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 smokey eye is brown, as it looks beautiful on everyone and it’s a touch subtler and softer than a black smoky eye. Keep reading our brown smokey eye tutorial for a makeup look anyone can pull off.

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 star of your look. Start with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, applying your 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 Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage, to cover and conceal wherever you need a little extra coverage, such as underneath your eyes. Dark circles, what dark circles?

STEP 2: PERFECT YOUR BROWS

Since a brown smokey eye is such a statement makeup look, you’ll want your brows to look their absolute best. Use the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to perfect your brows, starting with going over them with the spoolie brush. Then, fill in your brows with the doe-foot applicator and outline their shape with the edge of the angled brush. Blend them out with another swipe of the spoolie and you’re good to go!

STEP 3: SMOOTH EYE MAKEUP PRIMER ONTO YOUR LIDS

Now, it’s almost time to start smoking out your lids. First things first though, dab an eye makeup primer onto your lids to prep for your eye shadow and eyeliner. A tiny amount is all you need to create an even canvas for the eye makeup to come, and this simple step will make those products stand out more and last longer.

STEP 4: APPLY YOUR BROWN SMOKEY EYE

One of the easiest ways to do a brown smokey eye is to use an eye shadow palette, as this will ensure you have all of the shades you need in one place. For your brown smoky eye, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Because I’m Worth It!, which comes with four complementary brown eye shadow shades. Apply the shade second from the top right beneath 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 on the outer corner of your lid. Finally, take the bottom eye shadow and apply it to the inner corner of your eye.

STEP 5: ADD EYELINER

Amp up the drama by using eyeliner on your waterline. This makeup technique is known as tightlining, and it's perfect for any smoked out look. To coordinate with your smoky eye, stick with a brown eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Brown, gliding it 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 glamorous look, use the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara. With a unique two-position wand and stretchable formula, this mascara is the perfect option when you want an attention-grabbing gaze.

STEP 7: FINISH WITH LIPSTICK

Don’t forget, your smoky eye is supposed to be the focus of your look! That means you’ll want to keep your lip color subdued. Pick a nude lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Les Macarons Scented Liquid Lipstick in Mon Caramel, as the perfect way to complete your look. 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.

Really feeling the brown hues from this look? Next, check out How to Rock Brown Lips.