12 Smoky Eye Tutorials That Are So Easy, You’ll Master Them in Minutes!

On the JJ Barnes Blog, learn how to do the perfect eye makeup with these easy smoky eye tutorials.

Ready to elevate your eye makeup game? Smoky eyes are a timeless look that can go from casual to glam effortlessly.

Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or a cozy gathering, these 12 smoky eye tutorials will have you looking like a pro in no time. With step-by-step guidance and tips, you’ll find the perfect style that suits your vibe and skill level.

So grab your favorite eyeshadow palette, and let’s get started on turning those peepers into show-stoppers!

1. Classic Black Smoky Eye

The classic black smoky eye is a staple in every makeup enthusiast’s repertoire. Start with a clean canvas by applying a primer to your eyelids. For this, you can use e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer. This smooth, creamy primer helps ensure your eyeshadow lasts all night and intensifies the color, making it perfect for achieving that bold look.

Next, using a soft, fluffy brush, blend a matte black eyeshadow from the lash line upwards, gradually softening the edges. The Mysense Single Matte Black Eyeshadow is a great choice for this. Its high pigment and longwear formula ensure that your smoky eye remains striking from day to night.

Step-by-step:
– Apply a base eyeshadow in a neutral shade all over the lid.
– Use a flat brush to pat the black shadow onto the eyelid.
– Blend upwards and outwards to achieve that smoky effect.
– Line your lower lash line with Rimmel London Soft Kohl Smudge-proof Eyeliner for a cohesive look, and smudge it out to keep that smoky vibe.
– Finish with a few coats of mascara.

This look is perfect for dramatic nights out or special occasions. Don’t forget to keep a makeup remover handy for any touch-ups!

Product Recommendations:
• e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer
• Mysense Single Matte Black Eyeshadow
• Rimmel London Soft Kohl Smudge-proof Eyeliner

2. Brown Smoky Eye for Everyday Wear

For a softer, more approachable smoky eye, the brown smoky eye is your go-to. It’s versatile enough for daily wear but still adds that touch of glam. Start by applying a warm brown eyeshadow as your base, then deepen the outer corners with a darker shade.

Step-by-step:
– Use e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer to help your makeup last. This smooth, creamy primer ensures that your eyeshadow stays put and intensifies the color for a bold look.
– Apply a light tan shade all over your eyelid.
– With a slightly darker brown from the Rimmel Magnif’eyes Nude Edition Eyeshadow Palette, define the outer corners and crease. This palette offers a range of versatile shades perfect for creating a beautiful brown smoky eye.
– Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
– Softly smudge Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Professional Eyeliner Pencil along the lower lash line for a subtle definition that complements the soft look.
– Complete the look with a light coat of mascara.

This look is great for work, brunch, or even casual dates. Feel free to switch up the shades to find the perfect brown combo for you!

Product Recommendations:
• e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer
• Rimmel Magnif’eyes Nude Edition Eyeshadow Palette
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Professional Eyeliner Pencil

3. Glitter Smoky Eye

Want to sparkle? A glitter smoky eye is perfect for parties or any event where you want to stand out. It adds an element of fun and glam that’s hard to resist. Start with the traditional smoky base and add that glitter for a pop!

Step-by-step:
– Begin with a black or dark gray base eyeshadow.
– Blend in a mid-tone shade to soften the edges.
– Apply a glitter eyeshadow or pigment on the lid over the base. For this, the UCANBE Pro Glitter Eyeshadow Palette is a fantastic choice, featuring 16 highly pigmented colors, including both chunky and fine glitter options.
– Use a fine brush for the inner corners to brighten the eye. A great tool for this is the fine detail brush set by Studio 5 Cosmetics, which includes various brushes ideal for precise application.
– Finish with bold eyeliner and lots of mascara.

This look is all about the sparkle, so don’t be shy with the glitter! It’s ideal for any celebration, just make sure to use a good primer to hold everything in place. The e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer is perfect for this, as it smooths and intensifies both liquid and powder colors for long-lasting wear.

A glitter smoky eye is your ticket to instant glam! Just blend your favorite dark shades with a sprinkle of sparkle, and watch your eyes light up any room.

