A classic smoky eye is a timeless beauty staple that can be dressed up or down, making it universally flattering. The key to mastering this versatile look lies in the art of blending. To achieve seamless results, it’s essential to have a selection of clean blending brushes at your disposal. Additionally, remember to balance out your smoky eyes with light and natural-looking makeup on your cheeks and lips.
Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of makeup, these 21 tutorials offer step-by-step guidance to help you create a stunning smoky eye look that’s all your own. With each tutorial carefully crafted for ease of use, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting this iconic beauty style.
Black Smokey Eye + Pop of Glitter
To create a dramatic eye look, start by applying a neutral eyeshadow all over your eyelid as a base. This will help the subsequent shadows blend smoothly. Next, use a fluffy brush to apply a dark grey shade along your brow bone, feathering it slightly above the crease to create a seamless transition to the darker shades that follow.
Moving on, apply a black eye pencil or gel eyeliner across your entire eyelid, blending well to ensure there are no harsh lines.
To add depth and dimension, use a flat eyeshadow brush to apply a black matte shade, blending it until it’s seamless with the surrounding area.
To add some extra glamour to the look, apply a touch of glitter to the center of your eyelid.
Finish off the eye by lining the waterline with a black eyeliner. Then, use a smaller brush to apply a mix of grey and black eyeshadows below the waterline, blending everything together to create a natural-looking finish that highlights the inner corner.
Finally, complete the look with a few coats of mascara and some false eyelashes for added drama.
Blue, Brown & Purple Smokey Eye
To create a stunning makeup look, begin by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids and allowing it to dry. This step is particularly important if you have oily skin or lids, as it will help your eyeshadows stay in place all day. Next, apply a neutral-colored eyeshadow base that matches your skin tone, creating a smooth canvas for the rest of your look. For this, choose an eyeshadow shade that complements your natural complexion.
To add depth and dimension to your eyes, start by highlighting the brow bone with a light brown eyeshadow applied with a soft brush. Then, use a blending brush to apply a dark brown eyeshadow above the crease, extending it to the outer corner of the eye for a seamless transition. For a sharp edge, you can use scotch tape to guide your application. Don’t forget to add some warmth below your waterline by applying a light brown eyeshadow.
Next, brighten up the inner corner of your eye with a shimmery silver or white eyeshadow. To create a striking contrast, apply a dark blue eyeshadow across your entire eyelid and a purple shade on the outer corner of your eye. The combination will give your eyes a beautiful pop of color. Finish off your look by applying a thin line of eyeliner along your upper lash line and favorite false lashes. Line your waterline with a blue eye pencil for added drama.
Finally, bring everything together by adding some purple eyeshadow below your waterline and finishing off with a coat or two of mascara on your lower lashes.
Black & Green Glitter Look
To achieve a stunning smokey eye, start by placing a small piece of scotch tape on the outer corner of your eye at an angle. To minimize stickiness, gently press the tape onto the back of your hand a few times. This clever hack will make the application process much less frustrating. Next, using a large blending brush, sweep a light brown eyeshadow across your crease to create depth and dimension.
For the next step, apply a black matte eyeshadow with a light patting motion to the inner and outer corners of your eye, gradually working it into the crease. Be sure to leave the center of your eyelid untouched for a subtle, smoldering effect. To add some sparkle to your look, apply a glitter glue to the center of your eyelid and gently pat loose glitter pigment on top.
Once you’ve achieved the desired level of drama, carefully peel off the tape and define your lower lash line with a touch of black eyeshadow. Use a black eye pencil to line your waterline, adding depth and definition to your eyes. Finally, apply a black liquid eyeliner along your upper lash line and coat your lower lashes with mascara for added va-va-voom. Top off the look with your favorite false lashes for a truly show-stopping effect.
Dark Brown Look
To create a stunning eye makeup look, start by priming your lid with an eye primer and allowing it to dry completely. Next, apply a dark brown eyeshadow all over your lid and blend it seamlessly into your crease. For the crease itself, use a light brown eyeshadow and a blending brush to achieve a natural-looking gradient. Then, using a flat shader brush, add depth with a dark plum eyeshadow on the lid, subtly blending it into the crease.
To take your look to the next level, spritz MAC Fix Plus setting spray onto an angled liner brush, dip it in the purple eyeshadow from earlier, and create a wing that’s both precise and dramatic. If you don’t have setting spray, water will suffice. Complete the eye with a black gel eyeliner on your top lid, followed by a sprinkle of copper glitter to really make your eyes pop. To add some extra oomph to your lower lash line, use small brushes to apply the same brown shades.
Finally, highlight the inner corner with a touch of gold eyeshadow and finish off the look with your favorite false eyelashes.
