How to Create Natural Smokey Eyes: A Step-by-Step Guide

A great nude eye makeup moment never goes out of style.

For most people, the mere mention of smokey eyes is enough to conjure images of sooty, kohl-rimmed lids and stark, bold black shadows buffed to the high heavens. And while that certainly can be the case, it’s not the only way to rock a smokey eye. Sure, a grungy smokey eye certainly has its place, but for more subdued occasions, we’re partial to a decidedly softer take on the classic. Think neutral browns and flesh-colored shades, soft rosy undertones, and pops of gold and copper. And of course, it features that silky, diffused effect that makes a smokey eye undeniably, well, smokey.

As wearable as it is adaptable, the natural smokey eye is a hallmark in our makeup routine all year long, but it’s particularly perfect come fall time. After all, there’s something about those cozy nudes and romantic hues that’s undeniably autumnal.

There’s no one way to do a nude smokey eye, but if you’re feeling a bit lost, we’re here to help.

How to Create the Perfect Natural Smokey Eye

1. Start With a Primer: The key to any long-lasting eye look is a great eyeshadow primer, especially if you have oilier lids. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($27) is a tried-and-true classic that’ll make application smooth and keep your shadow crease-free all day long.

2. Lay Down the Base: According to makeup artist Dani Parkes, the easiest way to create a nude smokey eye is by starting with a nude-toned eyeliner or shadow stick. We’re particularly fond of the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eyeshadow ($32) in Vanilla Kiss. Whichever you choose, start by applying the product close to the lashline and blending upwards onto the lid to build shape and lay down a base. Repeat as needed until the entire lid is covered.

3. Add Dimension in the Crease: From there, Parkes suggests building up dimension with darker nude and brown shadows. From your favorite neutral eyeshadow palette (more on that below), start with a color a few shades darker than your base (but still within the light brown territory) and buff it into the crease, using a firm-but-fluffy blending brush like the Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Fluff Brush ($9). When done, gently sweep whatever’s left on the brush along the lower lash line.

4. Emphasize the Outer Third: Using a shorter dome-shaped blending brush—we love the Sephora Collection PRO Shadow Brush #18 ($20)—dip the tip in a cool brown shade and be sure to tap off any excess product before applying to the outer third of the eye, focusing on blending it out and up from the lash line to create a cat eye effect. Use circular motions and, if needed, lightly go over with the brush you used in step three for a seamless blend.

5. Blend, blend, blend: The key to a great smokey eye is that perfect transition from light to dark. Using a clean, fluffy brush, lightly buff out any harsh lines or abrupt edges. Be sure you’re holding the brush toward the end of the base (rather than up high near the bristles) for a super gentle touch that won’t lift any product. We’re big fans of the RT 310 that comes in this Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials Kit ($15).

6. Add a highlight: Using a smaller, targeted shadow brush, place a nude or cream shade lighter than your base in the inner corner and below the brow arch.

7. Optional: Add Shimmer/Glitter In Center of the Lid: For a bit of wow factor, add a shimmery nude shade or glitter to the center of the lid. This will create a more open-looking eye and add some drama. We love the shade range of the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadows ($35)—plus, they have the perfect metallic finish.

8. Feel free to finish off your look with liner and mascara as you see fit.

Our Favorite Nude Eyeshadow Palettes

The easiest—and usually the cheapest—way to create a smokey eye is by sticking to one eyeshadow palette. We love these 5 thanks to their unbeatable color stories and top-tier formulas.

1. Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

If you’re lucky enough to find the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($50) in stock, we highly suggest adding to cart. Beloved by makeup artists and beauty editors alike, the palette is a truly universal must-have. Inspired by human skin tones, the shade range is impeccable—and the creamy formula is perfect for blending and building up coverage.

2. Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

With a healthy mix of matte and microshimmer shades, the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette ($45) has every color you could need for a neutral smokey eye. Best of all, the three rows of colors are arranged so that each gives you the perfect eye look—complete with a base shade, highlight, shimmer, and darker hue. The clever placement makes ready-to-go eye looks easy for beginners.

3. Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eye Palette

The Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eye Palette ($70) may come with a hefty price tag, but with two luminous cream bases, four warm velvety matte shades, and six glistening pearl topper shades, it’s certainly a bang for your buck. The palette creates perfect multidimensional looks that can be worn day or night. The powders are ultra plush, and the cream bases allow for more sculpted, intense eye looks than the average palette.

4. Lawless The Little One Mini Eyeshadow Palette

The Lawless The Little One Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($27) is the ultimate on-the-go palette, small enough to throw in your purse and complete with a stunning range of neutral tones. With a talc-free formula and travel-friendly size, it’s a no brainer for those on the road who aren’t willing to sacrifice great makeup.

5. Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette

While the original is no longer with us (RIP Naked Palette), the Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette ($59) is debatably just as good as its predecessor. With a slight rosy hue to each shade, this palette creates seamless natural looks that can easily be built up to bring the drama. Plus, Urban Decay’s shadows are notorious for being high quality, velvety smooth, and seriously blendable.

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