” look.
• Apply a few coats of mascara to both your upper and lower lashes to open up your eyes and add drama.

4. Highlight

• Add a shimmery or light shade to the inner corner of your eyes and the brow bone. This helps highlight the eyes and makes them pop.
• Use a concealer to clean up any fallout or smudges around the eye area.

After learning the steps for smokey eyes, let’s talk about its diversified types.

Smokey Eyes for Different Eye Colours

Your eye colour can help determine which shades work best for you:

• Brown Eyes: Deep browns, golds, purples, and even navy blue will make your eyes stand out.
• Blue Eyes: Try shades of grey, silver, and cool-toned blues to complement your eye colour.
• Green Eyes: Browns, coppers, and purples enhance green eyes beautifully.
• Black Eyes: Bold, rich colours like deep blues, greens, and purples add depth and intensity.

Dark Smokey Eye Makeup Look

The dark, smokey eye makeup look is one of the most trendy eye makeup styles, and many people are highly interested in mastering it. This bold look adds drama to your eyes by using dark colours like black, grey, or brown on the eyelids.

Blending is one critical aspect of achieving the perfect smokey eye. Start with a lighter base colour, then layer on darker shades, blending them smoothly to create that signature smokey effect. Complete the look with eyeliner and plenty of mascara to make your eyes pop.

While the dark smokey eye is often worn for nighttime or parties, you can also use softer colours for a more casual daytime style. It’s a versatile and powerful makeup choice, perfect for making your eyes look striking and beautiful on any occasion.

Tips for Beginners for Smokey Eyes Makeup

If you’re new to smokey eyes, don’t worry! Read ahead:

• Start with Neutral Tones: Use browns and greys for a softer look before experimenting with black.
• Take Your Time Blending: The secret to the perfect smokey eye is blending. Don’t rush it!
• Less is More: You can always add more product, but it’s harder to take it away. Start light and build intensity.
• Practice: Like anything in makeup, practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect the first time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the perfect smokey eye makeup takes practice, patience, and the right tools, but the results are stunning and versatile. Smokey eyes can elevate any style, whether heading to a glamorous event or wanting to add mystery to your everyday look. Blending dark and light shades creates a dramatic effect that suits all eye shapes, colours, and skin tones. Anyone can achieve this classic look by following the steps carefully, using the right products, and taking time to blend smoothly. You’ll perfect your smokey eyes and dazzle in any setting with practice!

Frequently Asked Questions