Product Recommendations:
• UCANBE Pro Glitter Eyeshadow Palette
• fine detail brush set by Studio 5 Cosmetics
• e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer

4. Smoky Eye with a Pop of Color

Why not switch things up by adding a pop of color to your smoky eye? This trend brings an unexpected twist that can be both fun and captivating. Choose a vibrant shade that complements your outfit or the occasion.

Step-by-step:
– Start with a classic smoky base using black or dark gray.
– For your colorful eyeshadow, consider using the UCANBE EXOTIC FLAVORS Neon Eyeshadow Makeup Palette. With 48 high-pigmented shades, this palette allows you to experiment with various colors that can brighten your look.
– Apply your chosen eyeshadow to the inner corner and lower lash line, blending the colors seamlessly where they meet.
– Line your eyes with a matching colored liner for extra flair using the 12 Colours Coloured Eyeliner set. This long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner is highly pigmented, making it easy to create a striking contrast against your smoky base.
– Finish with a thicker layer of mascara, like the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. This volumizing and lengthening formula will make your eyes pop and ensure your look stands out.

This technique is perfect for summer festivals or parties, and the color can brighten any look! Experiment with different shades to see what suits your style best.

Product Recommendations:
• UCANBE EXOTIC FLAVORS Neon Eyeshadow Makeup Palette
• 12 Colours Coloured Eyeliner set
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

5. Soft Smoky Eye with Pastels

Pastel colors are not just for spring; they can create adorable smoky eyes too! This soft look is ideal for daytime or casual outings when you want a light and airy feel. Pastels can enhance your natural beauty while still giving you that smoky effect.

Step-by-step:
– Start with a neutral base on your eyelids. A great choice is the Revolution Beauty London Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette, which offers a variety of soft shades to set the perfect foundation.
– Use soft pastel shades (like lavender or mint) from the inner corner to the outer edge. With the Pastel Eyeshadow Palette, you’ll have plenty of colors to choose from, making it easy to blend and create that dreamy look.
– Blend well to form a gradient effect. A helpful tool for this is the Blending Eyeshadow Brush Set, which includes double-ended brushes perfect for blending, defining, and shading.
– Use a slightly darker pastel in the crease for definition. The soft bristles of the brushes will allow for a seamless application.
– Lightly line with a nude or white liner on the lower lash line to open the eyes. The Nude or White Eyeliner Pencil is ideal for this step, helping to brighten your eyes and enhance this fresh look.

This look is fresh and youthful, perfect for garden parties, brunches, or casual outings with friends. Soft and sweet is the name of the game!

Pastels aren’t just for spring; they can bring a soft, smoky eye to life any day! Embrace the light and airy vibes while enhancing your natural beauty with ease.

Product Recommendations:
• Revolution Beauty London Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette
• Pastel Eyeshadow Palette
• Blending Eyeshadow Brush Set

6. Bold Red Lip with a Smoky Eye

The combination of a smoky eye with a bold red lip is a classic look that never goes out of style. It’s sultry and chic! While the smoky eye draws attention to your eyes, a bold red lip adds an instant touch of elegance, making it perfect for evening events.

Step-by-step:
– Begin with your smoky eye using a well-rounded eyeshadow palette like the smoky eyes eyeshadow palette, which features highly pigmented colors that help you achieve that perfect smoky effect.
– Opt for a matte red lipstick such as the New York Color Sensational 965 Siren in Scarlet Lipstick for a sophisticated finish that complements your bold look without overpowering it.
– Ensure your foundation is flawless with a product like Profusion Cosmetics 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer. This will help you achieve a polished look that balances the boldness of your makeup.
– Allow your eyes to shine by not overloading on other makeup; the focus should remain on your striking eyes and lips.
– A hint of blush can help bring the look together without overwhelming it, enhancing your overall appearance.

This combo is great for dates, parties, or any time you want to turn heads!

Product Recommendations:
• smoky eyes eyeshadow palette
• New York Color Sensational 965 Siren in Scarlet Lipstick
• Profusion Cosmetics 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer

7. Smoky Eye for Blue Eyes

If you have blue eyes, there are specific shades that can enhance your natural eye color beautifully. Warm tones like copper, rust, and gold work wonders, creating a striking contrast that makes your blue eyes pop even more.

