Smokey eyes make-up made easy
Smokey eyes give a seductive look and have long been an integral part of red carpets and parties. With this make-up technique, the eye is emphasised with dark eye shadow gradients, which become lighter towards the eyebrow without visible edges. However, many people hesitate to apply such expressive make-up themselves. With our tips and smoky eye make-up instructions, you can easily and skilfully set the scene for your eyes.
With these tools you are well prepared
Smokey Eyes Make-up guide
Step 1
Preparation
1. Cleanse and degrease the eyelid first with a make-up remover.
2. Use an eyeshadow base as a primer to make your make-up easier to apply and keep it fresh for longer. It can also be used to correct minor skin imperfections. Apply a little colourless powder to the eyelid with a soft powder brush or a little primer with a foundation brush.
3. Smokey eyes are not made up in the same way for all eye shapes. Therefore, before you start with the make-up, think about which shape suits your eyes best.
Step 2
Eye shadow
1. Apply a light nude eye shadow to the entire eyelid and under the eyebrows.
2. Apply a dark, smoky colour to the mobile eyelid, the outer corner of the eye and the lower lash line. Always swipe the brush on the back of your hand first so you can see how much colour is on the brush and how dark it will get.
Blend the dark eye shadow outwards at the crease with a lighter shade. Make sure you blend the transitions as seamlessly as possible so that no edges are visible. If you are unsure how far you should apply the eye shadow, simply place the brush from the nostril to the outer corner of the eye. The make-up should not go further than the brush.
4. Use white eye shadow at the highest point of the eyebrows and at the inner corner of the eye. This will make your eye look bigger. Blend until no edges are visible between the colours.
3.Step
Eyeliner
1. For the eyeliner, you can use a soft eyeliner pencil or eyeliner. The latter often lasts longer, but is a little more difficult to apply. A kajal pencil looks more voluptuous and is often more comfortable for contact lens wearers.
2. Draw a gentle line along the lash line from the outside to the inside. Keep as close to the lash line as possible. Your look will be more sensual when the lashes meet at the corners of the eyes.
3. If you don't want to emphasise the eyeliner so much and want a more voluptuous result, smudge it with an eyeliner brush for a softer outline. You don't have to draw a perfect line when applying the eyeliner. Since it will be shaded out afterwards, you can even apply it slightly dotted.
Step 4
Mascara and finish
1. For an evening make-up like smokey eyes, the lashes also need to be highlighted. For a dramatic look, mascara them heavily with a volumising mascara. Use your finger to raise your eyebrow and gently move the mascara brush back and forth as you apply it. 2.
2. Apply foundation to achieve an even complexion. By applying foundation after your eyes are made up, it prevents traces of eyeshadow or eyeliner on the skin. 3. Keep the rest of your make-up subtle and only apply a nude lipstick or a little lip gloss to your lips.
Tips for the perfect smokey eyes make-up
"An extremely light iris easily disappears with smokey eyes. It's better to use lighter shades or make up soft smokey eyes."
"Sensitive skin is further stressed by a thick layer of colour. In this case, use less eye shadow in different shades.
"If you're doing smoky eyes for the first time and you're not a make-up professional, you don't need to apply eyeliner and eye shadow to the lower lash line. It can make your eyes look smaller."
"Waterproof products hold up better than regular products for drooping eyelids and wrinkles."
"Use an eyelash curler to curl your eyelashes. Heat them briefly with a hairdryer before use to keep the hairs curved longer. But be careful: the eyelash curler can get hot very quickly!
"Carry cotton buds in your handbag to remove excess colour in the crease of the eyelid."
"If you don't have a blending brush handy, then you can use a cotton bud or your fingers to do this."
"Ivory or white kohl opens the eyes and makes them look bigger. Also, draw the eyeliner on the upper eyelid only as far as the pupil."
"Adding a thin layer of eyeshadow to smudged eyeliner will keep it looking beautiful for longer."
"If you apply the lashes very close to the base, you can skip the eyeliner."
Soft Smokey Day Makeup
Smokey eyes are mainly used as evening make-up. However, this timeless classic is not only suitable for special occasions, but can also be worn during the day. Soft smokey eyes are characterised by more subtle colours, but are just as effective as dark smokey eyes when applied correctly.
Instructions Soft Smokey Eyes
Use eye shadow and eyeliner in brown, beige, mocha or nude. You can also add subtle accents to your daytime make-up with gold and copper tones. For soft smokey eyes, apply a light shade of make-up to the eyelid, the highest point below the eyebrow and the inner corner of the eye. Accentuate the outer corner of the eye and the arch of the eyelid with darker shades. Then blend the eyeshadow seamlessly. Apply mascara as usual or leave it off if you want to soften the look.
Smokey Eyes for every eye colour
The right colour for your smoky eyes really makes them shine. Read here which colours harmonise particularly well and which shades you should avoid.
Smokey eyes for blue eyes
The complementary colour of blue is orange, so orange makes eyes pop. However, as bright orange is not suitable for an everyday look, it's best to go for bronze-coloured brown tones. They are discreet and still accentuate blue eyes perfectly. Gold and coral also work well.
Be careful with blue and green tones. You could rob the blue eyes of their radiance.
Smokey Eyes for Green Eyes
On the colour wheel, violet is opposite green as a complementary colour. Therefore, all shades with a violet undertone are suitable for green eyes. Plum, rosé, mauve or aubergine will make your green eyes pop. To keep the look from being too flashy, you can combine violet with golden brown tones.
Blue tones do not harmonise at all with green eyes and should therefore be avoided.
Smokey eyes for brown eyes
Brown eyes are the ideal basis for many colour worlds. For everyday wear, brown tones, taupe, violet, gold or brass go well together. Orange or turquoise can also be used for a bright look.
Eye shadows with a red component should be avoided for brown eyes. Unfortunately, they quickly look sickly and sad.