How To Create a Gorgeous Brown Smokey Eye

When you’re looking to create a stunning makeup look, you can’t go wrong with a brown smokey eye. The classic smokey eye has stood the test of time, and for good reason: it’s flattering, customizable, and looks good on literally everybody. While a black smokey eye may be the most traditional choice, we love a brown smokey eye for its ease of application and wearability. The cocoa and coffee tones of a brown smokey eye are both softer and warmer than black, making this look well-suited for both day and night. Plus, there are many ways to wear a brown smokey eye: natural and glam makeup both pair well with this versatile look.

If you’re interested in learning how to nail this timeless look, keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing a brown smokey eye tutorial easy enough for anyone (even newbies) to follow and revealing some of our favorite products for nailing the sultry-yet-soft look.

How To Do a Brown Smokey Eye

Since a smokey eye (even a smokey eye with brown eyeshadow) requires a lot of blending and dark shadows, it’s best to do your eye makeup before you apply foundation, blush, or contour. Of course, there are a lot of people who always do their foundation first, and if that works for you, go for it. Just keep in mind you’ll want to use concealer to clean up any eyeshadow areas that look too neat. Ideally, smokey eye makeup with brown eyeshadow should be soft and diffused—even more so than your standard black smokey eye. You’ll learn how to create the perfect brown smokey eye look with this step-by-step guide.

What you’ll need

Creating the perfect brown smokey eye involves a few essential steps, but before getting started, you’ll need to gather your tools. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• A full-coverage concealer or eye makeup primer
• At least two brown eyeshadows: one lighter and one deeper
• A shimmery nude eyeshadow
• Brown eyeliner or black liquid eyeliner (or both)
• Mascara
• Setting spray

Step 1. Prime your lids

Before you start creating your brown smokey eye (or any makeup look for that matter), you should always kick things off with primer. Makeup primer helps to give your face and eyelids a smooth base for an even application that goes the distance. Prime your eyelids with an eye-safe primer or concealer to create an even base for vibrant and long-lasting eyeshadow pigment.

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage can be a great option for this since it provides full that lasts up to 24 hours. Simply dab a bit of the concealer onto your lids, rub over the entire area, and wait a few seconds to let it dry.

Step 2. Grab the right eyeshadow

It probably goes without saying, but to nail your softer smokey eye makeup, brown eyeshadow is a must. As we mentioned earlier, you’ll want to have at least three shades on deck: a mid-toned brown for your lids, a darker chocolate shade for your crease, and a lighter shade for your inner corner.

Powder eyeshadow works well for a dramatic smokey eye, but we find that eyeshadow sticks, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks, are easier to work with if you’re a beginner. They’re creamy, buildable, and glide on easily for a near-effortless application. Plus, you don’t need a brush to blend them: your finger will work just fine.

Step 3. Apply your eyeshadow

Now that you have all your eyeshadow tools, it’s time to get to the fun part—the application. Start by applying a mid-toned eyeshadow like L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ravishing Brown to your eyelid. Use your finger to blend the color from your lash line past your crease and toward your brow bone. You can also extend the color beyond your outer corner a touch for a smudgy, lived-in effect.

Next, grab a darker brown eyeshadow, like L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss, and apply the color to the outer third of your eyelid. You’ll also want to use this deeper hue to darken your crease for definition. After swiping the color on, use your finger to blend the pigment past the outer corner of your eye for that signature smokey effect. You’ll also want to make sure there’s a seamless gradient of color on your lid (between the mid-toned brown and deeper brown).

You can finish here, but we think a little inner corner and brow bone highlight really ties the smokey brown eyeshadow look together. For this step, we suggest using L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose. Dab a small amount of the shadow onto the inner corner of your eye and onto your brow bone, then use your finger to blend it out for a subtle shimmery glow.

Step 4. Add eyeliner and mascara

After blending your brown smokey eyeshadow, amp up the drama by using eyeliner on your lower waterline and upper waterline. This makeup technique is known as tightlining, and it’s perfect for any smoked-out look.

To coordinate with your brown smokey eye, we suggest using brown eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Brown Denim. Glide the creamy formula across your lower and upper waterline to help define your eyes and make your shadow pop. If you’re looking for a full-glam brown smokey eye, you can also use black liquid eyeliner (like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black) to draw a sharp cat eye along your upper lash line.

Don't forget to complete your brown smokey eye makeup look with a coat (or three) of mascara. A deep brown mascara works well here—try L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Latte Brown for smudge-resistant volume and length that lasts up to 24 hours.

Step 5. Finish your face makeup

Now you can apply the rest of your makeup—foundation, blush, brows, and so forth. We love pairing a brown smokey eye with subtly bronzed skin and a glossy nude lip, but feel free to complete your makeup any way you see fit.

Step 6. Lock it all in

With your brown smokey eye makeup in place, you'll want your stunning look to last.

Mist the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist onto your face in a circular motion for at least three seconds to lock it all in. The unique formula dries instantly, providing up to 36 hours of transfer and smudge-resistant makeup wear.

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