kohl for eyes makeup

How to Achieve the Perfect Brown Smokey Eye Makeup

If there’s one makeup look that never goes out of style, it’s the classic smokey eye. And when it comes to creating a timeless and versatile look, brown smokey eye makeup is undoubtedly the way to go. Not only is it flattering on all skin tones, but it’s also perfect for any occasion, whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or a sultry evening glam.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating the perfect brown smokey eye makeup look, from the basics to the advanced techniques, pros and cons, alternatives, tips, and more. So, let’s get started!

What is Brown Smokey Eye Makeup?

Brown smokey eye makeup consists of creating a gradient effect using different shades of brown eyeshadows, starting from a lighter color on the inner corner of the eyes and gradually getting darker towards the outer corner. The result is a smoldering, smoky effect that adds depth and dimension to your eyes.

The beauty of brown smokey eye makeup is that it complements all skin tones, eye shapes, and ages. Whether you have hooded eyes, almond-shaped eyes, or monolids, you can rock this look effortlessly. Plus, brown shades are more neutral than black, making them a perfect choice for daytime events or work environments.

When Should You Wear Brown Smokey Eye Makeup?

  • Daytime events: If you want to add a touch of glamour to your daytime look without looking overdone, brown smokey eyes are an excellent option.
  • Weddings: Brown smokey eyes go well with many wedding themes, from rustic to bohemian. They also complement any color of the bridesmaid’s dresses.
  • Parties: For a night out, a brown smokey eye adds a sultry and sexy vibe to your look.

How Do You Create Brown Smokey Eye?

Creating the perfect brown smokey eye makeup can seem daunting at first, but with these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time:

Step 1: Prep Your Eyes

Prepping your eyes is crucial for achieving a smooth and long-lasting finish. Start by applying an eye primer all over your lids to even out the texture and allow the eyeshadow to adhere better.

Step 2: Choose Your Eyeshadow Colors

For a classic brown smokey eye, you’ll need at least three shades of brown: a light, medium, and dark one. The lighter shade will go on the inner corner of your eyes, the medium one on your eyelid, and the darker one on your outer corner and crease.

Step 3: Apply the Lightest Shade

Using a fluffy brush, apply the lightest shade of brown on the inner corner of your eye and blend it towards the center of your eyelid. This will act as a highlighter and open up your eyes.

Step 4: Apply the Medium Shade

Next, using the same brush or a more compact one, apply the medium brown shade on your eyelid, starting from the center and blending it towards the outer corner.

Step 5: Define Your Crease

Using a more defined brush, apply the darkest shade of brown on your outer corner and crease, blending it upwards towards the brow bone. This will add depth and dimension to your eyes.

Step 6: Blend, Blend, Blend

Blending is the key to achieving a seamless and natural-looking finish. Use a clean brush to blend all the colors together, focusing on the edges to avoid harsh lines.

Step 7: Add Some Drama

For a more dramatic effect, you can add some eyeliner and false lashes to your look. Alternatively, you can apply a darker shade of brown on your lower lash line for a more intense look.

Tips 

  • Use high-quality eyeshadows that are pigmented and easy to blend.
  • Start with a light hand when applying eyeshadow and build up the intensity gradually.
  • Use a clean brush to blend your eyeshadows together for a seamless finish.
  • Apply concealer or foundation under your eyes after doing your eyeshadow to avoid fallout ruining your base makeup.
  • Keep your eyeliner thin and close to your lash line to avoid making your eyes look smaller.
  • Experiment with different shades of brown to find the ones that complement your skin tone and eye color best.

ideal makeup to complement a brown smokey eye 

To create the ideal makeup look to complement a brown smokey eye, focus on achieving balance and harmony in your overall appearance. Start with a flawless base by applying foundation and concealer to even out your skin tone and cover any imperfections. Keep contouring subtle, using a light bronzer to add dimension without overshadowing the eyes. Opt for a soft blush in warm, natural shades to enhance your complexion.

When it comes to your lips, choose a neutral or soft lip color to avoid competing with the boldness of the smokey eye. A nude or rosy lipstick or lip gloss is a safe choice. Groomed eyebrows and a touch of highlighter on key areas of your face can complete the look. Finish with mascara to open up your eyes, and don’t forget a setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts. The key to success is to strike the right balance between dramatic eyes and a soft, polished overall appearance.

Best Brown Smokey Eye Makeup Products

  • Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette: This palette features a range of matte and shimmer brown shades that smell like chocolate.
  • Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette: Perfect for warm-toned looks, this palette features fiery browns, oranges, and reds.
  • MAC Teddy Kohl Eye Pencil: A rich chocolate brown pencil that can be smudged out for a quick and easy smokey eye.
  • Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Tastefully Taupe: Affordable and versatile, this taupe shade is perfect for creating a subtle brown smokey eye.

