The smokey eye is a versatile and timeless makeup look that has stood the test of time, exuding glamour and sophistication for over a century. While this classic style remains a favourite, older women often face the delicate balance between achieving a sultry, smokey look and avoiding a finish that feels heavy or accentuates fine lines.
The good news is that with the right techniques and tools, anyone can master a smokey eye at any age. Here’s a step-by-step expert guide to achieving this look.
- Prime your eyelids for a smooth canvas
For mature skin, priming is a non-negotiable first step. Eyeshadow primers prevent shadows from settling into fine lines while ensuring long-lasting wear and vibrant colour payoff.
Application Tip:
Apply a thin, even primer layer across your eyelid using your fingertip or a flat brush. The tacky surface helps the eyeshadow adhere seamlessly, eliminating the need for additional setting powder.
- Choose softer, matte shades for a flattering look
Classic smokey eyes often lean on dark tones like black or navy, but you may feel these are too harsh for you. If so, opt for softer hues like taupe, plum, or light brown to achieve a more refined effect. But if you like how navy or black looks, that’s fine too. There are no rules with this, remember.
Pro Tip:
Matte eyeshadows are ideal for reducing the appearance of texture on the eyelids. If you love the idea of shimmer (yes, me too), add it to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and make them look bigger. See what you think of that before trying it all over the lid. The trick here is to practice – what looks good, what highlights fine lines, etc. If you don’t try, you won’t know if it works for you or not.
- Start light and gradually build depth
Eyeshadow application is all about layering, particularly with this look. Begin with lighter shades as your base and incrementally work towards deeper tones for depth and dimension.
Brush Guide:
- Use a fluffy blending brush for seamless transitions between shades.
- Opt for a denser brush to pack on pigment.
- Keep separate brushes for light and dark colours to avoid muddying the look.
- Blend Beyond the Lid for Bigger, Brighter Eyes
Blending beyond the eyelid is the secret to a smokey eye that truly captivates. Sweep shadow into the eye socket and along the lower lash line to enhance your eyes’ overall shape and symmetry.
Blending Tip:
Use a small brush to get the shadow onto your lids, then swap to a fluffy brush to diffuse darker shades upwards into the crease. This technique helps create a seamless transition between the darker and lighter shades, avoiding harsh lines. For the lower lash line, a smaller, angled brush works best as you’ll want to be more precise.
- Smudgeable pencil eyeliner for definition
Liquid eyeliners can be unforgiving, especially for those new to the smokey eye. A pencil or kohl eyeliner offers greater control and allows for easy smudging, making it perfect for this look and giving you the confidence to experiment.
Application Tip:
- Draw a thin line along three-quarters of your lash line, avoiding the inner corner.
- Smudge the liner with a small blending brush or fingertip to soften the effect.
- Line your waterline with the same pencil or use a champagne shade to brighten your eyes.
- Don’t forget the finishing touches
- Mascara – a volumising and lengthening mascara will elevate the look by framing your eyes. Opt for a formula that doesn’t clump or flake.
- Brows – a well-groomed brow can enhance the smokey eye further, providing structure and balance to your face.
- Setting Spray – use a hydrating setting spray to lock your masterpiece in place and keep it looking fresh throughout the day.
Extra tips for smokey eyes on mature skin
- Hydration is key – well-moisturised skin, especially around the eyes, ensures a smoother application. Use an eye cream regularly to maintain suppleness.
- Lighting matters – apply your makeup or, at least check your handiwork in natural light whenever possible to achieve the most accurate blending and shading.
- Don’t forget to experiment with colours. Limiting yourself to neutrals is not necessary. Plums, soft greys, and even muted greens can add personality without overwhelming the look. Saying that, you can get most colours to work with a smokey eye, so let your imagination run riot and see what happens. Remember the good thing about makeup is that it washes off quickly and easily if you’ve made a hash of it.
Smokey eyes are not just a makeup look but a statement of confidence. With these tips and a bit of practice, women of all ages can rock smokey eyes, highlighting their natural beauty without emphasising age-related concerns. Remember, makeup is an art form. Have fun experimenting and embracing your uniqueness.