80+ Smokey Eye Makeup Tips for a Flawless Look

Smokey-eye makeup is a classic look which gives depth and drama to your eyes, be it for an extravagant night out or a subtle, everyday look. To master smokey eye makeup step by step, we’ve compiled 80+ pro tips for the perfect smokey eye makeup, which are broken down by category.

Smokey Eye Makeup General Tips 💡

1. Always Prime Your Eyelids: If you want to prevent creasing and a longer-wearing eyeshadow, first apply an eye primer.

2. A Clean Slate: You already want eyelids that are free of oils or remnants before you start applying makeup.

3. Use a Base Color: Apply a matte, neutral eyeshadow to the lid in order to even it out and to allow other shadows to blend well.

4. Blend, Blend, Blend: Blend your shadows well, we don’t want to see any harsh lines, we want a beautiful transition.

5. Darker on Darker: Try using different shades of a dark color (like darker browns or grays) to keep it dimensional.

6. Use Enough Shadow to Buff the Top Lash Line: When it comes to creating a smokey eye, do not use too much dark shadow along the lower lash line.

7. Tone Down Rest of Makeup: Fewer distractions, allow eyes to be emphasized, with neutral lips and blush.

8. Don’t Forget the Brows: A neat brow helps frame your smokey eyes.

9. Use a Smaller Brush for Detail Work: For the small details around the eyes, you need smaller, more defined brushes.

10. Intensity Alterations for The Type of This Particular Event: You can tone down a bold smokey eye for the day wear and go for that dramatic one for the night time.

Choosing the Right Products 🛒

11. Invest in Quality Eyeshadow: For better coverage and longevity, choose highly pigmented eyeshadows.

12. Choose a Cream-to-Powder Formulation: Creamy eyeshadows offer great pigmentation and blend out seamlessly to create the ultimate smoky eye.

13. Use Waterproof Products: Waterproof eyeliners and mascara will help prevent smudging over the course of the day.

14. Opt for Matte Shadows for a Classic Finish: Matte eyeshadows can create a soft, sultry finish to a smokey eye.

15. Add a Light Shimmer on the Inner Corners: Applying a shimmer or metallic eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes to make the eyes pop even further.

16. Use Gel Eyeliner for Smooth Touch: Gel eyeliners go on beautifully & help you create the most crisp & defined lines.

17. Use a Balanced Amount of Dark Shadows: Use dark shadows in combination with lighter ones to avoid making your eyes appear heavy.

18. Apply a Good Setting Powder: Set the concealer with a powder after, so it wouldn’t get creased around your eyes.

19. Get a Good Setting Spray: A setting spray will help your makeup last all day or night.

20. Have a Brow Gel on Standby: Gloss up with a clear brow gel and keep those bad boys up and in place so no wayward hairs detract from your smokey eye.

 Different Techniques of Applying Eyeshadow 🎨

21. Apply Gradient: Start with your lightest eyeshadow and blend the color from light to dark (and the darkest in outermost corners).

22. Apply it in a Thin Layer and Build Up Slowly: So you do not get that heavy-handed look.

23. Highlight the Brow Bone: A little highlight on the brow bone makes the smokey eye pop and opens up the eyes.

24. Tape It Off: Put a strip of tape along your lower lash line to catch fallout and sharpen the edge.

25. First, Use a Mid-Tone Color: To avoid contrast between dark and light colors, use a mid-eyeshadow first.

26. Pat Shadows on the Lid: With your fingers or a flat brush, press shadows onto the lid for bright color payoff.

27. Don’t Forget the Crease: Apply darker shades to the crease to create depth and dimension to the eyes.

28. Build Up the Outer V: Focus dark eyeshadow in the outer V of the eyelid to create depth and a more elongated eye shape.

29. Mix Various Hues: For a three-dimensional look, mix colors of eyeshadow.

30. Using Shimmer Over Matte Shadows: After you have applied your matte shadows, applying shimmer to the center of your eyelid gives it a beautiful contrast.

Perfecting Your Eyeliner for Smokey Eye Makeup ✨

31. Tightline Your Waterline: Apply eyeliner to your waterline for a more intense and defined look.

32. Smudge Your Liner for a Softer Effect: When you apply eyeliner, use a smudge brush to smudge out the line for a smokier effect.

33. Line Your Lower Lash Line: Apply a dark liner to your lower lash line to finish your smokey eye.

34. Reach for Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliners can draw more precise lines around eyes.

35. For a Softer Look, Use a Dark Brown Liner: If you like a softer look, at the top, use a dark brown pencil liner instead of black.

36. Add a Wing to the Liner for More Drama: A winged-eye look gives the eyes a little lifting effect that’s sexy and pretty.

37. Choose a Felt-Tip Pen for Easy Application: The felt-tip versions are a cinch to control and great for beginners.

38. Mix Pencil and Gel Liner: Use pencil liners for soft definition and gel liners for bold, stark lines – pair for an intense smokey eye.

39. Use Liner to Define the Waterline: Line your waterline with a pencil to deepen the smokey effect and make your lashes look thicker.

