This one’s a classic, and there’s a reason it can never go out of style. Enhanced eyes; kohl-defined with a little smokiness - are one of the most flattering ways to do your makeup. We think it may have been one of the first makeup tricks ever to be used; right up there with rosy lips and flushed cheeks is this versatile look that creates a bit of drama, shows sophistication and amps up your overall style.
When done right, that is, because a smokey eye is also one of those tricky things to achieve. With darker eyeshadow there are a few things to keep in mind—mainly that less is more, and that one needs to blend, blend, blend. Before it starts to feel like you need a lot of technique to be able to pull this off, we’re here to tell you we have you covered. Keep reading this handy guide which is a step-by-step tutorial on creating a kohl smokey eye, that you can wear for the day or the night.
.PNG)
Things to remember before you do a smokey-eye:
Blend it right:
A brush or two is great to have on hand for this, because brushes help with blending which is the foundation of this look. We recommend an eyeshadow brush and an eyeliner brush that can both be used in combination to create levels of diffusion that make your smokey eye look pro-level.
Less is more:
Stick to 2-3 shades of shadow, from medium to dark, and always build them up. You can do a brown smokey eye or a black one, but have a medium transition shade for both of them that you’ll layer on your lids.
Smudge it out:
Try kohl liner and cream stick shadows for a smudged, sultry effect. Layer these together for a beautiful smokey-eye.
How to smokey-eye:
- Start with a medium-toned shade like medium brown, fawn, or beige on your eyelids for a base.
- Apply black or brown kohl liner along your top and bottom lash lines, then smudge it with an eyeshadow brush.
- Layer a deep brown or black shadow over the liner, or use a dark cream shadow stick for a softer look. Blend upward on the top lid.
- Apply shadow to the lower lid and blend outward. Gently smudge the edges upward.
- Set the edges with face powder for a soft, cloud-like effect.
- Finish with 2-3 coats of mascara for captivating eyes.
You can wear this look during the day or the night, but if you want an intense evening smokey eye, we recommend a dark cream shadow, and for a softer effect that’s suitable for daytime too, you can try a more subtle brown with a bit of shimmer.
