How to Get the Perfect Smokey Eye: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The smokey eye is the ultimate glamorous eye look — sultry, dramatic, and surprisingly versatile. Follow our step-by-step guide for foolproof results every time.

What You Will Need

• Eye primer or concealer
• Eyeshadow palette with light, medium, and dark shades
• Black or dark brown eyeliner pencil
• Mascara
• Blending brush and a flat shader brush

Step 1: Prime Your Eyelids

Apply a thin layer of eye primer or concealer over the entire eyelid. The Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer + Eyeshadow Primer is a brilliant two-in-one option for this step.

Step 2: Apply the Transition Shade

Using a fluffy blending brush, sweep a matte medium-toned shade through the crease of your eyelid. Use windshield-wiper motions back and forth. This creates a seamless transition between your lid colour and brow bone.

Step 3: Deepen the Outer Corner

Apply a darker shade to the outer V of your eyelid. Blend into the crease, focusing on the outer third of the eye. This creates the depth and dimension that defines a smokey eye.

Step 4: Pack Colour on the Lid

Using a flat shader brush, press your chosen lid colour across the mobile eyelid. The Max Factor Eyefinity All Day Liquid Eyeshadow in Teasing Bronze or Precious Gold is perfect here. Pat, do not swipe, for maximum payoff.

Step 5: Line the Eyes

Run a dark eyeliner along your upper lash line. Smudge it slightly for that soft, smoky effect. The Technic Gel Black Eyeliner Pencil is perfect — soft enough to smudge but pigmented enough to stay dark.

Step 6: Smoke Out the Lower Lash Line

Apply your crease shade along the lower lash line, focusing on the outer two-thirds. Then add a touch of the darker shade to the outer corner. Blend until it looks soft and diffused.

Step 7: Highlight

Apply a light, shimmery shade to the inner corner of the eye and just below the brow bone. This brightens the eye and makes the dark shades look even more dramatic.

Step 8: Mascara

Apply at least two coats of volumising mascara to both upper and lower lashes. Wiggle the wand at the base and pull through to the tips.

Pro Tips

• Blend, blend, blend. The difference between gorgeous and messy is blending.
• Build gradually. Start with less product and build up.
• Clean up with concealer. Use concealer to sharpen messy edges.
• Keep lips simple. A dramatic eye looks best with a nude or subtle lip.

Ready to create your perfect smokey eye? Shop all the products mentioned at Luxe Glow UK.