40. No Over-Lining: This makes the liner energize — sticking to the lash line will keep it fresh and defined.

Blending Like a Pro for Perfect Smokey Eye Makeup🔄

41. Use a Clean Brush: Have an extra blending brush on hand to help diffuse any harsh edges while you blend.

42. First Inner Corners Blend: Blend from the outer side of the eyelid first.

43. Blend in Small Circular Motions: Use small, circular motions to blend all of the colors together perfectly.

44. Don’t Over-Blend: Over-blending can muddle up the eyeshadow and cause a messy appearance.

45. Layer in the Colors Slowly: The key to having a smooth, seamless blend in the shadows is slowly building up the shadow.

46. Blend with a Fluffy Brush: Fluffy brushes are brilliant to blend shadows together seamlessly, no hard lines.

47. Use a Sponge for Precision: A makeup sponge can aid in blending eyeshadow in tight spots such as the inner corners.

48. Don’t Forget to Blend the Lower Lash Line: For a seamless look, diffuse the shadow along your lower lash line with the rest of your eyeshadow.

49. Check for Patchiness: Blend any part where your eyeshadow seems patchy for a smooth surface.

50. Use a Dust of a Blending Hand: Dust a blending hand to not wipe off too much content.

Tips for Different Eye Shapes for Smokey Eye Makeup 👁️

51. Almond-Shaped Eyes: Concentrate darker shades at the outside corners of your eyes and blend toward the center to highlight their natural shape.

52. Hooded Eyes: Use darker shadows above the crease to make the eyes look bigger and avoid putting shadow on the lid.

53. Round Eyes: Use dark eyeshadow in the outer corners and blend up towards the crease to lengthen and shape the eye.

54. Monolid Eyes: Apply a transition shade above the crease and blend deeper colors into the outer corners to create dimension.

55. Close-Set Eyes: Use lighter colors on the inner corners and darker shades on the outer corners to create a greater distance effect.

56. Wide-Set Eyes: To visually bring the eyes closer together, use darker eyeshadow in the inner corners.

57. Small Eyes: A little of dark eyeliner on your upper lash line will emphasize your eyes without overdoing it.

58. Deep-Set Eyes: Use lighter shades on the lid, darker shades in the crease to create depth and lift the eyes.

59. Downturned Eyes: Apply eyeliner to the outer corners to create a lifted effect. Use shadow to the outer V for an even more lifted effect.

60. Perfect Eyes: Use darker color on the lid and lighter shade on the brow bone to give balance to your eyes.

How to Keep Your Smokey Eye Makeup From Smudging 🔒

61. If You Use Cream, Then Set with Powder: Cream eyeshadows require to set them with the same color eyeshadow powder because taking it to place.

62. Use a Long-Wear Primer: Use a long-wear primer to deter creasing and keep your eyeshadow in place.

63. Do Not Touch Your Eyes: To prevent smearing your makeup, keep your hands off of your face.

64. Apply Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascara keeps your lashes looking big without running.

65. Use Setting Spray: Good makeup setting spray will keep your look set and prevent smudging or fading.

66. Layer Your Liner: Use a pencil liner and a gel liner for a smudge-free, longer-lasting line.

67. Touch Up Mid-Day: Keep a small makeup kit handy to freshen up smudged eyeliner or faded eyeshadow.

Fixing Common Mistakes for Smokey Eye Makeup 🛠️

68. Remove Excess Product: If you accidentally used too much eyeshadow, a makeup wipe can help gently wipe it away.

69. Repair Cracks with Concealer: If your eyeshadow gets all crumpled during the day, take a little concealer to freshen the look.

70. Soften Harsh Lines: Take a clean blending brush and soften any harsh lines.

71. Clean Up Fallout: Use a wet makeup wipe to wipe away any eyeshadow fallout from under your eyes.

72. Reapply Mascara: If you’ve smudged your mascara, gently reapply mascara to the lashes only.

73. Not Even Liner: When one out of the bunch is bigger than the other, take advantage of a cotton swab to mend it.

74. Add a Touch More Eyeshadow: If your eyeshadow has faded, just add a little more to get the intensity back.

75. Reapply Powder: If you’re finding that your eyeshadow is looking patchy, a little more setting powder can do wonders to smooth things out.

76. Remove Mistakes with Makeup Remover: If you make a mistake, gently apply some makeup remover and try again.

77. Don’t Overdo the Lower Lash Line: If you found you applied too much shadow to the lower lash line, use a clean brush to blend it out.

78. Gradually Re-Build Intensity: If the smokey eye has faded, build intensity in layers for a more controlled look.

79. Set Foundation: It helps to set your foundation before applying the eyeshadow to avoid any makeup transfer to the eyelids.

80. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic: Remember makeup is an art! Just take a breath and retry if something fails.

And there you have it — the 80+ smokey eye makeup tips that will ensure each time you do the look, it’ll be perfect! No matter if you’re new to makeup — or have tried different products through the years — these tips will give you the lowdown on everything from which products to use to techniques, and troubleshooting, making sure you’re always aceing those smokey eye looks. Keep trying, eventually you’ll master the ideal smokey eye for any occasion! 💖

Christy Corner

Christy Connors is a beauty enthusiast and the creative force behind CharmyChick.com, where she explores the latest in beauty trends, skincare, and self-care. With a background in fashion business and merchandising, Christy brings a unique blend of style, strategy, and storytelling to the beauty space.