Black Smokey Eye + Gold Glitter
To achieve a lasting black smokey eye, begin by priming your eyelid with an eye primer and allowing it to dry. This crucial step will help keep your makeup in place for hours to come. Next, apply a black eye pencil as the foundation of your look, using NYX’s ‘Knight’ as a reference point. Don’t forget to extend this base color down to your lower lash line for added depth. Once you’ve established your base, pat a layer of black eyeshadow over the top to create a rich, velvety texture.
For the next step, introduce a light brown shade and blend it seamlessly with a large, soft brush to merge all the colors together. When you’re satisfied with the blending, use a small brush to highlight the brow bone with a silver or white eyeshadow, taking care to feather the edges so that there are no harsh lines remaining. The lower lash line is next in line for attention – here, apply some baked gold eyeshadow using a small brush to add warmth and dimension.
Finally, build up the color by adding a layer of gold glitter and finish off your look with a pair of long, wispy eyelashes.
Smokey Cut Crease
To start this eye makeup look, prime your eyelid with a primer, foundation, or concealer – all will work in a pinch. Once you’ve got that base covered, it’s time to get creative. In step two, select a black eyeshadow and create a cut crease by blending it out with a darker brown shade. Apply a neutral or light brown eyeshadow to the mobile lid area and add some dimension to the inner corner and brow bone with a vanilla-hued highlight.
Moving on to step three, craft a dramatic black winged eyeliner using liquid or gel – take your pick! To complete the look, add a pair of false lashes for an extra boost of glamour. In the final stages, define your waterline with a brown pencil and blend it out with one of the eyeshadows from earlier. Don’t forget to add some flair to the lower lid with a gold glitter wing, and top it all off with some additional sparkle above the inner corner.
Light Blue Glitter Look
To create a stunning blue eye makeup look, start by applying an eyeshadow primer as the foundation. Begin with a light blue shade and blend it into the crease to establish a base. Next, use a shimmery blue eyeshadow on the eyelid itself, taking care to blend smoothly. For added depth and dimension, apply a third blue shade along the lower lash line and inner corner of the eye using a smaller brush for precise control.
Then, introduce some contrast with a swipe of black eyeshadow at the outer corner of the eye, blending the edges seamlessly. To add an extra touch of glamour, carefully pat on light blue glitter across the lid. Bring the look together by applying mascara to both upper and lower lashes to make your eyes appear larger, and line the waterline with a black pencil for definition. Finally, top it all off with a pair of false lashes for a show-stopping finish.
Grey & Purple Look
To create a stunning eye makeup look, start by laying a foundation of neutral eyeshadow all over your lid. Next, use a blending brush to apply a pinkish hue (or blush) slightly above the crease, serving as your transition color. Then, add depth and dimension by applying purple eyeshadow into the crease, gradually building up the shade towards the outer corner of your eye.
For added contrast, add some black eyeshadow to the inner corner and blend it seamlessly into the crease, making sure the darkest point is at the outer corner. After that, use a patting motion to apply shimmery grey eyeshadow onto the lid, taking care not to touch the crease. To define your lash line, apply black winged eyeliner using a liquid or gel formula. For an extra touch of glamour, apply glitter glue to the lid and sprinkle silver glitter over it.
Finally, add some finishing touches by lining the waterline with a black pencil, applying a mix of black and purple eyeshadows along the lower lash line, highlighting the inner corner, and adding false eyelashes for added drama.
Black Smokey Eyeliner
To create a stunning evening look, begin by prepping your eyelids with a thin layer of eye primer. As the foundation for your eyeshadow, apply a neutral shade that complements your skin tone. For added depth, use a crease brush to blend a light brown or peach-colored shadow into the crease area. Next, pat a dark brown shade onto your lid to intensify the look. For the liner, draw a thick and dramatic wing along your upper lash line using a black gel liner.
Don’t worry too much about perfection – it’s all part of the evening glamour. To soften the liner and create a subtle smokiness, use a small pencil brush and a black eyeshadow to gently blend the color. To complete the look, apply four different eyeshadows along your lower lash line using the same brush from earlier. Finally, add a touch of gold sparkliness to the inner corner of your eye and finish off with false lashes for a truly show-stopping effect.
Brown Smokey Eye
To create this stunning eye look, begin by emphasizing the brow bone with a gentle highlight. Next, apply a taupe brown eyeshadow as the transition color to bring warmth and depth to the eye. From here, build up the dimension by layering a warm medium brown shade in the crease, followed by a rich red brown hue for added depth. For a soft, subtle cut crease effect, use a deep brown eyeshadow and blend it seamlessly into the transition color.
On the lid, apply a shimmery beige eyeshadow using a flat brush to add a touch of shimmer and sophistication. Finish off the look with a bold eyeliner application, then smoke out the lower lash line by blending the eyeshadows for a sultry, smoky effect.