Step-by-step:
– Start with a neutral primer like Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer to help the eyeshadow stick and achieve vibrant looks. This blendable formula locks in color, ensuring your eye makeup lasts all day.
– Next, use a coppery shade from the Lamora Bronze Eyeshadow Palette. The highly pigmented shimmer and matte shades will allow you to blend the copper well on your eyelids.
– Darken the outer corners with a rich brown or plum for depth to add more dimension to your look.
– Line your waterline with a dark eyeliner to add intensity and enhance the overall effect.
– Finish by curling your lashes and applying Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. This volumizing mascara, infused with bamboo extract and fibers, will give you flirty, full lashes.

This look is perfect for day or night and is sure to make your blue eyes stand out in the best way possible!

Product Recommendations:
• Profusion Cosmetics Pigment Base Eyeshadow Primer
• Lamora Bronze Eyeshadow Palette
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

8. Smoky Eye for Brown Eyes

Brown eyes are incredibly versatile and can pull off a variety of smoky eye colors. Jewel tones like emerald, navy, and plum can really bring out the warmth in brown eyes. The key is to play up the rich colors for a stunning effect.

Step-by-step:
– Apply a primer to set the stage.
– Use a deep purple eyeshadow from the Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Eye Contouring Palette, WOW Edition on the eyelid, blending it up towards the crease. This palette features gorgeous jewel tones that enhance the beauty of brown eyes.
– Add a hint of gold on the inner corners to brighten.
– Smudge a navy liner along the lower lash line using the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy for extra depth. The waterproof formula ensures your look stays intact throughout the night.
– Finish with two coats of Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara to make your eyes pop. Its volumizing and lengthening properties will enhance your lashes beautifully.

This look is perfect for evening events or a night out with friends, showcasing the beauty of brown eyes!

Product Recommendations:
• Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Eye Contouring Palette
• WOW Edition
• Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

9. Cat Eye Smoky Look

For a fierce twist on the classic smoky look, try a cat-eye smoky! This style elongates the eyes and gives a dramatic edge, making it perfect for those who want a bold look that commands attention.

Step-by-step:
– Start with a smoky base, focusing on blending well. The Natrcollor smoky brown nude eyeshadow palette offers 12 highly pigmented matte shades that are perfect for creating that flawless smoky effect.
– Use a gel liner, like the Maybelline lasting drama gel eyeliner, to create the cat-eye effect, extending the line upwards for a sharp finish.
– Blend a darker shade along the outer corner to enhance the shape, allowing the eyes to pop with depth.
– Keep the lower lash line simple with a subtle smudge for a seamless look.
– Add several coats of Maybelline New York lash sensational sky high mascara for a striking finish that volumizes and lengthens your lashes.

This look is perfect for a night out or any event where you want to look ultra-glam!

Product Recommendations:
• Natrcollor smoky brown nude eyeshadow palette
• Maybelline lasting drama gel eyeliner
• Maybelline New York lash sensational sky high mascara

10. Smoky Eye with Eyeliner Variation

Switch up your smoky eye with various eyeliner techniques! From winged to double lines, changing your eyeliner can dramatically alter the look. A creative liner adds an artistic touch to a classic smoky eye.

Step-by-step:
– Create your basic smoky eye using dark shadows, like those found in the Smoky Eye Makeup Palette, which features 12 shades perfect for blending.
– Experiment with a graphic eyeliner style, such as a double wing, using the Waterproof Eyeliner Pen. Its smooth and precise application will ensure clean lines every time.
– For a softer alternative, try a colored eyeliner under the lower lash line to brighten your eyes.
– Blend the colors where they meet for a seamless transition.
– Finish with mascara, like the Volumizing Mascara, which adds both length and volume for a dramatic effect, and apply a hint of highlighter in the inner corners.

This technique is ideal for creative nights out or special occasions. Have fun with it and let your personality shine through!

