Classic black smoky eyes have a timeless quality, a bit like red lips. They can instantly add oomph and glamour to any look which is why they’re a favourite of Hollywood and Bollywood stars for sultry evening dos. The key to perfect smoky eyes is blending all the colours flawlessly. It’s equally important to pair light base colours with rich dark hues. For instance, a soft gold base works beautifully with deep purple while a champagne base topped with bright blue looks smouldering. Here’s a simple tutorial showing you how to create your own black smoky eyes.
If you are someone who has time and again failed to get the black eyeshadow smokey eye look then make this foolproof guide your bible. It will help you right from lining your eyes to adding even the finest details to achieve an undeniably chic look. The best part of black smokey eye makeup is that it suits all Indian skin tones, whether you are a dusky goddess or a wheatish queen, there’s a look for every skin colour and outfit choice.
Step-By-Step Guide For A Black Eyeshadow Smokey Eye
Step 1: Start by tight-lining the eyes with black kohl. We recommend the Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Smokey Eye Kohl Gel Pencil, it has a mechanical tip and a precision blender to create the perfect smokey look. It is also heavily pigmented and is sweat-proof for the look to last all night.
Step 2: Apply the black kohl on the entire lid as a base. Make sure to stay within the socket line.
Step 3: Use a smudging brush to smudge and soften the kohl applied in the previous step as shown. Only soften the edges, and let the area closest to the lash line remain dark black. You can either use the blender that comes with the smokey eye kohl pencil, or you can use the Swiss Beauty Eyeshadow Brush for an ultra-soft blend. This pencil picks the right amount of pigment for the perfect ombre effect.
Step 4: Now take a small piece of cello tape and apply it near the outer corner, slanting upwards towards the brow as shown to give a neat wing at the outer corner and prevent over-blending of the eye shadows. Leave a small space between the tape and the lower lash line where we will apply black eye shadow later. Instead of the cello tape, you can use the PAC Exacto Makeup Tape that helps create precise lines for your black smokey eyeshadow without ruining your base makeup. It’s also skin-safe and pulls off without tugging your skin.
Step 5: Apply matte black eye shadow all over the lid using gentle patting motions. You can either use the kohl itself or an actual eyeshadow like the Miss Claire Single Eyeshadow in the shade of black for a rich, deep look.
Step 6: Using a blending brush, soften the edges of the black eye shadow in the crease by running the brush softly in windwiper motion along the socket line. Using the edge of a flat shader brush, apply black eye shadow along the lower lash starting from the outer corner and going three-quarters of the way in.
Step 7: Apply dark brown eye shadow on the blending brush and using the same wind-wiper motions, blend the brown with the black in the socket line. We recommend the Kay Beauty Celestial Eyekanvas Eyeshadow Palette, you can get all the colours you need to DIY a smokey dark eye makeup
Step 8: Apply a shimmery highlighter under the brow and inner corner of the eye to give a bright, awake look to the eyes. You can use the Nykaa Strobe & Glow Liquid Cream Highlighter for shimmery, glowing finishing touches.
Step 9: Apply concealer in the under-eye area after cleaning up the fallout from the eye shadows (if any). For the concealer, use the Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer, it’s light-weight, medium-coverage, and offers a crease-less finish.
Step 10: Finish the look by applying a coat of your favourite volumizing mascara. The L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara is high-coverage, water-proof, and offers an instant lift, a look this dark smokey eye makeup deserves. Brush your brows in place and fill them with dark brown brow wax/powder. We recommend the e.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil in the shade – Deep Brown for that unparalleled lift and colour.
Parting Thoughts
Many people think pulling off a black eyeshadow smokey eye is difficult, in reality, it is not as intimidating as it looks. Initially, you may use makeup tape for the sharp lines and cut creases, but within a few times, we are sure you are going to be the next makeup artist at your family functions with stunning eyes and undeniable talent. Makeup is an art form that can be perfected with practice and the classic black smokey eye makeup is no different. If you are still curious about more dark smokey eye makeup looks then read this article – Nail The Smokey Eye Look And Be A Smokestorm
FAQs
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What do I need to do a black smokey eye makeup look?
You will need a concealer, a kajal pencil, an eyeshadow palette, a blending brush, some highlighter, a brow gel, and a volumising mascara.
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What is a transition shade?
When perfecting a dark smokey eye look, many people like adding a few colours in the mix to go from jet black to a softer hue, this is possible with the help of transition shades. While blending your eye shadow, add a little brown to the upper lid and blend the two to create a seamless gradient.
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How to make dark eyeshadow pop on dark skin?
You may think that dark eyeshadows won’t be visible on dark skin, but this is a common misconception. To make the colours look pigmented and defined, add some concealer that is 1–2 shades lighter than your skin tone. According to colour theory, colours reflect better on a lighter canvas than darker. Once your eyelids are concealed, you can go ahead with your favourite black eyeshadow or smokey eye look for the sultry effect.
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How to make my black smokey eyeshadow last longer?
The best way to do this is to apply a primer before you start your black smokey eye makeup so the product sticks to your eyelids well and once you are done with the look finish it with a setting spray to hold all the pigment in.
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How to make my black smokey eyeshadow bolder?
To make your smokey dark eye makeup bolder, add a little highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes and under the brow line. Additionally, you can add a volume-boosting mascara and a pigmented brow gel for the complete look.