Final Takeaway

Brown smokey eye makeup is a timeless and versatile look that anyone can rock. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a party, or just want to add some glam to your daytime look, this technique is perfect for you. With the right products, tools, and techniques, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless and natural-looking brown smokey eye in no time.

FAQs

  1. Is brown smokey eye makeup suitable for all eye shapes? Yes, brown smokey eye makeup is suitable for all eye shapes, from hooded to monolids.
  2. Can I use other colors besides brown for a smokey eye look? Absolutely! You can experiment with different shades of blue, green, purple, or even black.
  3. What’s the best way to blend eyeshadows together? Use a clean blending brush to blend your eyeshadows together, focusing on the edges to avoid harsh lines.
  4. What’s the best eyeliner to use for a brown smokey eye? A thin and precise pencil or gel eyeliner that can be smudged out works best for a brown smokey eye.
  5. How can I make my brown smokey eye last longer? Use an eye primer before applying your eyeshadows and set them with a setting spray or powder to ensure they stay put all day or night.

16 Best Eyeliners for Waterline That Won’t Smudge or Irritate

The eyes are incredibly delicate. This is especially true of the waterline, which is the thin, moist strip of skin that connects the border of your eyelid to your eyeball. Except when eyeliner is involved, it’s not especially enjoyable to touch or think about. Lining your waterline aids in achieving a better-than-average smoky eye or simply makes your eyes appear bigger. If you’re one of the extra girly girls who love to add some spice to your eye makeup, these 16 best eyeliners for waterline will surprise you.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Jumbo Eye Pencil

This incredible Nyx pencil is a must-try when it comes to waterline eyeliner. It is noted for being velvety, incredibly pigmented, and smudge-proof. This color is especially lauded by passionate reviews if you want to line your eyes with white, a tactic makeup experts do to make models look more awake. However, the packaging may make it difficult for you to use your eyeliner to its full potential. To sharpen the eyeliner, follow our advice and choose a pencil sharpener that is a little larger than the majority of sharpeners.

HAUS LABORATORIES by Lady Gaga: EYE-DENTIFY GEL PENCIL EYELINER

Eye-Dentify is waterproof, to begin with! After a short while, it sets and can survive the rain, sweat running down your face at concerts, and buzzy TikTok sexy girl walks. Eye-Dentify is the longest-lasting waterline eyeliner on our list, with a wear time of up to 18 hours. Waterline eyeliners aren’t intended to be refillable beauty products, but this is the only one on our list that is plastic-free and has a cellulose barrel that can be sharpened. Additionally, it would be negligent of us not to mention its outstanding clean formula. Argan oil, vitamin E, and kajal are combined to help nourish fragile skin.

NYX Retractable Eyeliner Pencil

This eyeliner applies like a dream thanks to its creamy, smooth smoothness. You will be surprised by how well it works on your waterline given its low price. We can recommend it with complete confidence to anyone looking for a cheap eyeliner. Additionally, it includes a Twist-up applicator, which eliminates the need for a separate sharpener, and it comes in 13 gorgeous hues, including neutrals and jewel tones.

Maybelline Eyestudio Master Kajal Eyeliner

Because they constantly produce outstanding cosmetics for buyers on a budget, Maybelline is one of many preferred drugstore brands, and this kajal liner is no exception. Eyestudio has a semi-matte texture and a delicate, creamy feel that comes from a combination of waxes and oils. It has a thick base for extra comfort, and the fine tip makes it possible to draw accurate lines. When purchased, this eyeliner does not come with a sharpener, therefore using it can be more expensive.

Maybelline New York Sharpenable Eyeliner Pencil

The Maybelline New York Eyeliner Pencil in Deep Onyx provides pigment-rich colors and precise definition while being waterproof, smudge-resistant, and sebum-resistant. With the help of the sharpenable pencil’s customizable application tip, it is simple to create a range of looks. The eyeliner is ideal for day-to-night wear because it applies easily and lasts for up to 36 hours. The gel eyeliner is fade- and budge-resistant, so it holds its place even when you cry.

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

The URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is a multipurpose eyeliner that lasts for a long time and has a number of advantages. The smooth, blendable composition of the retractable eyeliner pencil easily glides across the skin. It contains 50% moisturizing components like cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. This well-liked kajal eyeliner for the waterline ensures a smooth application and avoids pulling or straining the sensitive eye area. The eyeliner becomes waterproof and smudge-proof after application.

