Creating the perfect smokey eye can feel like an art form, and mastering it can elevate any makeup look from simple to stunning. The key to achieving a flawless smokey eye is all in the technique and tools you use, especially when it comes to eyeliner. One of the best eyeliners for this look is Stila, known for its smooth application and long-lasting formula. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a captivating smokey eye with Stila eyeliner.

Understanding the Basics of a Smokey Eye

A smokey eye is a makeup technique that creates a smoldering, shadowy effect around the eyes. This look has been a favorite in the beauty world for decades due to its versatility and ability to enhance any eye shape or color. Whether you’re heading to a fancy event or a casual night out, a smokey eye can add a touch of drama to your look. So, why choose a smokey eye? It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and with the right products, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

Choosing the Right Stila Eyeliner

Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to choose the right type of Stila eyeliner. Stila offers a variety of eyeliners, including pencil, liquid, and gel options.

• Pencil Eyeliner: Great for beginners, pencil eyeliners are easy to control and blend. They’re perfect for creating a soft, smudged look.
• Liquid Eyeliner: Ideal for precise lines and dramatic wings. Liquid eyeliners offer a more intense color payoff but require a steady hand.
• Gel Eyeliner: A hybrid between pencil and liquid, gel eyeliners provide intense pigmentation and are excellent for creating a bold smokey eye.

When choosing your eyeliner, consider the look you’re going for and your comfort level with different formulas. For a classic smokey eye, a pencil or gel eyeliner is often the best choice.

Preparing Your Eyes for Makeup Application

A smooth, clean base is essential for any eye makeup look. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt and oil. Then, apply a lightweight eye cream to hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes. Next, use an eyeshadow primer on your eyelids. This step is crucial as it creates a smooth canvas and helps your eyeshadow and eyeliner last longer without creasing.

Choosing the Right Eyeshadow for a Smoky Eye

The eyeshadow you choose can make or break your smokey eye. When selecting colors, it’s important to consider your eye color and the overall vibe you want to achieve.

• For Brown Eyes: Warm tones like bronze, gold, and plum can enhance the natural warmth of brown eyes.
• For Blue Eyes: Cool tones such as gray, silver, and navy make blue eyes pop.
• For Green Eyes: Rich shades like purple, burgundy, and deep green complement green eyes beautifully.

Whether you opt for matte or shimmer shadows, creating a cohesive color palette is key. A combination of light, medium, and dark shades will allow you to build depth and dimension.

Step-by-step Guide to Creating a Smokey Eye with Stila Eyeliner

Now that you have your tools and colors ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating a smokey eye with Stila eyeliner:

1. Apply the Base Eyeshadow: Start with a light, neutral shade all over your eyelid. This serves as a base and helps with blending darker shades later.
2. Blend the Transition Shade: Apply a medium-toned shade in the crease of your eyelid using a fluffy blending brush. This helps create a smooth transition between the light and dark colors.
3. Add Depth with a Dark Shadow: Use a smaller brush to apply a dark shade along the outer corner of your eye and into the crease. Blend it well to avoid harsh lines.
4. Define Your Eyes with Stila Eyeliner: Apply Stila eyeliner along your upper lash line. For a smokey effect, smudge the line with a small, dense brush or a smudging tool.

The Perfect Wing: Elevating Your Smokey Eye

Adding a winged liner can elevate your smokey eye to the next level. Here’s how to create a flawless wing with Stila eyeliner:

1. Draw the Wing: Start from the outer corner of your eye and draw a line upward towards the end of your eyebrow. This line should act as a guide.
2. Connect the Line: Draw a line from the tip of the wing back towards your upper lash line, creating a triangle shape. Fill in the triangle with your eyeliner.
3. Perfect the symmetry: Make sure both eyes are even. A great trick is to use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes.

Smudging and Smoking Out the Eyeliner

To achieve that signature smokey effect, you’ll need to smudge out your eyeliner. Here’s how:

• Use a Smudging Brush: After applying your Stila eyeliner, take a smudging brush and gently blend the edges. This will soften the liner and create a smokey appearance.
• Build Gradually: Start with a light hand and add more product as needed. It’s easier to add intensity than to remove it.

Adding Depth with Additional Shadows

For an even more dramatic look, you can layer additional dark shadows over the smudged liner. Apply a dark eyeshadow close to the lash line and blend it outwards. This adds depth and makes the eyes appear larger and more defined.

Highlighting the Inner Corner and Brow Bone

Highlighting is an often overlooked step that can make a big difference. Apply a light, shimmery shade to the inner corners of your eyes and the brow bone. This will open up your eyes and add a touch of brightness to balance the smokey look.

Finishing Touches: Mascara and False Lashes

No smokey eye is complete without lush lashes. Apply a volumizing mascara to your upper and lower lashes, wiggling the wand from the base to the tip. For extra drama, consider adding false lashes. They can enhance the overall look and make your eyes appear more striking.

Setting Your Smokey Eye for All-Day Wear

To ensure your smokey eye stays flawless all day, finish with a setting spray or a light dusting of translucent powder. This will help lock everything in place and prevent smudging or fading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Smoky Eye

Creating a smokey eye can be tricky, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you master the look:

• Over-Applying Product: Start with a little product and build up as needed. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess.
• Not Blending Enough: Blending is key to a seamless smokey eye. Take your time and use a good blending brush to avoid harsh lines.
• Choosing the Wrong Colors: Make sure to choose colors that complement your eye color and suit the look you’re going for.

How to Remove Your Smokey Eye Without Damaging Your Skin

After a night out, it’s essential to remove your makeup properly to avoid damaging your skin. Use a gentle makeup remover specifically designed for eyes. Apply it to a cotton pad and gently press it against your eyelid for a few seconds to break down the makeup. Then, softly wipe away the makeup, taking care not to tug or pull on your skin. Finish with a hydrating eye cream to keep your skin healthy and moisturized.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect smokey eye with Stila eyeliner is all about technique, practice, and the right tools. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to master the art of the smokey eye and create a look that’s both bold and beautiful. Remember, makeup is all about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

FAQs

1. What is the best Stila eyeliner for beginners?

For beginners, the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner is an excellent choice. It offers easy application and is great for smudging to create a smokey effect.

2. How do I make my smokey eye look last all day?

To make your smokey eye last all day, start with an eyeshadow primer, set your makeup with a setting spray, and use waterproof products to prevent smudging.

3. Can I create a smokey eye with just eyeliner?

Yes, you can create a smokey eye using just eyeliner by applying it heavily and then smudging it out with a brush or your finger for a smokey effect.

4. What are the best eyeshadow colors for a natural smokey eye?

For a natural smokey eye, opt for neutral shades like browns, taupes, and soft grays. These colors create a subtle smokey effect that’s perfect for daytime wear.

5. How do I fix mistakes while creating a smokey eye?

If you make a mistake while creating a smokey eye, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any errors. For small smudges, a concealer brush can help correct the shape.