Product Recommendations:
• Smoky Eye Makeup Palette
• Waterproof Eyeliner Pen
• Volumizing Mascara

11. Natural Smoky Eye for a Flawless Finish

Sometimes less is more, and that’s where the natural smoky eye comes in. This look enhances your features without overwhelming them. It’s subtle but still makes a statement!

Step-by-step:
– Start with a light wash of beige or cream eyeshadow using the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette. This palette offers a range of neutral shades that are perfect for achieving that soft base.
– Use a soft taupe to define your crease subtly, also from the palette, ensuring a smooth and blended appearance.
– Blend darker tones at the outer corners for a gentle smoky effect, allowing the colors to build gradually for a natural look.
– Line your eyes with the Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Professional Eyeliner Pencil in sable brown, smudging it slightly for a softer edge that enhances your eyes without being too sharp.
– Finish with minimal Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, which adds just the right amount of volume and length for an effortless vibe.

This look is perfect for day-to-day wear, brunch with friends, or any casual outing. It’s all about enhancing your beauty naturally!

Sometimes, the most stunning looks are the simplest. A natural smoky eye is your best friend for enhancing your beauty without the fuss!

Product Recommendations:
• NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Professional Eyeliner Pencil
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

12. Vintage Glam Smoky Eye

Embrace a vintage vibe with a retro-inspired smoky eye! This look often features winged eyeliner and defined lashes, evoking that classic Hollywood glam. It’s perfect for themed events or simply when you want to feel glamorous.

Step-by-step:
– Begin with a neutral base shadow using the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette, which offers a variety of shades to create the perfect base.
– Blend a medium shade from the palette into the crease for definition.
– Create a wing with Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. This gel liner glides on smoothly and stays put, ensuring your winged look lasts all night.
– Follow through with a smoky effect using darker shades from the eyeshadow palette.
– Add Eylure Fluttery Light No. 117 False Lashes or dramatic mascara for that vintage flair, enhancing the definition and drama of your eyes.
– Finish with a nude lip to keep the focus on your stunning eyes.

This glamorous look is perfect for special occasions and will surely leave a lasting impression!

Channel your inner Hollywood star! With just a few simple steps, you can master a vintage glam smoky eye that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s time to shine and feel fabulous!

Product Recommendations:
• NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette
• Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
• Eylure Fluttery Light No. 117 False Lashes

Conclusion

With these 12 smoky eye tutorials at your fingertips, you’re all set to master this iconic look! Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and styles.

Each tutorial caters to different occasions, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Now, it’s your turn to grab your brushes and eyeshadow palettes and create looks that will turn heads!



Note: We aim to provide accurate product links, but some may occasionally expire or become unavailable. If this happens, please search directly on Amazon for the product or a suitable alternative.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smoky eye, and why is it so popular?

A smoky eye is a makeup technique that creates a sultry, blended look using dark eyeshadows, typically around the eyelids. It’s popular because it enhances the eyes and works for both casual and glam occasions. This versatile style can be adapted with various colors and techniques, making it a favorite among makeup enthusiasts!

How do I choose the right colors for my smoky eye look?

Choosing the right colors for your smoky eye depends on your eye color and the look you want to achieve. For instance, warm tones like copper or rust work wonders for blue eyes, while brown eyes can shine with jewel tones like emerald or plum. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shades to find what complements your unique features best!

Are smoky eye tutorials suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The smoky eye tutorials in the article are designed to be straightforward and easy to follow. With step-by-step instructions, even beginners can master this iconic look in no time. Just remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting until you find your signature smoky eye style!

What are some tips for achieving a flawless smoky eye?

To achieve a flawless smoky eye, start with a good primer to ensure your eyeshadow stays put. Use a mix of matte and shimmer shadows for depth, and blend, blend, blend for a seamless finish! Don’t forget to add eyeliner to define your eyes, and finish with mascara for that wow factor. Following these tips will elevate your smoky eye game!

Can I wear a smoky eye during the day?

Definitely! You can create a softer version of the smoky eye for daytime wear by using lighter shades or opting for a brown smoky eye. This way, you can enjoy the glam of a smoky eye without it feeling too heavy. Just remember to keep the rest of your makeup subtle for a balanced look!