Sultry Smokey Eyes: A Comprehensive Tutorial for Beginners
The sultry smokey eye trend has been a staple in the world of makeup for decades. This timeless look has graced the red carpets, runways, and everyday makeup routines of women all over the world. The sultry smokey eye is characterized by its dark, smoldering colors and its ability to create a seductive and mysterious allure.
The history of the sultry smokey eye can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where both men and women would use kohl to darken their eyes for a more dramatic effect. Fast forward to the 1920s, and the smokey eye became popularized by silent film actresses who wanted to enhance their eyes for the black and white film cameras. Since then, the sultry smokey eye has evolved and adapted to different trends and styles, but it has always remained a classic and go-to look for those wanting to make a statement.

A sultry smokey eye is essentially a makeup technique that involves using dark eyeshadows to create depth and dimension around the eyes. The key is to blend different shades of eyeshadow together seamlessly, creating a gradient effect that goes from light to dark. This technique enhances the shape of the eyes, making them appear larger and more defined. The sultry smokey eye can be achieved with various colors, but it is most commonly associated with shades of black, gray, brown, and bronze.
Key Takeaways
- Sultry smokey eyes are a classic and timeless makeup look that can be achieved with a few simple steps.
- Understanding the basics of smokey eye tutorial is crucial to creating a sultry eye look that is both flattering and long-lasting.
- Essential tools and products for sultry eye look include eyeshadow brushes, eyeshadow primer, and a variety of eyeshadow shades.
- Prepping your eyes for eye makeup tutorial involves cleansing, moisturizing, and applying a base to ensure that your eye makeup stays put.
- A step-by-step guide for beginner eye makeup can help you achieve a sultry eye look that is both easy to create and stunning to wear.
Understanding the Basics of Smokey Eye Tutorial
When it comes to creating a sultry smokey eye look, there are different types of techniques and styles that you can choose from. The classic smokey eye involves using shades of black or gray to create a smoldering effect. However, there are also variations such as the brown smokey eye, which uses shades of brown and bronze for a softer and more natural look. Additionally, you can experiment with different colors to create a unique and personalized smokey eye look.
When choosing the right colors for your skin tone and eye color, it’s important to consider the contrast and harmony between the shades. For fair skin tones, shades of gray, silver, and cool-toned browns work well. Medium skin tones can opt for warmer browns, bronzes, and golds. Darker skin tones can play with deeper shades of brown, black, and jewel tones. As for eye color, those with blue eyes can enhance them with warm browns and coppers. Green eyes pop with purples and plums. Brown eyes can pull off almost any color, but shades of bronze and gold are particularly flattering.
Essential Tools and Products for Sultry Eye Look
To achieve a flawless sultry smokey eye look, you’ll need a few essential tools and products. Firstly, you’ll need a good eyeshadow palette that includes a range of dark shades. Look for palettes that have a mix of matte and shimmer finishes to add dimension to your look. Additionally, you’ll need a set of high-quality makeup brushes specifically designed for applying eyeshadow. These brushes should include a blending brush, a flat shader brush, and a pencil brush for precise application.
In addition to eyeshadow and brushes, you’ll also need an eyeshadow primer to ensure that your eye makeup stays in place all day or night. An eyeliner is also essential for creating definition and adding drama to your sultry smokey eye look. Opt for a waterproof formula that won’t smudge or fade throughout the day. Lastly, don’t forget mascara to lengthen and volumize your lashes, completing the sultry eye look.
Prepping Your Eyes for Eye Makeup Tutorial
Prepping Your Eyes for Eye Makeup Tutorial | |
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Eye Cream | Apply a small amount of eye cream to moisturize and hydrate the eye area. |
Eye Primer | Apply eye primer to create a smooth base for eye makeup and to prevent creasing. |
Concealer | Apply concealer to cover dark circles and to brighten the under eye area. |
Setting Powder | Set the concealer with a setting powder to prevent creasing and to make it last longer. |
Eye Shadow | Apply eye shadow to create the desired eye makeup look. |
Mascara | Apply mascara to enhance the lashes and to complete the eye makeup look. |
Before diving into the sultry smokey eye tutorial, it’s important to properly prep your eyes to ensure that your makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer. Start by cleansing your face and removing any excess oils or makeup residue. Then, apply a hydrating eye cream to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. This will help prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and make it easier to blend.
