Nail your smokey eye makeup in 3 easy steps.
Ahh, the smokey eye. This GOAT makeup look has been turning heads since ancient Egyptian times thanks to its unapologetic boldness, mesmerising depth and exciting versatility. Today, style queens like Zendaya, Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski are keeping the tradition very much alive – and you can too.
Feeling a bit daunted? No need. The beauty of smokey eye makeup is that it seems impressively complex at first glance, but the technique behind it is surprisingly simple. Having the right tools at hand makes a massive difference too.
In this article, we explain how to do a smokey eye like the pros and recommend some top products for a show-stopping finish. We’ll also share some handy tips for tweaking the look depending on the mood you’re after.
Just watch: you’ll be a smokey eye expert in no time.
Step 1: prep your peepers.
First, apply primer to your eye area. It might be tempting to ignore this step and skip to the fun part, but trust us when we say your smokey eye makeup will go up in smoke without it.
Why? Because a smokey eye is all about layering. Primer makes blending those layers a breeze while enhancing the intensity of your eyeshadow and keeping unsightly creasing at bay. It also keeps your gorgeous eyeshadow locked in place while you’re out and about.
A fave among makeup artists, M.A.C’s Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base does what it says on the label. It’ll keep your look fresh and flawless all day long and is even infused with vitamin E to protect your skin.
Perfect for everyday use, Morphe’s waterproof Eyelid Primer ensures your makeup won’t budge for 12 hours, whatever your day (or night) has in store.
Not big on primer? A brightening concealer can work too!
Step 2: grab your eyeshadow.
To get that dynamic diffusion we know and love, pick out three complementary eyeshadow shades: a lid colour, a crease colour and a highlight.
Start by covering your eyelid with your middle shade. Working with hooded eyes? Blend it up past your crease and towards your brow for an eye-opening effect.
Next, add dimension by applying the darkest tone over your upper lash line into the outer corner of your eye. Then, using small, circular motions, blend it halfway up the lid and into your crease.
Apply this dark shadow along your lower lash line, too, smudging with your fingers for a smokier finish.
Finally, dab a light shimmer highlight from your crease to your brow bone and at the inner corner of your eye to brighten. Heading out for drinks and dancing? Smooth a sparkly highlight over your lid for a luxe touch.
Okay, let’s talk colours. Traditional smokey eyes use black eyeshadow, but you do you! Loving the natural smokey eye trend? Charlotte Tilbury’s Easy Eye Palette will send you to brown smokey eye heaven with its universally flattering matte hues.
Dopamine glam more your thing? Morphe’s 35S SWEET OASIS Artistry Palette offers a rainbow of vibrant colours to experiment with. We’re big fans of a monochrome green, blue or purple moment, but really, the sky’s the limit!
Step 3: define with eyeliner.
Time to further darken your upper lash line with pencil or gel eyeliner. Making sure to get in between the lashes to enhance definition and avoid gaps. This step is important because it creates contrast and helps draw attention to your eyes: it’s what makes them ‘pop’.
Going for something soft and effortless? A light amount of Max Factor’s easy-blend Kohl Liner in Charcoal Grey, Brown or Black along the upper lash line will do the trick. Smoke it out with an eyeshadow brush until it blends in seamlessly.
Prefer a sexy, hot-mess kinda look? Kylie Beauty’s creamy Kyliner Gel Pencil contains a high concentration of pigment for epic intensity and longevity. Smudge it well along your upper and lower lashes for smouldering, slept-in-my-makeup energy.
Alternatively, you can add a crisp cat eye with liquid eyeliner. INIKA’s Organic Liquid Eyeliner is super easy to use and gives you a clean, sharp result every time.
At this point, you’ll want to apply the rest of your makeup, leaving your mascara for last.
Et voilà! Long-lasting smokey eye perfection achieved.
Pro tip: invest in professional-quality brushes.
Smokey eyes are all about that blend. Regardless of your chosen colour scheme, the seamless blending of your shadows and liner is what makes your smokey eye, well, smokey.
With this in mind, a handful of well-made brushes will be your greatest asset.
The Spectrum Pink 8 Piece Set includes everything you need to craft any smokey eye look you’ve got in mind. Importantly, it includes a stubby shader brush that effectively transfers pigment from the eyeshadow pan onto your lid.
Not looking to buy a full set right now? Just be sure to have a fluffy brush like e.l.f’s synthetic Fluffy Eye Blender Brush in your kit. Without it, you won’t be able to achieve that captivating soft-focus effect.
For convenience, you might like to spend a little extra on a double-ended brush like Ere Perez’s Eco Vegan Line & Blend Brush.
Nail your smokey eye with Afterpay.
Foxy, rebellious or strikingly glam – the possibilities for smokey eye makeup are endless. With Afterpay, you can get your mitts on the best shadows and tools to make this iconic look work for you in all the right ways. No need to wait.
Just remember: blend, baby, blend!
