Fun and Fierce Smokey Eye Makeup for Every Occasion
Arguably one of the most iconic looks in the makeup world is the classic and beloved smokey eye.
Known for bringing flirtatious fierceness to every outfit, the smokey eye is one of the very few looks that doesn’t come and go with changing makeup trends. Although you can and should mix it up (more on this later), the smokey eye is, without a doubt, here to say.
That said, some people like to say that a smokey eye is only fit for a glamorous night out or a winter formal event. The smokey eye also gets a lot of hate for being too difficult to pull off at home. We’d care to disagree.
At SHEGLAM, we think your makeup should be able to adapt with you to show off the full range of your versatility.
That’s why in this article we’re going to introduce you to seven different smokey eye looks and tips for pulling them off. By the end, you’ll be a certified smokey eye pro!
What Is Smokey Eye Makeup?
Before we dive into how to do a smokey eye look and different tips and tricks, we need to understand exactly what defines smokey eye makeup. At the most basic level, smokey eye makeup just refers to blended or diffused eyeshadow or eyeliner that adds dimension to the eye area.
Traditionally, smokey eye makeup is associated with charcoal gray and black eyeshadow and eyeliner. Although that is the most common variation of this style that you’ll see, you can adapt the colors to complement your eye color and skin tone.
Does Smokey Eye Makeup Look Good on Everyone?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, we need to set the record straight. Yes, smokey eye makeup looks good on absolutely everyone.
Just like you do with all makeup looks, you’ll need to adapt the colors and the application technique to highlight your features and show off your eye shape.
When you start venturing into the world of smokey eye makeup, keep in mind that practice makes perfect. You may have to try a few different styles and color combos before you find the most flattering smokey eye for you.
What Are the Basics of a Classic Smokey Eye Makeup Look?
This sultry style is notorious for being difficult to execute, but by following a few simple steps, you’ll have flawless smokey eye glam.
Before you pick up any eyeshadow or liner, make sure to apply our Ready Set eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids. This will guarantee that your smokey eye stays on longer and the colors really pop. Once your lids are primed, take a base shade and apply it all over your eyelids. This shadow will act kind of like the canvas for your smokey eye, so make sure it’s not too dark or too light.
From there, take a shade that’s slightly darker than your base and define the crease of your eye. Swipe all the way across the crease a few times with this shade. Next, you’ll want to take the darkest shade you’re using and apply it to the corner of your eyes, then gently blend it towards the center.
Once you’re satisfied with your base and outer corner, you’ll want to brighten up the inner corner of your eyes with a light or even shimmery shade. This will make the whole look pop even more and open up your eyes. Last but certainly not least, you need to blend all the sections together so that there’s a seamless transition from one to the other.
With your smokey eyeshadow finished, you can top off the look with eyeliner and mascara. Depending on the type of smokey eye you’re going for, you can experiment with more dramatic eyeliner techniques.
The classic smokey eye will look sharp, polished, and fierce when it’s finished and will leave you feeling like a rockstar (or like Scarlett Johansson on the red carpet).
What Are 7 Different Smokey Eye Makeup Looks?
You know the basics of a smokey eye look which means it’s time to take a look at seven different variations of this style that you can wear to any event.
Remember, these variations are just ideas and a starting point. Have fun with your smokey eye looks to find styles that are you.
1. Natural Smokey Eye
Although the classic smokey eye is ideal for those moments when you want some drama and intrigue in your look, that might feel like too much for your day-to-day life. If that’s the case for you, you can try a natural smokey eye.
This look relies on a nude palette and earth tones to create the smokey eye affect and shape without the intensity of darker shadow colors. You might go for this look if you’re searching for a style that will transition with you from day to night.
2. Halo Smokey Eye
A halo smokey eye brings a touch of whimsy to this flirty style. To do a halo smokey eye, you’ll want to blend the darkest shade of eyeshadow that you’re using in both the outer and inner corners of your eye.
With a bright, shimmering shadow, fill in the middle part of your lid and the upper parts of your lid, making sure to keep a little bit on your brush to highlight the innermost part of your eye.
The halo smokey eye is a more ethereal, feminine take on the classic smokey eye. Although it still has the same dramatic effect, the brightness of the shimmery shadow gives it an angelic vibe.
3. Experimental Smokey Eye
There are no rules when it comes to smokey eye makeup, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Using the basic structure of darker shades on the outside blended into light shades on the inside of your eye, you can make the smokey eye more geometrical and abstract.
A great way to do this is by applying shadow under your eyes in exciting ways to give the look a slightly theatrical feel. An experimental smokey eye can be your go to for formal events, costumes, or simply those days when you feel like turning heads with your glam.
4. Liner-Only Smokey Eye
At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the liner-only smokey eye. We know what you’re thinking — a smokey eye with only liner? Is that even possible?
We promise you that yes, it’s possible, and it’s a great option when you have approximately five minutes to do your eye makeup but still need it to look fabulous.
With a creamy eyeliner pencil, line your upper lash line, getting as close to your roots as you can. Using your finger or a brush, smudge the eyeliner towards the outside of your eyes to soften up the line and create a smokey effect.
If you want to add even more drama to the look, repeat the process on your lower lash line.
5. Metallic Smokey Eye
If you like to bring the glitz and glam of New Year’s Eve to your makeup looks all year long, look no further than a metallic smokey eye.
Using the same technique, you can add a glow to your smokey eye by choosing metallic eyeshadow colors like silver, bronze, and gold. A dramatic winged eyeliner (easy to do with our felt tip eyeliner) will tie this whole look together.
6. ‘90s Inspired Smokey Eye
Everyone knows that ‘90s makeup and hair was all about that cool, frosted look. You can channel that style of glam in your smokey eye by using darker shades close to your lash line and blending out and up with light gray tones.
To make this a true ‘90s throwback look, pair a lighter, high-shine lip color with a darker liner shade, and you’ll be ready to step back in time.
7. Colorful Smokey Eye
Smokey eye makeup is associated with dark gray and black eyeshadow, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only option. You can make this look feel more playful and vibrant by using bright, bold shades.
If you want to add color and preserve some of the “smokiness” of the look, use a more traditional black or gray shade on the outside of your eye, and use a bright red, orange, purple, etc. on the inside of your eye.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the art of the smokey eye is a must for all makeup lovers, and we have no doubt that you’re going to nail it. Before you attempt a smokey eye, consider where you’re going and the vibe you want to achieve with your makeup, and choose the variation from there.
For a more casual look, you might want to go for a natural smokey eye or a liner-only smokey eye. If you’re in the more is more mindset, try out a metallic smokey eye or an experimental smokey eye.
Regardless of what style you go for, make sure to snap a pic once you’re done, share it on social media, and tag us. We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you!
Sources:
How to determine your eye shape and master your eyeshadow application | Vogue Australia
Scarlett Johansson’s Extreme Smoky Eye Is Perfect For Cool Fall Nights | Vogue
Jodie Comer’s Subtle Smokey Eye Is Perfect For Day Or Night | Vogue
’90s Grunge Make-Up Is In – Hailey Bieber Said So | British Vogue