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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.

80’s Makeup Tutorial for a Retro Glam Look

Are you looking to channel your inner Madonna or Cyndi Lauper? Do you want to rock big hair, neon colors, and bold makeup? The 80s were a decade of excess, and fashion and beauty were no exception. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to achieve the ultimate 80s makeup look. From colorful eyeshadow to bold lips, we’ll cover everything you need to know to bring back the retro glam.

Who Can Rock the 80s Makeup Look?

Anyone can rock the 80s makeup look! Whether you’re going to a costume party, dressing up for Halloween, or just want to add a little fun to your everyday makeup routine, the 80s makeup look is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with bold colors and dramatic effects.

What You Need to Achieve the 80s Makeup Look

To achieve the ultimate 80s makeup look, you’ll need a few key products:

  • Brightly colored eyeshadow in shades of blue, pink, and purple
  • Bold eyeliner in black, blue, or green
  • False lashes or mascara for extra volume
  • Bright blush in shades of pink or coral
  • Bold lipstick in shades of red or bright pink
  • Accessories like headbands, scrunchies, and big earrings to complete the look

When to Wear the 80s Makeup Look

The 80s makeup look is perfect for any time you want to stand out and make a statement. It’s great for costume parties, Halloween, or just a night out on the town. If you’re feeling especially daring, you can even wear the 80s makeup look to work or school!

How to Achieve the 80s Makeup Look

Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the ultimate 80s makeup look:

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. Apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth base for your makeup.

Step 2: Apply Eyeshadow

Using a fluffy brush, apply a bright blue eyeshadow to your eyelids. Blend it out towards your brow bone using a clean blending brush. Next, apply a pink or purple eyeshadow to your crease and outer corner of your eyes to create depth.

Step 3: Add Eyeliner

Apply black or blue eyeliner to your upper lash line, making sure to create a dramatic wing at the outer corner of your eye. You can also add a pop of color by applying green or blue eyeliner to your lower lash line.

Step 4: Apply False Lashes or Mascara

For extra volume and drama, apply false lashes. If you don’t have false lashes, use a volumizing mascara to achieve a similar effect.

Step 5: Add Blush

Apply bright pink or coral blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it out towards your temples.

Step 6: Apply Bold Lipstick

Finish off the look with a bold red or pink lipstick. Make sure to choose a shade that complements your skin tone.

Pros and Cons of the 80s Makeup Look

Pros:

  • The 80s makeup look is bold and daring, perfect for anyone who wants to stand out.
  • It’s a great way to experiment with bright colors and dramatic effects.
  • The 80s makeup look can be worn for a variety of occasions, from costume parties to nights out on the town.

Cons:

  • The 80s makeup look may not be suitable for more formal events or conservative settings.
  • It can be time-consuming and difficult to achieve the perfect look.
  • Some people may feel uncomfortable wearing such a bold, attention-grabbing makeup look.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect 80s Makeup Look

  • Start with a clean, moisturized base to ensure your makeup goes on smoothly.
  • Use high-quality products to achieve the most vibrant colors and long-lasting effects.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques until you find the look that works best for you.
  • Have fun and embrace the bold, daring spirit of the 80s!

The Best Products for Achieving the 80s Makeup Look

  • Morphe 35B Color Burst Artistry Palette – This palette includes every bright color you need to create the ultimate 80s eyeshadow look.
  • NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner – This waterproof eyeliner is perfect for creating dramatic wings and bold lines.
  • Ardell Demi Wispies False Eyelashes – These false lashes add volume and drama to your look without looking too over-the-top.
  • Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso – This shimmery coral blush adds a bright pop of color to your cheeks, perfect for achieving the 80s look.
  • MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo – This iconic red lipstick is a must-have for anyone looking to rock the bold lips of the 80s.

Conclusion

The 80s were a decade of bold fashion and beauty, and the makeup looks of that era were no exception. With bright colors, big hair, and bold lips, the 80s makeup look is daring and attention-grabbing. By following our step-by-step guide and using the right products, you can achieve the ultimate retro look and channel your inner Madonna or Cyndi Lauper.

FAQs

  1. Is the 80s makeup look suitable for everyday wear? The 80s makeup look may be a bit too bold for everyday wear, but you can tone it down by using more neutral shades and less dramatic effects.
  2. Can I achieve the 80s makeup look with drugstore products? Yes, there are many affordable drugstore brands that offer brightly colored eyeshadows, bold lipsticks, and other products you’ll need to achieve the 80s makeup look.
  3. What hairstyles should I pair with the 80s makeup look? The 80s were all about big, voluminous hair. You can achieve this look by using hot rollers, teasing your hair, and adding scrunchies or headbands.
  4. What accessories should I wear with the 80s makeup look? To complete the 80s look, consider wearing big earrings, layered necklaces, and colorful bracelets. You can also add a scrunchie or headband to your hair for an extra pop of retro style.
  5. What other makeup looks should I try if I’m not feeling the 80s look? If you’re not feeling the 80s look, consider trying a more natural, minimalistic look inspired by the 90s, or a dramatic cat-eye inspired by the 60s. Experiment with different eras and styles until you find the one that works best for you.