Throughout the history of makeup, no one has been able to beat the dark smoky eye. This bold dramatic look for eyes has graced catwalks, celebrities and makeup addicts alike for years. Dark Smokey Eyes are perfect whether you want a sultry night out or an edgy daytime chic look – they can be adapted for any occasion! In this guide we’re going to cover everything there is to know about mastering the art of dark smokey eyes; from different styles, tips on making your eyes pop and step-by-step instructions.
The popularity of dark smoky eye lies in its ability to instantly take any look from 0-10, it’s versatility is limitless. It is much more than just make up; it’s a statement. Here’s why you should have one in your beauty arsenal:
Flexibility: You can customize how intense or subtle you want your dark smokey eyes depending on the shades used as well as finishes giving room for creativity each time.
Classic appeal: This look never goes out of style where some looks may become obsolete even before they are officially launched into market such as 2024 or 2044…smokeys will forever remain relevant!
Defines eye shape: Creating depth through gradient effect gives an illusion that makes them appear bigger and more defined hence enhancing their overall beauty.
Although achieving that flawless perfect dark smokey eye might seem impossible without professional help but with right techniques and tools, anyone can do it! Below are some steps which will lead you towards creating impeccable finish:
Always prepare your eyelids before applying shadows:
Prime: Use an eye primer so that your make up lasts throughout day (or night) long while also making colours pop.
Conceal: Cover any discolouration on eyelids with concealer in order to provide a clean canvas for applying other products.
At least three shades are required for classic dark smoky eye:
Base Shade: Choose neutral shade matching closest to your skin tone.
Transition Shade: Medium toned shadow which assists blending of darker colours.
Dark Shade(s): Charcoal black cream powder anything deep rich will work perfectly fine as long it is very dark!
Start by sweeping base shade across entire lid from lash line up to brow bone so that everything gets blended well together & also making sure there aren’t any uneven patches left behind.
Take fluffy blending brush & apply transition colour into crease area where you want most depth created; this step helps achieve seamless blending between different hues used later on.
Using flat brush, pack onto outer corners mainly focusing on outer “V” shape while bringing some up towards lower lash line. Remember not to go too far inside otherwise eyes may appear smaller than they actually are. Keep building intensity little bit at time while constantly blending product outwards (creating gradient effect).
For extra excitement, use a dark eyeliner to line both your upper and lower lash lines. Soften it by smudging it slightly for that smoky effect. You could also make your lashes look fuller by tightlining your eyes with eyeliner on the upper waterline.
Apply some coats of volumizing mascara to complete the look. For added drama, you could think about fixing individual lash clusters or false lashes as well.
Even professionals can benefit from some additional hints to get that perfect smokey eye:
Use Tape: Apply a small piece of tape at the outer corner of your eye before applying shadow to have a sharp clean edge.
Go Gradual: Rather than applying too much product at once, build up the intensity gradually. This will allow you to control how deep it is and avoid mistakes.
Balance The Look: Keep the rest of your makeup neutral so that people’s eyes are drawn to yours! Pairing a soft pink or nude lip with this bold eye is stunning.
Experiment With Colors: Don’t limit yourself – play around with different colours! Traditional smokey eyes can be given an interesting twist by adding deep purples, greens or even blues.
The classic black or grey smokey eye is loved by many but there are so many variations out there waiting for you:
Bronze Smokey Eye: Instead of using black as your main colour try deep bronze/brown shades for a more natural/warm look.
Gothic Glamour: Ultra edgy all-black smokey eye paired with black eyeliner and dark lip.
Glitter Smokey Eye: Perfect for parties/ special occasions – apply glittery shadow over dark shade(s).
Coloured Smokey Eye: Bring boldness into play with emerald green/navy blue/burgundy smokey eyes.
A: To get a smokey eye, use an eye primer to make sure your makeup stays in place and your colors show up vibrant. Apply a base shade that is close to your skin tone all over your lid. Then, blend a medium-toned transition shade into the crease of your eye and beyond. Pack a dark color like charcoal or black onto the lid, concentrating on the outer corners. Blend out the edges for a seamless finish. Line your upper and lower lash lines with eyeliner, smudging it slightly for a smoky effect, and finish with several coats of mascara.
A: If you’re new to eyeshadow application or just want something more subtle, try this simplified version of a classic smokey eye. All you need are three shades: one light base color, one medium transition color, and one darker shade for depth. After applying an eyeshadow primer if desired (it can help intensify colors), sweep the base color all over your lid from lash line to brow bone using a flat brush or fingertip. Next, take some of the medium shade on a fluffy blending brush (or any clean fluffy brush) and apply it into your crease using back-and-forth “windshield wiper” motions until there aren’t any harsh edges left between where this color stops and where your skin starts again near brow bone area above crease; this will create gradient effect with lighter at top fading into darker toward bottom part near lashes). Finally – still using same blending brush without adding more product – take darkest hue in palette & use it only along outer third/quarter portion going from horizontal line drawn through midpoint between pupil outer corner straight towards tail end Tip: To figure out best placement tail end flicking upwardly so u always know exactly where go next easily remember each step as number 3! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
A: Yes! Smokey eyes look amazing on all people. And they can be altered to fit any person’s facial features or colors. The most important thing is choosing the right shades that will work well with your eye color and skin tone. For example, lighter skin would look great with deep browns and bronzes while deeper skin could pull off a rich black or charcoal shade. Also, depending on how much you smoke out the lower lash line determines if its day time appropriate or ready for night life glam.
A: Black eyeshadow is not only versatile but also a must-have in any makeup kit. To create a smokey eye with it, first apply a lighter base shade over your entire eyelid area using an eyeshadow brush or fingertips if preferred until fully blended into skin tone achieved already so far. Next take blending brush (or fluffy brush) & apply black eyeshadow onto outer corners of both upper lids smudging it inwardly towards crease but stopping halfway leaving no harsh lines where this darker meets lighter near center eyelid part & below too along outer third/quarter portion going from horizontal line drawn through midpoint between pupil outer corner straight towards tail end & blend softly at edges for smooth transition between these two different hues thus creating gradient effect desired finally add some mascara top lashes only – job done!
The dark smokey eye makeup look is an essential part of any beauty lover’s repertoire. It can take your face from bland to glam in seconds flat – that’s why people have been doing this since forever! Whether you’re going out somewhere fancy or just want some extra pizzazz in your everyday routine, knowing how to do a good smoky eye will always serve you well and leave everyone thinking “wow she looks so put together”.
So grab those brushes girls because we are about create the most amazing sultry eyeshadow ever seen – trust me when I say your eyes are going to love it!