How to Do a Smokey Eye

Smokey eye makeup is both dramatic and sophisticated, and it’s a great way to highlight the eyes at parties and formal events. It's a favorite among celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and Angelina Jolie, and it's quite common to see on models on the runway. With a few easy steps, almost anyone can create the red carpet look.

Supplies
To create a smokey eye, you'll need to gather three shades of eyeshadow from a similar color. Common colors used include black, gray, brown and bronze. You'll also need eyeshadow primer, concealer, eyeshadow brushes, black liquid eyeliner, eyelash curler or fake eyelashes, mascara primer, mascara and a tissue. You should apply your eye makeup before your face makeup in case any shadow falls on the wrong places.

Prep the Eyes
Begin by washing your face. After, add eyeshadow primer to the eyelids, which will make eye makeup go on smoothly and last longer. Spread a dab of concealer to the upper and lower eyelids.

Eyeshadow
Apply the medium shade of eyeshadow over both lower eyelids up to the crease. Then, take the darkest shade of eyeshadow, and add it to both eye creases bringing the color down to the outer corners of the eyes. Finally, spread the lightest shade to the inner corners of the eyes and to the space between the crease and eyebrows. Using an eyeshadow fluffy brush, blend all of the colors thoroughly.

Eyeliner and Mascara
Applying eyeliner to the upper lashes will make the eyes look larger. Begin by drawing a tapered line from the inner pupil on the upper lash line out towards the end of the eyebrow for a cat eyeliner look. Next, curl your lashes, and apply mascara primer. Finally, add a few layers of mascara to the lower and upper lashes. Use a tissue to clean off any eyeshadow that fell onto your face.