How to do a smoky eye

How to do a smoky eye

 

 

Creating a perfect smoky eye makeup look may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right products and a few expert techniques, mastering this flattering look can be a lot simpler than it sounds. Clinique is all about simple, pretty, time-saving beauty, so this four-step smoky eye tutorial ticks all the right boxes. Whether it’s for that wedding you have coming up, a big night out or a glamorous date night – you just can’t go wrong with a smoked-out tonal look. Here’s our expert guide, featuring our NEW mascara innovation: High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara.

 

 

 

Step 1: Shade & Smoke.

 

Start by defining your base with your chosen shade of All About Shadow™ Quads. Morning Java is our pick for a soft smoky eye effect, as the warm coffee tones are flattering on all skin tones and eye colours. The luscious, long-wearing formulas are crease and fade-resistant, plus they’re suitable for sensitive eyes. Using a Clinique eyeshadow brush, sweep the lightest shade from the lids to the brow bones. Next, apply the medium-dark shade all over the lids into the creases. Finally, apply the darkest shade along the upper and lower lash line and blend well. For extra glam, you can dust a little of the golden shade to the centre of the eye or as a highlight in the inner corners.

 

Shop All About Shadow™ Quads

 

Step 2: Line & Smudge.

 

Eyeliner is the key ingredient for smoky eyes. Our pick for that soft, smudgy, lived-in effect? Quickliner™ For Eyes in Really Black. This ophthalmologist-tested inky black liner glides on effortlessly without tugging delicate lids – making it a great eyeliner for sensitive eyes. For a smoky eyeliner look, trace the liner along your upper lash line from the inner to outer corners, staying as close to the lashes as possible, then fill in any gaps. Next, line from the outer corner of the lower lash line towards the inner corner – less is more under the eyes, so you may wish to stop just before the inner corners. Read our eyeliner application guide for more tips and tricks. Next, use the built-in smudge tip to blend out the liner for that soft, smudgy look. You can then layer on a little more of the darkest eyeshadow, blending well to ensure seamless smoky eyes.

 

Clinique Tip: Black eyeliner is the classic and most intense, but our Quickliner™ comes in eight dark shades including inky blue, deep brown and khaki, so you can tailor the tone to suit your natural eye colour.

 

Shop Quickliner™ for Eyes

 

 

 

Step 3: Line & Define.

 

For a more dramatic smoky look, you can add an optional layer of liquid liner for added definition and drama. This time, create a mini cat-eye flick using the High Impact™ Easy Liquid Liner. Glide the tapered, ultrafine pen tip along the upper lash line, extending it out at the outer corner to create a feline flick.

 

Shop High Impact™ Easy Liquid Liner

 

 

Step 4: Get loud lashes.

 

Finally, turn the volume to the max with two coats of new High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara, which amps up lashes for 230% more volume instantly*. The lightweight formula is infused with a nourishing, strengthening blend of coconut, argan and moringa oils, alongside tiny dimensional fibres that are deposited throughout the lashes for maximum volume and intense colour. The innovative High-Def Wave Brush has wavy bristles to comb and coat every last lash, plus a precision tip to easily catch and define small corner lashes. Use the tip of the wand to elongate the outer lashes, enhancing the winged-out effect. The best part? This mascara has been ophthalmologist tested, making it ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

 

Shop High Impact High-Fi™ Full Volume Mascara

 

 

Need more help creating your Clinique makeup look? Book in for a complimentary bespoke Skin School consultation with one of our own beauty experts. Following your initial consultation, we'll also offer you 15% off** your next online order.

 

Want to get rewarded every time you shop with us? Join Clinique Smart Rewards today to unlock exclusive beauty perks including 10% off your first purchase** plus free standard delivery on every order.

 

* Testing on 31 women.

** Terms and conditions apply. 

 

 

Words by Shona Wallace, 16th August 2023

 

Shop smoky eye essentials: 

Teddy Bear

4.8g
4.8g
4.8g
4.8g
4.8g

Roast Coffee

0.3g
0.3g
0.3g
0.3g
0.3g
0.3g