Next, apply an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow. This will also help intensify the colors and prevent them from fading or smudging throughout the day. Allow the primer to dry for a few seconds before moving on to the next step.
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginner Eye Makeup
Now that your eyes are prepped and ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step guide for creating a basic sultry smokey eye look. Start by applying a light, neutral shade all over your eyelid as a base color. This will help create a seamless transition between the different shades of eyeshadow.
Next, take a medium-toned shade and apply it to the crease of your eyelid using a blending brush. Use back and forth motions to blend the color into the crease, creating depth and dimension. Make sure to blend out any harsh lines for a seamless look.
Once you’ve created the desired depth in the crease, it’s time to add the darkest shade of eyeshadow. Using a pencil brush, apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid, creating a V shape. Then, blend the color into the crease using small circular motions. This will create a gradient effect, with the darkest color on the outer corner and gradually getting lighter towards the inner corner.
To add some shimmer and highlight to your sultry smokey eye look, take a shimmery shade and apply it to the center of your eyelid using your finger or a flat shader brush. This will help catch the light and make your eyes pop.
Finish off the look by applying a matte highlight shade to the brow bone and inner corner of your eyes. This will brighten up the eyes and make them appear more awake.
Creating a Sultry Eye Look with Different Eye Shapes
When it comes to creating a sultry smokey eye look, it’s important to consider your eye shape and how to enhance it with makeup. For those with hooded eyes, focus on creating depth in the crease and using lighter shades on the lid to make the eyes appear larger. For deep-set eyes, use lighter shades on the lid and darker shades in the crease to bring the eyes forward. For monolid eyes, focus on creating a gradient effect with eyeshadow, starting with a light shade on the inner corner and gradually getting darker towards the outer corner.
For those with almond-shaped eyes, you’re in luck as this eye shape is versatile and can pull off almost any makeup look. Focus on creating depth in the crease and adding definition to the outer corner for a sultry effect. Lastly, for round eyes, focus on elongating the shape by applying darker shades on the outer corner and extending it slightly beyond the natural shape of your eye.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Sultry Smokey Eyes
Perfecting your sultry smokey eye look takes practice and patience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way:
1. Start with a light hand: It’s easier to add more eyeshadow than to remove excess product. Start with a small amount of eyeshadow and build up the intensity gradually.
2. Blend, blend, blend: The key to a seamless smokey eye look is blending. Use a clean blending brush to soften any harsh lines and create a gradient effect.
3. Use tape for precision: If you struggle with creating a clean line or winged effect, use a small piece of tape as a guide. Apply the tape at an angle from the outer corner of your eye to the end of your eyebrow, then apply your eyeshadow as usual. Once you remove the tape, you’ll have a clean and precise line.
4. Don’t forget the lower lash line: To complete the sultry smokey eye look, apply a dark eyeshadow or eyeliner to your lower lash line. This will add depth and intensity to your eyes.
5. Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at a sultry smokey eye doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned. Like any skill, it takes practice to perfect. Keep experimenting with different colors and techniques until you find your perfect sultry smokey eye look.
Adding Drama with Eyeliner and Mascara
To add even more drama to your sultry smokey eye look, eyeliner and mascara are essential. When it comes to eyeliner, there are different types to choose from, including pencil, gel, and liquid. Pencil eyeliner is great for creating a smudged and smoky effect, while gel and liquid eyeliners offer more precision for creating sharp lines and wings.
