Basic Matte Smokey Eyeshadow Tutorial
Basic Matte Smokey Eyeshadow Tutorial
Here is a pretty basic matte smokey eyeshadow tutorial using one palette, the Nude Mattes Eyeshadow Pallette by Paula's Choice. This is an easy look to do, it just takes some layering of shadows and a lot of blending. Follow along if you'd like to see how I achieved this look!
Start out by priming your eyes and adding a base shadow. I am using NARS Smudge Proof Primer and Creme (matte, warm cream) from the Paula's Choice Nude Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, which we'll be using this throughout the tutorial. Apply both the base shadow and the primer from lash line to brow bone. I use my finger to apply primer and a Sigma E50 Large Fluff for the base shadow. I have already done my brows, which you can see how I do those by clicking here.
Now were going to start the smokey part. Smokey eyes are pretty simple, you just want to layer and diffuse two or more colors with the deepest color on the lash line. Grab a blending brush and a light brown shadow and we'll get started. I am using Cafe Au Lait (matte, neutral light brown) and a Sigma E25 and blending from the lash line upwards towards the brow bone.
Take a pencil brush and run that same color under the lower lash line and blend.
Now I am using Gunmetal Grey (matte, medium neutral grey) with a Sigma E25 applied in small circular motions starting at the lash line.
Clean off your blending brush or grab a clean one and just blend. Smokey eyes require lots and lots of blending.
You want something like this, a pretty smooth transition.
Take Gunmetal Grey and run that along the lower lash line.
Now apply Cafe Au Lait all over a second time. Layer then blend, layer then blend is pretty much how this goes.
Add a layer of the Gunmetal Grey & I am again using a Sigma E25 for this. At this point you can stop, add mascara and call it a day if you want a lighter smokey eye.
If you want something darker, then follow along. Now add Onyx (matte, soft black) with a pencil brush to the lash line and a touch on the lower lash line.
Blend it out with a Sigma E25. If the black isn't blending nicely you can take a bit of whatever grey you're using on your brush to help diffuse the color.
At this point, take a look at your eyes to see if there's anywhere that needs more blending and take a clean brush and blend it out.
Here I've lined my water line and tight line in black using the Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Black Velvet. Using the brush in the Nude Mattes palette I used Pink Sugar (satin, light pink-champagne) to highlight the brow and inner corner.
Curl your lashes and add some black mascara.
I finished the look off with some lashes! I am wearing Velour lashes in Whispie Me Away.
I hope you liked this basic matte smokey eyeshadow tutorial and found it easy to follow! Let me know what other "one palette" tutorials you'd like to see in upcoming tutorials in the comments below.
-Rebecca
— P R O D U C T S U S E D— Products: Face: Makeup Forever Primer – 0 NARS Pro Prime MUFE HD foundation – 118 Illamasqua Skin base – white RMCA No color Powder
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder Nars creamy concealer – Chantilly NYX Corrector – Fair NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray OCC John Doe Anastasia Contour Kit - Fawn Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder – Ethereal Blush: MAC Warm Soul Eyes: Paula's Choice - Nude Mattes Palette * Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Black Velvet Maybelline Full n’ Soft Mac Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara Anastasia Clear Brow Gel Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ash Brown Lips: YSL Beige Tribute Lashes: Velour Whispie Sweet Nothings
Brushes:
Disclosure: This post contains PR Samples and affiliate links, this post is not sponsored.
All products were sent to me as PR samples are marked in product list with an asterisk * . Links within this post are affiliate links.