11 steps to a perfect black smoky eye + inspirations

The black smoky eye is a makeup classic and much loved by many women. After all, the technique makes the makeup more glamorous and striking. Therefore, it is often used for social events or nightclubs. At first, it may seem difficult to do and quite laborious. In fact, many women have difficulty doing this eye. But the technique is actually simple to do.

Furthermore, the black smoky eye technique emerged in Ancient Egypt, passed down through the centuries and remains in fashion to this day. Furthermore, it is a type of makeup that you can combine with any style of clothing and wear on any occasion.

Anyway, when done well, the black smoky eye makes the look more intense and dramatic. However, there are some important tricks and tips that will help you when performing this technique. This way, you avoid smudging or making mistakes in the intensity of the smoke. With this in mind, we have prepared an incredible step-by-step guide with great tips that will make it easier when doing your makeup.

Origin of the black smoky eye

It all started in Ancient Egypt, when pharaohs painted black around their eyes as a form of protection against evil spirits. In fact, a great reference for the black smoky eye technique is Cleopatra, who used it combined with the color blue. Make this one that is reproduced to this day.

However, at the time, the makeup products we use today did not exist. Therefore, the Egyptians used to use a lot of charcoal and kajal on their eyes. Later, in the 1920s, black smoky eyes were widely used in cinema with the aim of conveying more emotion on screen. Even the eyebrows were painted black.

Furthermore, in the 1950s eyeliner was used only to frame the eyes. Likewise, in the 70s and 80s, eyeliner was used to contour the eyes. But, the makeup was very colorful.

Anyway, in the 2000s the black smoky eye came back with everything, thanks to big fashion shows like YSL, Marc Jacobs, among others. Being widely used to this day.

Black smoky eye: what you need

You can do black smoky eye makeup in different ways, that is, with different colors, shapes and styles. However, some women are afraid to take risks with this type of makeup and it won’t work.

But, to create a black smoky eye in a simple way, just follow a few simple tips. For example, to avoid being too marked you should use a good quality opaque nude eyeshadow. Furthermore, it needs to be in your skin tone to make a well-defined transition between light and dark.

Finally, to perform the technique you will need the following products:

• Primer
• Black, matte nude and brown eyeshadow
• Highlighter
• Black eyeliner or eyeliner
• Brushes: for blending, blending and applying eyeshadow

Black smoky eye: step by step

Step 1: prepare the eyelid

Firstly, to create a black smoky eye you need to prepare the eyelid. Therefore, start by applying the primer all over the eyelid to help the products stick better.

One tip: avoid using concealer, as it can cause the black to smudge. Then, apply the long-lasting opaque nude eyeshadow, spreading it well over the entire eye, going up almost to the eyebrow.

Furthermore, you can take advantage and highlight below the crease of the eyebrow with the brush. But, don’t press the brush too hard against the skin.

Step 2: apply brown eyeshadow

Then, after applying the nude eyeshadow, finish with a brown eyeshadow in the crease, blending well to create a color transition. Additionally, in the corners of your eyes, apply a little illuminating eyeshadow.

Step 3: apply the black pencil

In short, an important tip to have that perfect black smoky eye is to apply black pencil all over the eyelid before applying black eyeshadow. This will help to fix the shadow, making it last longer. Finally, with the help of a very firm brush, blend a lot until the crease.

Step 4: apply eyeshadow

Continuing with the black smoky eye technique, take the black eyeshadow and wet it a little with water. This way, it will make the color more intense. Then, take some of the eyeshadow and wipe off the excess on your hand.

Then, apply wet black eyeshadow to the eyelid up to the crease. However, start from the bottom, at the root of your lashes, and work your way up. Anyway, the secret is to apply the black eyeshadow little by little, with a traditional eyeshadow brush.

Step 5: Apply eyeshadow to your lower lashes

For a perfect black smoky eye, with a thin, beveled brush, carefully apply the black eyeshadow very close to the roots of the lower lashes. And if you want, you can smoke this region.

Step 5: Apply eyeliner to the waterline

Finally, to make your eyes stand out, it is important to apply a black pencil or eyeliner along the entire contour, including the waterline.

Step 6: blend

Now that the eye shadow is dry, take the blending brush and make back and forth movements towards the crease. Furthermore, blend the corners of the eyes well with light movements. Furthermore, it is important that the brush is clean before using it.

Finally, if necessary, pick up more eyeshadow with the blending brush and continue applying it so that there are no marks left. But, don’t go beyond the concave line.

Step 8: put on the false eyelashes

If you choose to put on false eyelashes, put them on before applying eyeliner. This way, the outline will cover the glue.

Step 9: outline

With the black smoky eye ready, apply the eyeliner to the root line of the upper lashes forming a cat eye.

Step 10: apply mascara

Finally, use an eyelash curler to make your eyelashes more sensual. To do this, place the strands in the opening of the eyelash curler and press for 10 seconds. Then apply plenty of waterproof mascara. This way, your black smoky eye will last all night.

Step 11: apply concealer

Now that your black smoky eye is ready, apply concealer under your eyes. Furthermore, with the help of a brush, to avoid smudging the rest of the makeup, apply the concealer and finish by tapping lightly with your fingers to set it.

Finally, finish the rest of your makeup and you’ll be ready to rock whatever the occasion.

12 inspirations for makeup with a black smoky eye

Anyway, with all these inspiration photos you will be able to create your own black smoky eye and rock it.

So, if you liked this article, read also: How to use white eyeshadow +15 inspirations.