For a subtle smoky eye, the key is to fill in the outer corners. Use a dark eyebrow pencil to color the outer edges of both upper and lower lids, deliberately extending the line outward to elongate the eyes and create a larger-than-life effect.
Subtle Smoky Eye Technique Step 1:
Apply a skin-tone golden eyeshadow as a base. The light gold shade brightens the eyes.Alternatively, use a coffee-gold shade over the lash line and crease to soften the eyeliner. Blend the color from the crease slightly into the socket with your finger.
Smoky Eye Technique Step 2:
Apply a coffee-brown base to the lower lid. This foundation creates depth when layering black eyeliner later.
>Smoky Eye Technique Step 3:
Apply black eyeliner along the upper lash line. Since the upper lid features a subtle gold shade—unlike intense smoky looks that require black shadow blended onto the eyelid—the eyeliner can be drawn slightly thicker. This ensures it remains visible when your eyes are open while still achieving a hint of smoky effect.
Smoky Eye Technique Step 4:
Apply black eyeshadow along the lower lash line. Use a shimmery black eyeshadow to fill in the space between the lower lashes and along the lower eyelid, creating a sharp, vivid effect.
Smoky Eye Technique Step 5:
Fill in the outer corners. Use a dark eyebrow pencil to color the outer corners of both upper and lower lids, deliberately extending the line outward to create a larger eye effect.
Smoky Eye Technique Step 6:
Enhance the inner eyeliner with black liquid liner. Lift the eyelid and carefully trace the inner rim. This makes the eyes appear not only more expressive but also significantly deeper! After applying mascara, lightly reinforce the inner liner with liquid liner, ensuring coverage extends to the inner corner.