How to Do a Smokey Eye

Gone are the days of just using one eyeshadow colour, it’s now all about the blend! Us HQ gals love creating different looks and one of our favourites is the classic smokey eye. Perfect for parties as well as day to day, you can change the intensity to suit the occasion. Of course, it’s one of those looks that when done wrong, you can end up channelling your inner panda rather than your inner diva, so it’s important to get it right! To make sure you do, we’ve provided our fool proof guide to the smokey eye!

How to Create a Smokey Eye Look

Step 1: Create a Base

There’s nothing worse than applying your eyeshadow only for it to come out super faded and difficult to work with. Make sure it stays pigmented once applied by applying an eyelid primer or concealer onto your eyelid. This creates a smooth canvas, helping you to get an even base to build on.

Step 2: Set Your Base

After applying your base, it needs to be set, otherwise your eyeshadow will end up looking patchy and clumpy. Sweep a pressed powder across your eyelid, leave to set for a minute or two and dust away any excess. Your eyelid should look and feel smooth and silky with an even colour.

Step 3: Get Lining

Using a black eyeliner pencil, trace your top and lower lash line from the inner corner to the outer corner. This will help your eyes to stand out whilst making the smokey shadow to be applied later blend well with your eye. We recommend using a waterproof pencil to prevent your eyes from washing away the colour within minutes.

Step 4: Blend Away

Now it’s time for the smokey shadow! Start with the lightest shade in your palette and sweep it across the whole eyelid. Follow by blending a medium shade upward and outward halfway across. Finally, use a fluffy blending brush to put the darkest shade into the outer corner and the crease. Find out which palettes to use for your eye colour here.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Complete the smokey eye look by applying a small amount of highlighter just below the brow and on the inner corner of the eye. This will create a contrast between the darker shades and the parts of your eye which you want to stand out! Sweep some mascara onto your lashes and you’re all done!