Beauty trends come and go, but few looks are more enduring than the smoky eye. The reason for its perennial popularity? The smoky eye is versatile, universally flattering, and is ever evolving to meet current trends and tastes.
Characterized by its smoked-out, hazy, smudgy effects, the smokey eye look runs the full spectrum of styles from classic to edgy, and everything in between. But its coolness comes with practice. There’s a delicate balance of blended shades to create the perfect smoky eye. And, whether you’re a pro at nailing the smoky eye and want some new twists on it, or you want to master the perfect smoky eye look, our guide has everything you need.
“The smoky eye is an effortless eyeshadow look that anyone can crush. It just takes a few tips and tricks to get that balance just right for the style of smoky you’re going for,” explains Janeena Rumsey, Glo’s Global Artistry Lead. “And, there are so many variations on the smoky eye, it changes each season. You can use any mix of colors you like; you just always need one smoked element to give it that signature sultry look.”What Is a Smokey Eye? First up, let’s define what a smoky eye actually is. “It’s a blended or diffused eyeshadow effect that adds dimension to the eye area,” explains Janeena. “It’s all about building up layers with different shades and finishes like matte or metallic, to create depth, starting with dark and fading out.”
How to Do a Smokey Blending is key to achieving the perfect smoky eye.
“Make sure to really build out the intensity with your darkest color at the lash line area to help make your eyes pop,” she shares. “Your brush choice will also be important to helping layer effectively and load with just the right amount of shadow.”Generally, a classic smokey eye look usually uses browns, charcoals, and grays, or the darkest version of other colors for a more modern take, then is blended with creams, beiges, and other highlighter shades. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a classic smoky eye look.
Step 1. Start with a mid-tone eyeshadow across in and above the crease as well as lid to create a base. For this, any of our Eye Shadows in Bamboo, Cosmic, Dolce, or Twig work perfectly as base shades.
Step 2. Tight-line eyes with a dark-hued eye pencil or Cream Stay Shadow Stick. Then smoke it out with the Crease Shader Brush.
Step 3. For transition shades, try Cosmic, Dolce, or Twig Eye Shadow, blending outwards.
Step 4. Once you get into the crease, this is where you start to create more eye socket definition, so any of our Eye Shadows in Eclipse, Espresso, Mahogany, or Grounded work perfectly for this.
Step 5. Accent the brow bone and inner corners and create some highlighting with Bamboo, Locket, or Ribbon.
Step 6. Finish with mascara for that final lash definition. If you’re looking for some current smoky eye makeup looks that are oh-so fresh and relevant, here are five of our favorites, as demonstrated by Janeena.
5 of the Best Smokey Eye Makeup Looks for Different Occasions:
The Copper + Plum Shade Smokey Eye
“This is such a beautiful and eye-catching take on the classic smoky eye, combining such pretty shades into a really fresh look.”How to Achieve the Copper and Plum Smokey Eye Look:
Step 1. Add shape and a light wash of color by sketching Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Scotch along the entire lash line and lid, then blend through the crease to soften.
Step 2. For added depth, dip into the shade Fate from the Moonstruck Shadow Palette and apply to the crease and lash line, then blend
Step 3. Add highlighting details to the center of lids and inner corner of eyes with the Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Solstice.
Step 4. Line along upper and lower lashes with Scotch, then give it a good blend.
Step 5. Coat lashes with Lash Lengthening Mascara for defined, lengthened lashes. The Grungy Smokey Eye
Step 1: Swatch Bonbon Cream Stay Shadow Stick onto lids and lower lash line, then blend out to create your desired eye shape.
Step 2: Add a second layer of Bonbon to the outer corners for extra depth and blend until seamless.
Step 3: Apply Pitch Cream Stay Shadow Stick to the waterline, then blend into Bonbon.
Step 4: Add a generous coat of Water Resistant Mascara to upper and lower lashes.
“Easy and effortlessly chic, this cool smoky eye is so versatile for day or night.”How to Achieve the Cool Smokey Eye Look: Mainly using the Elemental Shadow Palette
Step 1: Start by creating a natural shape and contour to the eyes by blending Cosmic into the crease.
Step 2: Then add Relic to the outer “V” area of the eyes and bring it down to the lower lashline, and give it a good blend.
Step 3: Line and shade lids with Cream Stay Shadow Stick in Orbit, then blend to soften.
Step 4:Top Orbit with the shade Dusk for metallic shimmer.
Step 5: Deepen outer corners and lash line even more with a bit of Eclipse, then blend.
Step 6: Give lashes a generous coat of Water Resistant Mascara. Metallic Smokey Eye Makeup Look
Step 1: Apply Frolic to the lids for an even canvas to start blending on top.
Step 2: Blend Dolce into the crease and lower lashline.
Step 3: Add Whiskey to the center of the lids and fuse into Dolce.
Step 4: Add highlight touches to brow bones and inner corner of eyes with Linger.
Step 5: Coat upper and lower lashes with Volumizing Mascara for extra thickness. The Fresh Smokey Eye
If you’re looking for a versatile look that is equal parts natural and fresh, this variation on the smoky eye is the way to go. The smoky eye look is usually known as a nighttime look, but this version can be worn in any setting. “This is a fresh and modern take on the smoky eye, perfect for summer or daywear,” says Janeena.
How to Do the Fresh Smokey Eye Look:
Step 1: Blend Eye Shadow in Twig into the crease and lower lashline to create subtle depth and shape.
Step 2: Shade Cream Stay Shadow Stick Metro into a slight winged shape along the upper lash line.
Step 3: Add Cream Stay Shadow Stick Echo to the lower lash line for smoky definition, then blend until seamless.
Step 4: Add a few coats of Volumizing Mascara for extra fluffy lashes.
“Ultimately, the smoky eye is all about you and your style, so play, experiment, and discover new eyeshadow techniques, shades, and applications,” says Janeena. Whether you’re into more earthy shades or want to weave in more unexpected hues, the sky’s the limit with the smoky eye.
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