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How to Create a Smokey Eyes Look – Step-by-Step Guide
Smokey eyes makeup is one of the most iconic and timeless beauty looks. It combines intensity and depth in a way that instantly enhances the eyes and creates a glamorous effect – whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or simply want to elevate your everyday makeup.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Do Smokey Eyes Makeup
Many believe that smokey eye makeup is complicated, but with the right products – such as practical eyeshadow sticks – the look becomes much easier to achieve. The stick format allows for quick, precise application, while the creamy formula blends seamlessly.
In this smokey eye tutorial, you’ll find a clear step-by-step guide on how to do smokey eye makeup using simple techniques and easy-to-use products.
What Are Smokey Eyes?
Smokey eyes are characterized by dark, blended shades that gradually fade out from the lash line and upwards across the lid. The effect is a sultry, deep gaze that feels both bold and sophisticated.
It’s not only about black eyeshadow – you can create eyeshadow smokey effects with browns, grays, or even jewel tones to adapt the look to your style.
The key is building depth through shading and ensuring smooth transitions – something that’s much easier with eyeshadow sticks, which make application controlled and beginner-friendly.
Step 1 – Prep the Base – IsaDora Eyeshadow Primer Stick
Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to ensure your smokey eyes makeup lasts all day. If you don’t have a primer, a light layer of concealer on the lid will do the trick – it evens out the skin tone and helps the shadow grip better. Blend with your fingertips or a brush to create a smooth and long-lasting base.
Step 2 – Create the Base – Matte Eyeshadow Stick (Dark Shade)
Apply a dark Matte Eyeshadow Stick across the lid and along the lash line. The deeper shade creates the smoked-out foundation that gives eyes their depth – the essence of a classic smokey eye makeup look. Blend out the edges with your fingers or a brush for soft transitions without harsh lines.
Step 4 – Add Depth and Shine – Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick
Apply a Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick across the lid to build further depth while adding a soft, reflective glow. Shimmer balances the matte base and gleam highlights, creating a harmonious mix of light and shadow. The result is a smokey eye makeup look that feels deep, dynamic, and light-catching.
Step 5 – Define the Lower Lash Line & Highlight the Inner Corner
Draw a thin line with the same dark Matte Eyeshadow Stick along the lower lash line. Blend gently with a small brush for a soft, cohesive effect. This frames the eyes and makes the smokey eyes look more intense and complete.
Then, brighten the inner corners and brow bone with a lighter Shimmer or Gleam Eyeshadow Stick. The light contrast against darker shades opens up the eyes, making them look bigger and more awake.
Step 6 – Blend for Seamless Transitions
Take a fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend all the shades together. Use small, circular motions along the crease and upward toward the brow bone. The goal is to erase any sharp lines so the shadows melt into one another naturally.
Why? Proper blending is what turns a heavy eyeshadow smokey attempt into a flawless, professional-looking smokey eye makeup.
Step 7 – Blend the Lower Lash Line
Use a small, soft brush to gently smudge the shadow under the lower lashes. Sweep lightly until the color merges with the rest of the look. This softens the line and creates that signature smoky finish without harshness.
Step 8 – Finish with Mascara
No smokey eyes makeup is complete without generous layers of mascara. Apply several coats to add volume and drama, pulling the entire look together.
Tips & Tricks for Smokey Eyes
Choose the right finish: With eyeshadow sticks, you can play with different effects. Matte delivers a sophisticated, muted base, while shimmer and gleam add dimension and light.
Blending is everything: A smokey eye should never have sharp edges. Always take the time to diffuse your shadows for a professional look.
Experiment with colors: Black is a classic, but bronze, plum, or dark green can be just as striking – and more wearable for day-to-day.
Layer for longevity: Apply your eyeshadow stick in thin layers. This gives you control and ensures your smokey eyes makeup lasts longer.
Quick fix: For an easy version, simply define your lash line with a dark eyeshadow stick, blend it out, and add mascara – done in 2 minutes.