Smokey eye makeup tutorial – create a simple but sexy look in minutes

“A smokey look doesn’t have to be complicated,” explained Millie Goodwin, the owner of the vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand Love Cosmetics, a business she started and grew on Instagram when she was just 14 and making her own eyeshadows in her bedroom. As well as running her beauty brand, Millie also regularly posts videos to her audience of 80k followers on TikTok showing how to create stunning makeup looks.

With the festive party season fast approaching, many people may be looking for new ways to spice up their makeup look. A smokey eye is a classic, and it’s one people don’t need to be afraid of, regardless of how much makeup experience they have.

Millie explained: “You can keep things simple by choosing no more than three shadows to make your eye look.” A smokey eye look might typically be associated with blacks and greys, but neutral shades or browns work too.

Typically you will need to use a light shade, a mid-toned shade and a darker shade to create the effect. Many cosmetic brands offer smokey eyeshadow palettes if you are unsure about the right colours to blend together.

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“Always start by applying the light shades first and work your way up to the darker tones to intensify the look as you get more confident,” she said. “Begin by applying your base eyeshadow all over the lid, then apply a darker eyeshadow or eyeliner across the lash line. Blend the darker shadow towards the outer corner of your eye until you’ve created your desired smokey effect.”

The best way to blend your eyeshadows together is by using a fluffy blending brush. “Just remember to make sure you use different brushes for different shades,” said Millie. “This is super important as if you are using the same brush for every shade – it’s going to get messy.”

Bringing some of the eyeshadow below the eye adds further emphasis and brings the look together. Millie explained: “For those feeling a little daring, you can also add a little shadow to the lower lash line and smudge out with your fingers for the ultimate smokey finish”

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If you are confident using eyeliner, apply a kohl pencil liner to the lash line and waterline. This can be smudged with your finger for more of a smokey line or left to create a defined look.

“A strip lash also always works well with a smokey eye and really helps finish off the look,” added Millie. The smokey eye can also be elevated for the Christmas party season with a little shimmer. Millie explained: “Finally, add a hint of sparkle shadow or highlighter to give it a real luxe feel.”

Love Cosmetics specialises in pressed glitters, liquid chromes and loose pigments which are perfect for elevating your Christmas party makeup look. Once your smokey eyeshadow look is complete, dab on your glitter, making sure to only saturate the lid. Start dabbing in the middle and then blend out. For an added kick, you can apply a little metallic eyeshadow to the corner of your eye.