How To Create a Smokey Eye Look

Every beauty lover should know how to do a smokey eye. A smokey eye look is versatile, flattering, and easy to adjust for just about any occasion, from a soft daytime version to full evening drama. With professional tips from Patrick himself, consider this your step-by-step guide to creating the perfect smokey eye.

Understanding the Basics

A smokey eye brings all the attention to your eyes. By blending and layering eyeshadow tones within the same color family, you create a sultry, seamless gradient that adds depth and dimension.

For Patrick's signature smokey eye, choose three to four shades from a coordinated palette like the Major Dimension Essential Artistry Edit Eyeshadow Palette. Its six highly pigmented, buttery mattes are buildable and made to blend into one another. For a classic cool smoke, Cool Taupe ranges from cool beige to brown. For a softer, sultrier take, Warm Rose brings in mauve and burgundy. You'll also want an eyeliner and mascara to complete the look.

One more thing: eye makeup should be the very first step in your glam routine. That way, you can brush away eyeshadow fallout or wipe off mascara smudges without disturbing the rest of your makeup.

Prepping the Canvas

Before you reach for eyeshadow, prep your skin. The secret to flawless application and an eye look that lasts is a smooth canvas. Prepping the lids helps the shadows blend easily and gives your makeup something to grip so it doesn't smudge or fade throughout the day.

After moisturizing, apply a thin, even layer of eyeshadow primer from the lids up to the brow bones. For a base that also adds depth, glide a Major Sculpt Shape & Shade Anywhere Artistry Stick across the lid and blend it out with the built-in brush. The creamy formula doubles as a base for powder eyeshadow, and a taupe or brown shade gives your smokey eye a head start.

Building the Base

Once the lids are prepped, start creating the base of your look.

Reach for a light or mid-toned matte shade, depending on how intense you want the final result to be. Use the large domed end of the Dual Ended Eye Shadow Brush to work the shadow into your crease and outer V, taking your time to build to the pigment you want. Then blend, blend, blend. Soften any lines and diffuse the shadow toward the lid and brow bone for a beautifully soft gradient.

Adding Depth and Dimension

After creating your base, use deeper shades to add dimension.

First, take a shade that is darker than the one you used for your base. Work it into the crease and blend it across the lid, taking time to diffuse the pigment.

Next, reach for an even darker shade. With the small domed end of your brush, use a stamping motion to pack that color onto the lid, covering the entire lid. You may need to go in a few times to create an even layer of pigment. Blend as needed to soften any harsh lines.

Intensifying the Look

Turn up the intensity with liner. Start by tightlining your eyes, applying a gel eyeliner to the lower waterline. Line the lower lash line with the same liner, then smudge it out before the formula dries down. This diffuses the color and creates more of a smokey effect.

Next, move to the upper lash line and tightline again by working the liner into the upper waterline. For a softer, more blendable option, draw along the lash lines with a deep Artistry Stick shade like Smoked (Neutral Deep Brown) or Hollow (Neutral/Medium Brown) and diffuse it with the built-in brush.

Finally, press your darkest powder shadow over the outer part of the upper lash line with the small end of your brush. Layering powder over liner makes the lashes look fuller and adds even more smoke to the look.

Finishing Touches

Finish your eyes by curling your lashes, then coating them with mascara.

Once your lashes are done, clean up any fallout and fix any mistakes. Patrick likes to use a makeup towelette to gently clear away excess shadow under the eyes. Brought the darker shadow up too high? Patrick recommends using a face powder that matches your skin tone to erase it. Simply blend it along the brow bone with a clean, fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Inspirations and Variations

A classic smokey eye typically uses matte eyeshadows in black, gray, brown, blue, or green. That said, there are no hard and fast rules, and this look is completely versatile. Work with colors and finishes that match the occasion and your personal style.

• Soft and romantic: Reimagine the look with the mauve and burgundy tones in the Warm Rose palette.
• Metallic: Press a Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duo onto the center of the lid. Try Do You Know Who I Am (Copper Sparkles), Still At The Club (Cocoa Sparkles), Slow Burn (Burgundy Sparkles), or Always On Your Mind (Slate Sparkles).
• Subtle: Use lighter shadows and less eyeliner for a soft smokey eye that works during the day.
• Dramatic: Intensify the look with a darker base shade and a heavier layer of smudged liner.

New to eyeshadow? Brush up on the fundamentals with our guide on how to apply eyeshadow like a pro.

Best Occasions for a Smokey Eye Look

Because a smokey eye is so versatile, there's no wrong time to wear it. It's the perfect look for date night, drinks with friends, or a night out, and a softer smokey look is gorgeous for a daytime event.

If you want one eye look that works for multiple occasions, the smokey eye belongs in your makeup routine. Pick up a Major Dimension Essential Artistry Edit Eyeshadow Palette in your favorite edit and start blending your way to Patrick's signature smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors do you need for a smokey eye?

You need three to four eyeshadow shades from the same color family, from a light or mid-toned base to a deep shade for the lid and lash line. A classic smokey eye uses black, gray, brown, blue, or green. The Cool Taupe palette works for a cool smoke, and Warm Rose gives you mauve and burgundy for a softer take.

How do you do a smokey eye for beginners?

Start with a light or mid-toned matte shade in the crease and outer V, then add progressively deeper shades, blending between each layer. Building slowly is easier than taking color away, and you can always stop at a softer smokey eye if you prefer a subtler look.

Should you do eye makeup before foundation?

Yes. Doing your eye makeup first lets you brush away eyeshadow fallout or wipe off mascara smudges without disturbing your foundation and concealer.

How do you fix a smokey eye that went on too dark or too high?

Patrick uses a makeup towelette to gently clear away fallout under the eyes. If the darker shadow went too high, blend a face powder that matches your skin tone along the brow bone with a clean, fluffy eyeshadow brush to soften the edge.

Can you wear a smokey eye during the day?

Yes. Use lighter eyeshadow shades and less eyeliner for a soft smokey eye that works for daytime events, and save the deeper shades and heavier liner for the evening.

Can I use a cream product to smoke out my liner?

Yes. Draw along the lash lines with a deep Major Sculpt Shape & Shade Anywhere Artistry Stick shade, like Smoked (Neutral Deep Brown) or Hollow (Neutral/Medium Brown), and diffuse it with the built-in brush. Press a dark powder shadow on top for extra smoke.