How to Do Gradient Smokey Eye Makeup

Last Updated: February 15, 2022

Gradient smokey eye makeup is a great option for a night out with friends or for a big event. Done properly, it can give you a sultry, put together look and allow you to keep the rest of your makeup minimal. To do a gradient smokey eye, you will need to select eyeshadow colors that follow a gradient, going from lighter to darker shades of the same color. You will then need to apply the eyeshadow correctly and add eyeliner and mascara to finish off the gradient smokey eye look.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Eyeshadow Colors

1
Pick a base color. One of the more popular base colors for a smokey eye look is black or gray. You may go for black or gray as your base if you want a more traditional smokey eye for a night out. Black or gray also be a good option if you are planning on wearing a colorful outfit and want your eye makeup to be more neutral and dark. Another option is to go for a base color that is more colorful, such as blue, purple, green, or pink. This may be a fun way to add some color to your look.^{[1]
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- Brown can also be a good base color for smokey eyes. Brown can create a look that is still dramatic but not as dark as black.
- Purple eyeshadow complements those with brown, hazel, and green eyes.
- Blue eyeshadow complements those with green or blue eyes.
2
Select a light, medium, and dark shade of the same color. To do the gradient smokey eye, you will need three eyeshadow colors, ranging from light, medium, and dark of the same color. You will then layer these colors side by side to create a gradient of color on your eyelids.^{[2]
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- For example, if you chose black as your base color, you will need light gray, dark gray, and black eyeshadows. If you chose purple, you will need light purple, medium dark purple, and dark purple to create the gradient look. For pink, red, or peach shades, use a medium or dark brown as the darkest shade in your smokey eye look.
- You may be able to find prepackaged powdered eyeshadows that come in three to four different shades of the same color for a smokey eye look. You can use these packs or “quads” to create the smokey eye, but having separate eyeshadows allows you to choose from a range of colors and shades.^{[3]
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- If you prefer cream eyeshadows over powdered eyeshadows, you can use them for this look.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Eyeshadow

1
Start with a bare face. Though it may be tempting to always apply foundation before any other makeup, doing your eye makeup first will prevent any smudging or running of your foundation. Get in the habit of doing your eye makeup first, followed by your foundation.^{[4]
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- If you have oily eyelids, you may want to apply eye primer to your eyelids with a clean makeup brush. The primer will help the eyeshadow stick to your eyelids smoothly and help the shadow stay on your eyelids.
- You may also want to apply a thick layer of loose powder under your eyes. This will make it easy to dust off any eyeshadow that falls on your undereye area.
- Lay out the three eyeshadows in front of you and position yourself in front of a mirror with good lighting. Keep tissue and Q-tips nearby as well to clean up any eyeshadow that gets on your eyelashes or face.
2
Get two eyeshadow brushes. You will need two clean eyeshadow brushes to create the gradient smokey eye look. You will use one eyeshadow brush to apply the three eyeshadows. You will then use the other eyeshadow brush to blend the colors once they have been applied.
- Look for brushes that are have small, rounded bristles to use for the eyeshadow.
- A blending brush is also a good option, which will often be small and have fluffy rounded bristles to make blending easier.
3
Apply the lightest shade first. Start with the lightest shade so you can build to the darker shade. Use the eyeshadow brush to apply it on your inner eyelid, moving from your lashline up to the crease of your eye.^{[5]
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- Make sure that you apply the lightest shade of eyeshadow all over your eyelids.
4
Apply the medium shade over the lightest shade going from the center to the outer edge. Apply the medium shade over the lightest shade, moving from the center of your eyelid and moving outwards towards the edge of your eyelid. The shadow should cover your eyelid from your lashline up to the crease of your eye. Try to place the medium shade right next to the lightest shade so they appear to blend together. This will give the gradient smokey eye a sultrier look.
- The medium shade should take up the middle section of your eyelid.
5
Finish with the darkest shade on the outer 1/3 of your eyelid. Complete the gradient smokey eye look by applying the darkest shade over the medium shade on the outer 1/3 of your eyelid. Brush the eyeshadow from your lashline to the outer corner of your eye.
- If you want a more dramatic look to your eyes, you can extend the darkest shade out a few inches from the corner of your eye. Swoop upward as you do this to give your eyes a more cat-eye look.
6
Use a clean eyeshadow brush to blend. Once the gradient colors are in place, use a clean eyeshadow brush or a blending brush to gently blend the colors on your eyes. Go around the edge of eyeshadow colors in small circular motions to blend them. Then, use the brush to blend the colors and soften them so they appear less distinct on your eyelids. Do this by brushing each color into each other in small circular motions.^{[6]
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- Make sure you really blend around the edges of the eyeshadow so the color looks soft and smokey on your eyelids. This will help to remove any harsh edges.
- If desired, you may also blend a bit of the darkest shadow color into the entire crease of your eyelid. This may help to add dimension to your smokey eye look and unite the look.
- If you mess up this step, simply remove the eye makeup with makeup remover and start again.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Eyeliner and Mascara

1
Put eyeliner on. A gradient smokey eye would not be complete without eyeliner, as this helps to darken your eye makeup and give it a sultrier look. Apply eyeliner on your top lid, lining right above your lashline. Start from the inner corner of your eye and move outward in a smooth motion. Then, apply eyeliner on your bottom lid, right below your lashline. You can use an eyeliner pencil or liquid eyeliner to do this.^{[7]
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- The liner should be thin at the inner part of your eyelid and get thicker as it moves towards the edge.
- You can also use black eyeliner to line your waterline. This can add to the smokey look of your eye makeup.
2
Smudge the eyeliner with a makeup brush. Once you have applied the eyeliner, you will need to smudge it to get the smokey eye look. Use a clean small makeup brush to do this. Go over the eyeliner on the top and bottom of your eye to lightly smudge it so it looks less sharp and harsh. Use small circular motions over the eyeliner with the brush to do this.^{[8]
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- If you are using liquid eyeliner, make sure you smudge the eyeliner before it has time to dry.
- Only smudge the eyeliner on your top and bottom eyelid. Do not try to smudge the eyeliner on your lower waterline, as this will likely result in eyeliner getting into your eye.
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3
Apply mascara. Mascara will also add to the gradient smokey eye look by darkening your eyelashes and making them appear thicker. You may curl your eyelashes first if your eyelashes do not curl upward naturally. Then, apply one thick coat of mascara on your eyelashes.^{[9]
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- Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes using an upward motion.
- If you want to apply more than one coat of mascara, wait a few minutes for the first coat to dry and then apply another coat. This will prevent clumping.
4
Finish with highlighter. Complete the gradient smokey eye look by using the lightest eyeshadow shade as a highlighter. Brush the shade right under your eyebrows to highlight this area. You can also brush the shade in the creases of your eyes to make your makeup pop.^{[10]
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- Dust away any stray powder under each of your eyes.
- You can then continue to do the rest of your makeup, such as applying foundation, blush, and bronzer to your face.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I know how high to make it go? I have trouble trying to put eye shadow on.

Community Answer

Go right underneath the brow. You should extend the winged shadow to the edge of your brow. If you mess up, that's fine; just blend the heck out of it to make it a smokey eye.
Question

I'm bad at it. How do I get better (other than practice)? Any tips?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

Try a magnifying mirror. Put your makeup on in a brightly-lit area. Take your time. Use a cotton bud or Q-tip dipped in eye make-up remover to correct any mistakes. Use small brushes or applicators building up the layers gradually. Have lips and cheeks toned down if your eye make up look is strong.