We love the drama a smoky eye brings to a look, but how do we achieve it without looking overdone? We have makeup artist Sisi Nike giving us the lowdown on how we can get this sultry look. 

Bobbi Brown Smokey Warm Eyeshadow Palette

“The smoky eye looks best when it is layered with black and brown to bring out the intensity,” says Nike. We love this palette because not only does it have various shades of brown and black eyeshadow, it also comes handy with a great brush for layering on the shadow and highlighting the brow bone. This is our one stop smoky eye kit.

(www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com, $48.50)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

There’s nothing like building a great foundation for your makeup to go smoothly on, in a look like this where the focus is on the eye. Eliminate creasing and keep your eyeshadow on all day or night.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

(www.sephora.com, $20)

Wet N Wild H20 Proof Liquid Eyeliner

A handy liquid eyeliner is always needed to intensify the look of the smoky eye. Nike advises, “When selecting a gel liner, look out for a steal with the Wet n Wild brand.”

(www.walmart.com, $3.93)

Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion Mascara

The bigger, the better. Prep your natural lashes with this voluminizing mascara to get the full effect of a smoky eye.

(www.walgreens.com, $5.99)

elf individual false lashes 

If you want to amplify the look, take it a step further with our favorite falsies. We love these because of their natural look, plus they’re easy on your wallet.

(www.eyeslipsface.com, $1.00)

Tips from the Expert

• What is the basic rule anyone must know when trying to do a smokey eye? You have to start with a brown base and fade it up just under the brow bone as your transition color. Then apply your black shadow just on your lid and staying close to the lash line. Add your gel liner as a finishing touch and smudge the line out into the black shadow, adding a third layer of intensity.


• What is the most commonly made mistake? Applying the black shadow too close to the brow bone and/or too close to the corner of your eye nearest to your nose. That’s the recipe for the circular raccoon eye. Less is more.

• Are there any special tips or tricks you can share with us? The trick is to start with very little. When you do a smoky eye, it is so important to brighten underneath the eye with a concealer that is two shades lighter than your foundation. This is what truly makes your smoky eye pop and actually makes your black shadow appear blacker than it is. If after applying your concealer, you still feel like you need your smoky eye darker, then you can add more of the gel liner closest to your lash line and smudge it out.