In terms of makeup, there’s nothing more iconic than a classic smokey eye. It has continued to reign supreme, even amid the clean girl makeup trends and minimal beauty fads. When it comes to night-outs, formal events, and anything in between, a darker, smoldering beauty look is always in order. It also happens to be one of the most universal eyeshadow looks because it can be mastered, despite anyone’s prior skills and knowledge in this department. Of course, trends evolve, so we’re going to run you through how to perfect the perfect smokey eye makeup in 2023.

Since the defining feature of a smokey eye comes down to the eyeshadows, a primer is a must. Without fail, you can rely on the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer- Always An Optimist Collection and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to ensure all your products will stay locked in place. To make the smokey eye as simple as possible, opt for an eyeshadow palette that has all the necessary shades you need (browns, grays, and black). This way, you can craft this look even when you’re on the run.

Start with a soft matte brown eyeshadow and sweep it all over your lid as a base. Next, take a darker shade – and using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply it to your crease. This creates dimension and will immediately open up your eyes! Now, it’s time to get smokey. Apply a gray eyeshadow and seamlessly blend it, focusing on the middle to the outer corner of your upper lid. Next, opt for an even darker shade of gray (or black) and apply it primarily to the outer corner. For a well-balanced smokey effect, extend this darker shade to your lower lid as well. Apply a winged liner using any liquid liner of your choice. Lastly, grab the highlighter color from your palette and tap it onto your lids, focusing on the inner corner to brighten things up.

Now, you’re ready to take on the world. We promise this smokey eye will triple your confidence!

More Smokey Eye Makeup Inspo:

@makeupbytammi

Replying to @Sam | Makeup débutant | The Classic Smokey Eye Look🖤 #blackgirlmakeup #smokeyeye #datenightmakeup

♬ Not Your Barbie Girl – Ava Max

@namidelmastro

LOVE THIS #smokey#makeup#tutorial

♬ original sound – Gio + Lily 🫶🏼

@rashnakutwaroo

Everybody except me tried this makeup look by @Kylie Jenner So, here’s my version! #greenscreen #kyliemakeup #kyliejennermakeup #eyemakeuptutorial #smokeyeye #easyeyemakeup #fyp #pridemonth

♬ Envolver – Anitta

@kriziaofficial

👀❤️‍🔥 where my baddies at lets go smokey eyeeeeees #smokeyeye #smokeyeyelook #makeuptutorial #eyemakeuptutorial #eyemakeuplook #makeupideas #makeupforbeginners

♬ original sound – Kriziaofficial

@meghanbstudios

Replying to @kriskantbkopied it just hits #fyp #makeup #makeuptutorial #smokeyeye #makeupforbeginners #makeuptok #glam #makeupforblackgirls #beauty #rembeautyconcealer

♬ original sound – Meghanbstudios

@makeupbymonicaa

Reply to @sadhoe27 I do this Smokey eye almost everyday for how quick, clean, and easy it is ❤️ #smokeyeye#softglammakeup#makeuptutorial#beginnermakeup#makeuptips#sultrymakeup#makeuphacks#browngirlmakeup

♬ stereo love x we found love – LOUD LUXURY

@tiffanymoonmd

I’m ready for ya DIFFA 🤩 #DIFFA #MakeupTransition #AsianMakeup #AsianGlamLook #BoldGlamour #AsianSmokeyEye #SmokeyEyeLook

♬ Originalton – CENKGO