Creating a smokey-eye look doesn’t have to be messy—here’s a primer

A kohl-rimmed, smokey-eye look comes second on the list of statement-creating make-up after a bold red lip. Here’s how to get it right

Kohl or kajal has been a beauty staple for many Indian women. Among the many ways to wear kohl, the smokey-eyed look has remained popular for a long time. A running theme across Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani and Deepika Padukone’s most memorable make-up looks? A heavy wash of kohl. From a classic black and grey to subtle browns and jewel-toned hues, the smokey eye can be created to complement individual preferences and eye shapes. However, achieving the perfect smokey-eye look can be challenging for some—getting it right entails specific products and techniques. We tell you how you can go about creating a smokey-eye make-up look without ending up with raccoon eyes.

Must-have eye make-up products for smokey eyes 

While you don’t need a lot of products to ace a smokey-eye make-up look, having the right type of eye make-up can make the process quicker and simpler.

Eyeliner

Use an eyeliner or kajal that is creamy, blendable and easy to work with. Opting for eyeliners that come with in-built smudgers from brands like Simply Nam or Colorbar could be helpful. If you’re creating a smokey eye look for a wedding or a party, make sure to choose a waterproof one that promises a budge-free stay. 

Eyeshadow Palette

Next, you’ll need an eyeshadow palette to both diffuse and intensify colour on your eyelids. Invest in a neutral eyeshadow palette that offers muted shades of cream, beige, brown, and terracotta in both cool and warm tones. Make sure the palette also has a black and golden metallic for added play.

Brushes

Keep a dense, fluffy brush, a crease brush, a tapered eyeshadow brush, and a narrow buffing brush that will aid packing, blending, and diffusing the eyeliner and eyeshadow. It can be helpful to also have a small eyeliner brush to extend the eyeliner beyond your waterline.A

Mascara

No smokey-eye make-up look is complete without coats of a volumising mascara—long, fluttery lashes bring the look together. Opt for brands like Benefit Cosmetics, Essence Cosmetics, KIKO Milano, and Too Faced.  

A step-by-step guide to achieve smokey eyes

1. Prep your eyelids well: To ensure the smokey-eye make-up lasts all day (or night), it’s key to prep your eyelids. Start by wiping off any excess sebum and hydrating the area with an eye cream. Next, use an eyelid primer that works as a sticky base for all the other make-up. You can apply a corrector or concealer to camouflage major discolourations on the eyelids, if any. Use all the cream-based products directly after the primer and then pack the powder-based eyeshadow for long-lasting smokey eyes. 

2. Apply a neutral shade: Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow close to your skin tone across the entire lid. This will serve as the foundation for blending darker shades. This step is particularly helpful for achieving smokey-eye make-up for beginners, as it makes the transition between colours smoother and avoids patchiness.

3. Pack the darkest shade to the crease: With a smaller crease brush, apply a dark shade, such as black or deep brown, to the outer corner of your eyelid. Blend it inward and into the crease. Use a fluffy blending brush for a smoother and seamless transition. 

4. Create a gradient: To achieve the classic smokey-eye gradient, use a lighter brown or black from the inner corner towards the outer corner (where the deepest colour is placed). This step is only required if you want your smokey-eye make-up to have a gradient finish.

5. Blend, blend, blend: The key to acing any smokey-eye look is blending. Use circular motions to blend the edges of the dark shadow, creating a seamless transition that fades out towards the brow bone.

6. Repeat the eyeliner: To ensure the upper and lower waterline retain the depth, go in with your eyeliner one more time but don’t smudge it. Now, apply a stroke of eyeliner on your upper and lower lash line and smudge it out for a smoldering effect.

7. Make your eyes pop: Use a champagne-toned highlighter on the arch of your brows and inner corners to make them pop.

8. Mascara galore: Complete the look with loads of mascara. Use one with a curvy wand to give your lashes a natural lift.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

While these steps provide a strong foundation, additional techniques can elevate your smokey eye, especially if you’re looking to tailor it to your eye shape or desired intensity.

Adapting for Eye Shape

Smokey eyes can look different on various eye shapes. For almond eyes, accentuate the outer corners to enhance the natural shape. Round eyes benefit from focusing on the centre of the lid to give a lengthening effect, while hooded eyes should keep the darker shades above the crease to make the eyes appear larger.

Day versus Night Intensity

A subtle smokey eye can work beautifully for daytime. To create a lighter version, stick to browns and avoid a heavy eyeliner. For nighttime looks, add deeper colours, more eyeliner, and consider adding false lashes for some drama.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Perfecting a smokey eye look takes practice, and there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

Over-Blending

While blending is essential, overdoing it can make the colours look muddy. To avoid this, use gentle, small motions and stop when the transition looks soft yet distinct.

Skipping Primer

Failing to prime the eyelids can result in creasing and fading, particularly with darker shadows. Following a step-by-step natural smokey-eye make-up guide will be in vain if the make-up doesn't stay put, so an eye primer is especially important. 

Harsh Lines with Eyeliner

For a true smokey-eye effect, avoid harsh lines. Smudging the eyeliner with a brush or blending it with a darker shadow creates a softer, more cohesive look.

Using the Wrong Brushes

The tools you use play a crucial role. Fluffy brushes are ideal for blending, while flat brushes are better for packing colour onto the lid. Investing in quality brushes can make a significant difference in achieving a flawless look.

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