Black & Teal Smokey Look
To create this stunning makeup look, start by applying a black shimmery base to the entire eyelid, covering it evenly for a strong foundation. Next, blend the edges of the base with a grey eyeshadow in an upward and outward motion until you achieve a soft, smoky finish that transitions seamlessly from one shade to the next.
For added depth and dimension, apply a black matte eyeshadow to the inner and outer corners of the eyelid, carefully avoiding the center of the lid to create a striking contrast. Don’t forget to extend this shadow onto your lower lash line for a dramatic effect. To add some visual interest and brightness to the look, use a flat eye shadow brush to gently pat a shimmery teal eyeshadow into the center of the lid, then highlight the inner corner of the eye with a touch more of that same shade.
Finally, define your eyes further by lining your waterline with a black pencil and adding false lashes for added drama.
Dark Brown + Copper Glitter
To create this striking eye makeup look, start by building a bright orange eyeshadow above your crease and inner corner in Step 1. In Step 2, apply a dark brown eye pencil or eyeshadow to the lid and blend it upwards into your crease. The smokey effect begins here! In Step 3, use a small tapered brush and chocolate brown eyeshadow to blend and smooth out the transition between colors. Next, in Step 4, pat burgundy brown eyeshadow onto the lid for added depth.
Define the eyes with a black gel eyeliner cat eye in Step 5, then add some sparkle with copper glitter pigment on your mobile eyelid. For extra drama, apply false lashes and complete the look by extending the dark brown pencil from Step 2 along the lower lash line, blending it out with the chocolate brown shade from Step 3. Finish with mascara and a pair of dramatic lower false lashes.
Black & Silver Smokey Eye
To create a striking eye look, begin by gently sweeping a peach-colored eyeshadow across your crease using a soft and fluffy blending brush. Next, pat a silver shade to the center of your lid, allowing it to set before moving on to the next step. From there, apply a black matte eyeshadow to both the outer corner and inner corner of your eye, creating a sense of depth. Using the same black shade, connect the corners by blending the color seamlessly.
After this, define your eyes further by lining the waterline with a precise application. To add some brightness to the look, highlight the center of your lower lash line with the silver eyeshadow from earlier. Finally, complete the eye makeup look by applying eyeliner along the lower lash line and adding coats of mascara for added volume. For an extra touch, finish with partial false lashes applied to both your upper and lower lash lines, framing the eyes beautifully.
Black & Purple Glitter Look
To achieve this striking makeup look, start by priming your eyes with a base coat and applying a purple eyeshadow as the foundation. Move on to Step 2 where you’ll highlight the inner corner of your eye with a shimmery shade that adds depth and dimension. In Step 3, apply a black eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye and along the lower lash line, blending it seamlessly into the crease.
The real showstopper is in Step 4 where you’ll use a patting motion to apply a generous amount of purple glitter, giving your eyes an extra pop of color. To complete the look, define your lash line with a black pencil and finish off with some dramatic mascara and false lashes for added drama.
Gold Glitter Smokey Eye
To create a warm and inviting eye makeup look, begin by applying an ivory or beige eyeshadow to the brow bone, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding area. Next, using a soft brush, apply a light brown eyeshadow slightly above the crease, allowing the colors to meld together harmoniously.
Building on this foundation, introduce a rich chocolate brown hue, carefully blending it to create a seamless transition.
For added depth and dimension, apply a darker brown shade to the crease, using the same brush to soften any harsh lines.
On the mobile lid, apply a warm copper eyeshadow using a flat brush in a patting motion, allowing the color to settle into the natural folds of the eye. To add depth and drama to the look, line the waterline with a black gel liner or pencil, then smudge it gently with a small brush and dark brown eyeshadow.
To complete the look, apply a touch of gold glitter pigment to the lid for added sparkle, finishing with a bold winged eyeliner and false lashes for a dramatic, eye-catching effect.
Blue Smokey Eye
To achieve a stunning eye makeup look, follow these steps. First, start by applying an eye primer and allowing it to dry completely. This will help your eye makeup last longer throughout the day. Next, apply a neutral eyeshadow that matches your skin tone. The key is to create a canvas for your other shadows to adhere to. Now that you have your base in place, it’s time to add some depth with black.
Apply a black eye primer or long-lasting eyeliner all over your lid, as this will bring out the hidden colors in your other shadows and intensify them. From there, you can build up the color on your eyelid by patting on a navy blue eyeshadow. Take it to the next level by adding a dark matte shadow to the outer corner of your eye and blending well. Define your eyes further by lining your waterline with a black pencil.
