How to Create a Brown Smoky Eye

You can’t go wrong with a classic—and that’s especially the case when it comes to makeup, and eye makeup in particular. The smoky eye is one of those makeup trends that has stood the test of time—and for good reason. It’s super-flattering on all skin tones and eye colors and is an easy way to add a touch of glamour to your look. One of the best color palettes to use to create a smoky eye is brown, as it looks beautiful on everyone. Keep reading for a brown smoky eye tutorial for a dramatic eye makeup look.

Step 1: Create a Flawless Base with Foundation and Concealer

Before getting to your brown smoky eye, apply foundation and concealer. When your skin looks perfect, your eyes can be the focus. Start with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup, which is available in 33 shades ranging in skin tones and undertones. Apply foundation with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Then, reach for a concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer, which is available in 14 shades and has a retouching applicator that allows you to blend, cover, and conceal wherever you need It, such as underneath your eyes. (Dark circles, what dark circles?)

Step 2: Perfect Your Brows

Since a brown smoky eye is such a statement makeup look, you’ll want your brows to look their absolute best. Use the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil to perfect your brows. Brush your brows using the spooile, then outline your brows with the edge of the pencil and shade them with the flat side. Define the tail of your brows with the tip.

Step 3: Smooth Eye Makeup Primer onto Your Lids

Now it’s time to get right to your brown smoky eye. First things first, dab an eye makeup primer onto your lids to help lay a smooth base for your eye shadow and eyeliner. A tiny amount is all you need to create an even canvas. Use your ring finger to lightly press primer onto your lids.

Step 4: Apply Your Brown Smoky Eye

One of the easiest ways to do a brown smoky eye is by using an eye shadow palette, as this will ensure you have all of the eye shadow shades you need in one place. For your brown smoky eye, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quad in Because I’m Worth It! This eye shadow palette comes with four complementary brown eye shadows. Apply the shade second from the top right underneath your brow bone—this will be your highlight. Then, apply the top shade all over your lid. Next, take the shade that’s third from the top and apply it in the outer corner of your lid. Finally, take the bottom eye shadow and apply it to the inner corner of your lid.

Step 5: Add Eyeliner

Amp up the drama by using an eyeliner in your waterline. This makeup technique is known as tightlining. Stick to a brown eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Brown. Glide the eyeliner across your lower waterline.

Step 6: Coat Your Lashes with Mascara

A brown smoky eye wouldn’t be complete without a coat or two of mascara. For a seriously glamourous look, use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara. With a black lash primer on one end and a fiber-infused mascara on this other, this mascara is the perfect option when you want an attention-grabbing gaze.

Step 7: Finish with Lipstick

There’s a lot going on with a brown smoky eye. So, keep your lip color subdued. Pick a nude lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nudist. To apply, start in the center of your upper lip, then work to the outer edges, following the contour of your mouth. Finally, glide the lipstick across your bottom lip and fill in.

Seven steps to a gorgeous makeup look—yes, please! For more eye makeup ideas, here are 10 Daring Eye Makeup Trends You Need to Try This Year.