VASANTI Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil

The Vasanti Kajal Waterline Eyeliner Pencil is a crucial addition to your makeup collection and is made to be used in the waterline or inner rims of the eyes to give the appearance of thicker lashes without causing any discomfort.  You don’t need to bother about reapplying the eyeliner during the day because it lasts all day. Because the eyeliner is waterproof, it won’t budge or run if you perspire or become wet. You may wear the eyeliner all day without worrying about it smudging or fading because it is smudge-proof. The waterproof liner is suitable for use on contact lenses and is developed for the most delicate of eyes. It isn’t, however, the eyeliner with the most amount of pigment.

Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner

Smudge- and water-resistant Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner with Antioxidant Vitamin E is an eyeliner makeup product that comes in a Dark Brown hue and weighs 0.004 oz. The eyeliner is made with Vitamin E to resist smudging and is designed for precise application. Because it contains antioxidant vitamin E, it is smudge-proof for the first 30 seconds before drying to a line that won’t flake or fade. It will feel like crayons when you first apply it, but once you get used to it, this will always be your go-to.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

A well-liked and long-lasting eyeliner that easily adds color and definition is the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. The 12-hour wear time of this eyeliner guarantees long-lasting, smudge-free usage. Your eyeliner will stay in place all day because of the waterproof nature of the soft formula, which is resistant to moisture, sweat, and water. The black liner’s velvety, incredibly smooth texture makes it simple to apply without pulling or tugging on the sensitive eye area.

Skone Cosmetics Tattooed Eyeliner Pen

The Skone Cosmetics Eyeliner Pen is a liquid eyeliner that comes in the color Jet Black and is waterproof, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and sweat-proof. With its rich liquid felt applicator and ultra-pigmented substance, it can be applied smoothly, quickly, and accurately with only one swipe. Winged eyeliner and other eye-catching looks that need precision and durability are ideal for this simple technique. Although it is fairly expensive, it is a good choice if quality is your first priority.

JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner

The waterproof and long-lasting JOAH Make Her Gel-ous Gel Eyeliner delivers strong color with the precision of a pencil. The liquid composition is ideal for all-day use because it applies smoothly without tugging and is budge-proof. The pencil is always sharp thanks to the built-in sharpener, and those who favor cruelty-free goods will like its vegan formulation. This waterproof eyeliner for tight lining is a flexible and dependable option whether you’re striving for a natural appearance or a dramatic cat-eye.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner

The gel eyeliner brush that is included with this ultra-dark eyeliner makes it simple for you to draw smooth, precise, and clear lines. The gel composition is at your disposal for 24 hours after application and provides a high-shine lacquered finish. It has undergone ophthalmological testing and is thus appropriate for users with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. This eyeliner’s place among the top tightline eyeliners of the year is further cemented by its fade-free nature. If the lid is not properly closed, it could dry out.

Lune+Aster Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner

For producing precise and well-defined eye looks, the Lune+Aster Dawn to Dusk Gel Eyeliner is the ideal complement to your makeup arsenal. Your eye makeup will stay in place all day thanks to the smudge-proof and waterproof properties of this long-lasting eyeliner. The supple, creamy, and silky gel composition applies smoothly and precisely to highlight your eyes. This eyeliner includes what you need to achieve both a subtle everyday look and a dramatic winged liner.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Charlotte Tilbury’s eyeliner look known as the “feline flick” is one of her signature styles, and her Rock n’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil makes it simple to accomplish. This option is our favorite for a variety of reasons, including how smoothly it applies, how easily it can be blended, and how easy it is to take off. There are eight colors of this mixture, and an eyeliner pencil sharpener is necessary to maintain the pencil’s edge. Make sure to use an eyeshadow primer before applying this eyeliner because it can smudge.

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon

This choice from Marc Jacobs is no exception to the rule that gel pencils are often simpler to apply to your eyelids. The majority of users adore its simple application, the tip’s crayon-like smoothness, and how quickly it dried. Additionally, the pigment is rather buildable.

 Unfortunately, it wasn’t very simple to eliminate this formula. It required several swipes to completely remove, and some residue was also left on our lashes.

Tarte Double Take Eyeliner

Thanks to the Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner, you can get both the dramatic liquid eyeliner cat eye and the soft, smudged eyeliner look you desire when you want both. Strong pigment was left behind by the liquid liner end and lasted the entire day. For those who want a soft liner effect, the formula of the pencil end may have been preferred because it wasn’t as strong or aggressive. However, it was a little challenging to apply the pencil on our lids; you might need to swipe it a few times before the pigment really pops.

It is crucial that the eyes stand out since they are the window to the soul. What better way to do this than with eyeliner and mascara? Eyeliner is the quickest and best way to alter your appearance, whether you had a restless night or just want to attract attention to your eyes. You may create whatever eye look you want in only a few minutes and without irritation with the best eyeliner for waterline that you can find up there.