Next, smudge the lower lash line using a small brush and some black eyeshadow to create a subtle, smoky effect. To complete the look, apply your favorite mascara to your upper lashes, followed by false eyelashes if you desire extra drama. Finally, finish off the look with an eyeliner along your upper lash line, and you’ll be left with a beautiful, eye-catching gaze.
Smokey Eye for Blue Eyes
To achieve a stunning eye makeup look, follow these steps: Start by defining the brow bone as your base point. Next, use a crease brush to buff a rich chocolate brown eyeshadow into the crease, allowing it to blend seamlessly. Building on this foundation, gently smudge a peachy eyeshadow using a blending brush to merge the edges. For added depth and dimension, apply a gold eyeshadow across the eyelid, then introduce a sage green hue to the mix by building up layers.
To create contrast and add drama, apply a black matte eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye. Balance this with a subtle swipe of a black-brown mixture along the lower lash line. Finally, inject sparkle into your look by applying a glitter pigment to the center of the eyelid. Complete the look with mascara and false lashes for an added touch of glamour.
Purple Smokey Eye
To create this stunning eye makeup look, start by placing a piece of scotch tape along the crease as shown. Then, using a fluffy blending brush, apply a medium brown eyeshadow to the area, feathering it out towards the edges. Next, grab a smaller brush and tightly pack a reddish brown eyeshadow onto the crease. The key here is to be precise and avoid getting shadow on the lid. With your crease work complete, switch to a flat eyeshadow brush and pat a bright purple shade onto the lid.
Make sure to keep it confined to this area – we’ll get to blending later! Once you’ve got all three colors in place, remove the tape and use the same fluffy brush to blend, blend, blend until the edges are seamless. To add some extra dimension to the look, apply the purple shade to your lower lash line and highlight the inner corner of your eye with a touch more of the same color.
Finally, complete the look by adding false lashes and winged liner, followed up with a swipe of mascara on your lower lashes and a precise line along the waterline.
Purple & Black Cut Crease
To create a striking look, begin by applying a light pink eyeshadow across the entire crease using a soft blending brush. This sets the stage for the rest of the eye makeup. Next, apply a pink eyeshadow only to the outer corner of the eye, adding a touch of warmth and dimension. The key is to blend, blend, blend – make sure there are no harsh lines or abrupt color changes.
The next step is to add some depth and dimension with a matte purple eyeshadow applied all over the lid.
This color should be rich and vibrant, but not so bright that it overpowers the rest of the look.
To take the eye makeup to the next level, create a cut crease effect by applying a black matte eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye, creating a clean line between the lid and the crease. This adds depth and dimension to the eye, making it look more dramatic and alluring.
The final step is to add some definition and drama with a winged liner applied using a black liquid eyeliner.
The key here is to be precise and create a smooth, fluid line that follows the natural shape of the eye.
To finish off the look, line the waterline with a purple eye pencil and apply a mixture of the purple and pink eyeshadows to the lower lash line. Use a small, fluffy brush to ‘smoke out’ the color, adding depth and dimension to the eye. Finally, add some mascara and false lashes to complete the look.
Vibrant Blue Glitter Look
To create this stunning blue eyeshadow look, start by applying a thin layer of eye primer and letting it dry. Once that’s done, grab a big fluffy blending brush and apply a dark blue eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye, feathering it out towards the crease. Next, use a flat eyeshadow brush to apply a white or ivory shade to the inner part of your lid, building up a subtle base color. Then, pat a vibrant blue shade onto the lid itself, making sure to cover the entire area evenly.
For added depth and dimension, blend a mixture of the previous blues together along your lower lash line. To really make your eyes stand out, use a blue eye pencil to line your waterline and then smudge everything out with a light hand. Add some extra sparkle by patting a light blue glitter onto the lid, right in the center. Finish off the look with a swipe of mascara and a pair of false lashes applied along the upper lash line.
Top it all off with a winged liner that adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Brown & Black Look
To create this stunning eye makeup look, start by prepping your lid with an eye primer that’s allowed to dry completely. Next, use a black eye pencil to line the eyes, making sure to create a precise shape. Once you’ve got your base ready, it’s time to build up some color. Start by applying a soft peachy or brown eyeshadow all over the lid using a blending brush.
For added depth, apply a caramel brown shade above the crease and along the lower lash line, making sure to blend the edges seamlessly. Continue building up the color by adding a rusted red-brown eyeshadow to the entire lid, leaving only the outer corner free. Repeat this process on the lower lash line, smudging the shadow to create a subtle gradient effect. Next, fill in the remaining area of the lid with a black matte eyeshadow, and apply it along the lower lash line as well.
Finally, take the time to blend everything together until your hand cramps up – it’s worth the extra effort! To finish off the look, reline your waterline and add some false lashes for added drama.