When applying eyeliner, start by lining your upper lash line as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. You can create a thin line for a more natural look or go for a thicker line for a more dramatic effect. If you want to create a winged effect, extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye and connect it back to the upper lash line.
Mascara is the finishing touch that will complete your sultry smokey eye look. Opt for a volumizing mascara that will add thickness and length to your lashes. Start by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler, then apply one or two coats of mascara, wiggling the wand from the roots to the tips of your lashes. For added drama, you can also apply false lashes or use an eyelash primer before applying mascara.
Enhancing Your Sultry Eye Look with Eyebrow Makeup
Eyebrows play a crucial role in framing the face and enhancing your sultry smokey eye look. To enhance your eyebrows, you can use different types of eyebrow makeup, including eyebrow pencils, powders, and gels.
Eyebrow pencils are great for filling in sparse areas and creating a defined shape. Choose a shade that matches your natural hair color and use short, feathery strokes to mimic the appearance of hair. Start by filling in the arch of your brow and then work your way towards the tail and front.
Eyebrow powders are another option for filling in and defining your eyebrows. Use an angled brush to apply the powder in light, upward strokes. This will create a soft and natural look.
Lastly, eyebrow gels are great for setting your eyebrows in place and adding texture. Choose a clear gel for a more natural look or a tinted gel to add depth and color to your brows.
Final Touches: Setting Your Sultry Smokey Eyes in Place
To ensure that your sultry smokey eye look lasts all day or night, it’s important to set it in place. There are different types of setting sprays and powders that can help prolong the wear of your eye makeup.
Setting sprays are applied after you’ve completed your makeup routine. They help lock in your makeup and prevent it from smudging or fading throughout the day. Simply hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and mist it evenly over your entire face, including your eyes.
Setting powders are another option for setting your sultry smokey eye look. Use a small fluffy brush to lightly dust the powder over your eyelids, focusing on the areas where you applied eyeshadow. This will help absorb any excess oils and prevent creasing.
Creating a sultry smokey eye look is a timeless and versatile makeup technique that can be adapted to suit different styles and preferences. By understanding the basics of the smokey eye tutorial, choosing the right colors for your skin tone and eye color, and using the essential tools and products, you can achieve a flawless sultry smokey eye look. Remember to prep your eyes before applying eye makeup, follow a step-by-step guide for beginners, and enhance your eye shape with different techniques. Don’t forget to add drama with eyeliner and mascara, enhance your eyebrows, and set your sultry smokey eyes in place for long-lasting wear. With practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to find your perfect sultry smokey eye look that will make a statement wherever you go.
FAQs
What are smokey eyes?
Smokey eyes are a makeup technique that involves creating a dark, sultry look around the eyes using eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.
Who can wear smokey eyes?
Anyone can wear smokey eyes, regardless of their eye shape or skin tone. It’s a versatile look that can be adapted to suit different styles and occasions.
What products do I need to create smokey eyes?
To create smokey eyes, you’ll need eyeshadow in shades of black, grey, and brown, eyeliner, mascara, and brushes for blending and application.
How do I apply eyeshadow for smokey eyes?
To apply eyeshadow for smokey eyes, start by applying a light base color all over the lid. Then, apply a darker shade to the outer corner of the eye and blend it into the crease. Use a lighter shade to blend the edges and create a gradient effect.
What type of eyeliner should I use for smokey eyes?
For smokey eyes, you can use a pencil, gel, or liquid eyeliner. Choose a formula that is easy to blend and has a long-lasting finish.
How do I apply mascara for smokey eyes?
To apply mascara for smokey eyes, start by curling your lashes. Then, apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes, making sure to coat each lash evenly. You can also add false lashes for a more dramatic effect.
What are some tips for creating the perfect smokey eyes?
Some tips for creating the perfect smokey eyes include using a primer to help the eyeshadow stay in place, blending the eyeshadow well to avoid harsh lines, and using a light hand when applying eyeliner. It’s also important to choose colors that complement your skin tone and eye color.