Take your look from fluttering to smoldering with sultry smokey eyes! Whether you’re looking to turn heads at a party, or just want to make a subtle statement, smoky eyes offer the perfect mix of chic and unusual. With the right tips and techniques, you can shift your makeup style up a gear and embrace modern smokiness. Step away from shades of grey and basic black as we reveal how you can add a twist to the classic look.
1. Preparing Your Look: Creating a Sultry Smokey Eye
There’s no denying the power of a sultry smokey eye look. Not only can it enhance your eyes in all the right ways, but it also helps to bring out your personality and boldness. Achieving the perfect smokey eye takes more than just a few swipes of your brush though.
Today, we’re going to take you through the basics of creating a sultry smokey eye. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A primer of your choice.
- A few shades of eyeshadow in similar tones.
- Your favorite eyeliner.
- Mascara.
Now that you’ve got your products, here’s how to put it all together to create a stunning smokey eye. First, start with your primer as the base. This will help to set your makeup, ensure it lasts, and create a smooth, stable surface to work with.
Once your primer has set, start applying the lighter shades in the colors of your choice. You can apply the lighter color all over your eyelid, or just in certain areas to build the look.
Next, it’s time to add some drama to your look. Grab the darker shades and start applying them to the outer corners of your eyes, as well as the crease. Blend out the darker shade so it steadily gets lighter towards the inner part of your eye. Make sure to blend out any harsh lines.
To finish off the look, use your eyeliner of choice and apply it to your eyelid. Make sure to be as precise as possible with the line so it defines your look. You can also smudge out the line somewhat to add more depth.
Finally, apply a few coats of your favorite mascara and you’re done! You’ll have a stunning sultry smokey eye that’s sure to turn heads.
2. Taking It Up a Notch: Adding a Modern Twist to Your Smolder
In many cases, spicing up a classic smolder can be the difference between a good and a great look. After all, why settle for the same tried-and-tested look when you can give it a modern twist that reflects your personal style? Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Line Up the Lashes – A modern twist on a traditional smolder is to give your eyes a sharp, “lined-up” look. Start by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler and defining your eyes with a thin line of black eyeliner. Next, apply a couple of coats of mascara, ensuring that your top and bottom lashes are in perfect alignment.
- Contour – For an extra dash of modernity, adding subtle contouring to your eyes could be the trick – without even a hint of overdoing it. To do this, apply a slightly darker shade of eye shadow in the crease of your eyelids, following your natural eye shape, and blend upward and outward.
- Go Big – If you want to really take your look up a notch, go bold with brush up brows and full, fluttery lashes to really emphasize your smolder. If you really want to make a statement then pair your big eyelashes with some sculptural wings, a bold single shadow, and a light lip gloss.
And there you have it! These small touches can help to give a classic smolder a modern, personalized feel. And the best part is, there’s no one right way to do it, so be creative and have fun with it!
For a more dramatic smolder, try using a glittery eye shadow or a bright, colorful eyeliner. You can also experiment with mascaras – some that are good for adding volume, some that define and separate individual lashes, and even some that provide a subtle tint. The possibilities are endless.
So take your pick and give your classic smolder a modern twist – you’ll be sure to turn more than one head!
3. ‘Smoldering’ Checklist: Must-Have Products for a Dramatic Look
Vibrant eye makeup looks, smoldering eyeliner, and sensual lips–when you want to add a dramatic finishing touch to your look, smoky makeup is the way to go. Whether you’re going for a classic sultry eye or shimmery blues and grays, you’ll need the right products to take your makeup game from zero to hero. Here is a smoldering checklist of essential products for a dramatic look:
Pigmented Eyeshadows
If you’re going for smoky eyes, you need eyeshadows with great pigmentation. Look for eyeshadows with bold hues that can be built up in tight creases and along the lash line. Combine several colors to add dimension for an ‘au natural’ smoky look or combine stark black shades for an intensely created look.
Creamy Eyeliners
Creamy eyeliners are essential for the perfect smoky eyeliner. Apply the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. Some creamy eyeliners come with a smudger for a softer look, which is ideal for a natural smoky style. Then, draw lightly along the outer lid for added drama.
- Metallic colors can also create a unique smoky look.
- You can use a brown eyeliner pencil for added depth.
- Layer mascara for more intense eye lashes.
Bold Mascara
When it comes to smoky makeup, bold eye lashes are a must. Apply several layers of a volumizing mascara, working from root to tip. If you want extra volume and definition, use an eyelash curler for added oomph.
Lipstick & Gloss
When it comes to lip colors, smoky makeup looks are usually paired with bright, bold shades. For a classic smoky look, go for deep reds, purples, or berries. Lip gloss and metallic lipsticks will also coat your pout in a seductive aura. Unlock the intense power of your lips with a swipe of a color-rich lipstick!
4. The Finishing Touches: Nailing Your Sultry Smokey Eye
The sultry smokey eye look is dramatic and eye-catching, but it can be difficult to master. To perfect your sultry smokey eye, you’ll need some patience and practice. Here are some tips to help you get it right:
- Start by prepping the eye area with an eye primer to ensure that your makeup will last and won’t smudge.
- Apply a light-colored matte eye shadow to the entire eyelid and then layer on a dark-colored shadow over the outer corner of the eye, blending it outward.
- Next, apply black eyeliner along the upper and lower lash lines. Make sure you fill in the lash line for a solid line and smudge out slightly with your eyes open to get a smokier look.
- Now apply mascara to both the upper and lower lashes for a finishing touch.
Adding Depth and Dimension
For more depth and dimension to your smokey eye look, add touches of shimmering dark eye shadow over the inner corners of the eyes and at the edge of the eyelids. Also consider eyelash extensions, if you want the ultimate sultry look. Make sure to use quality products to ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day.
Final Touches
If your look is still missing something, try adding false lashes or a stroke of white eyeliner just below your lower lash line to make your eyes look brighter and more open. Place a tiny bit of light-colored eye shadow on the middle of your eye for extra depth and dimension. Finally, set your look in place with a setting spray for long-lasting, all-day wear.
Smoky eyes has come a long way since its twenties-era origins, offering modern makeup wearers the chance to create a sultry and smoldering look that feels distinctly up-to-date. With so many techniques, products, and formulas to work with, you can create an endless range of dramatic and eye-catching eye makeup looks that won’t disappoint. So, go get smokin’!