Smokey eyes have been a beauty staple for decades, effortlessly adding mystery, drama, and allure to any makeup look. Whether you’re gearing up for a glamorous night out, a date, or even just experimenting with a new look, mastering the Smokey eye is a skill every makeup enthusiast should try. But if you’re new to makeup or still learning, the vast selection of Smokey eye palettes out there might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the best Smokey eye makeup palettes in 2024, perfect for all skill levels.
What is a Smokey Eye?
Before diving into the palettes, let’s take a moment to talk about what exactly makes a Smokey eye. In short, a Smokey eye is a makeup technique that creates a soft-to-bold gradient of color, typically using dark eyeshadow shades (like blacks, greys, and browns) blended out to create a ‘smoky’ effect. The focus is on the eyes, and this technique adds depth, drama, and intensity.
The beauty of the Smokey eye is that it’s highly customizable. It can be soft and subtle for a daytime look or bold and intense for evening glam. You can also mix in vibrant shades like purples, blues, or even metallic for a modern twist.
What Makes a Good Smokey Eye Palette?
With so many options out there, it’s important to know what makes a Smokey eye palette stand out. For beginners, here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Pigmentation: A palette with high pigmentation will give you more impact with less effort. You don’t have to pack on layer after layer to get the bold look you desire.
- Bendability: Blending is key to achieving that smooth, gradient effect that defines a Smokey eye. Choose a palette with formulas that are easy to blend and don’t leave harsh lines.
- Shade Variety: A good palette should offer a variety of shades in both matte and shimmer finishes. Matte shades are essential for deepening the crease and adding depth, while shimmery shades help to highlight the inner corners and the eyelids for that sultry, smoky look.
- Versatility: While you may be looking for Smokey eye shades, a versatile palette that can also be used for other looks (like neutral day looks) is always a bonus.
- Longevity: A Smokey eye can be intense, and you’ll want a palette that lasts throughout the day (or night) without creasing or smudging.
Best Smokey Eye Palettes in 2024
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the best Smokey eye palettes of 2024. Whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or you’re a seasoned pro, these palettes offer the right mix of shades, formulas, and performance.
1. Urban Decay Naked Smoke Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great:
This palette is often touted as one of the best for creating Smokey eyes, and for good reason. Urban Decay is known for its high-quality eyeshadow formulas, and the Naked Smoke palette is no exception. With a perfect mix of cool-toned mattes, metallic, and shimmers, this palette allows you to create a classic Smokey eye or something a little more daring.
Beginner Tips:
If you’re new to Smokey eyes, start by using the lighter shades like “Thirteen” as a base. Then, gradually build up the darker shades into the crease and outer corner of the eye. The included brush makes blending easy.
2. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette – Smokey
Why It’s Great:
Huda Beauty’s Obsessions Palettes are known for their bold colors and excellent pigmentation. The Smokey Obsessions Palette is packed with a combination of matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, all in perfect dark, sultry hues for creating the perfect Smokey eye. The compact size makes it great for travel, too!
Beginner Tips:
For a softer Smokey look, try mixing the matte browns with the shimmer shades. If you want something more dramatic, layer the dark matte shades in the outer corners and blend well to avoid harsh lines.
3. Too Faced Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette
Why It’s Great:
This palette is rich in both pigmentation and luxurious shades. It features a mix of neutral matte shades, warm browns, and gold-toned shimmers. This palette’s warm undertones make it a great option for a Smokey eye that’s a bit softer and more glamorous than the classic cool-toned Smokey eye.
Beginner Tips:
If you’re still learning how to blend, start with the softer matte shades and blend them outward. Use the gold shimmer in the center of the eyelid for added brightness and dimension.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Novena Pro Pigment Palette
Why It’s Great:
While it’s technically more of a versatile palette than a strictly Smokey eye palette, the Novena Pro Pigment Palette offers a huge variety of colors and finishes, including deep purples, reds, and cool-toned neutrals. It’s perfect for experimenting with different Smokey eye looks, whether you want a pop of color or a sultry, traditional look.
Beginner Tips:
Begin by focusing on neutral shades like “Soul” and “Incense” to build depth before playing with bolder colors. Use the smaller brushes for more precision when applying darker shades to the crease.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette
Why It’s Great:
Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Eye Palette offers a stunning selection of 12 eyeshadows with the perfect balance of matte and shimmer finishes. It’s an incredibly versatile palette that can take you from a soft, daytime Smokey look to a full-on evening glam. This is a luxurious option for anyone looking to splurge on their Smokey eye journey.
Beginner Tips:
Start with the “Day” shades to create a more subtle Smokey look. Use the deeper shades in the outer corners and blend for a smoky effect. The shadows blend like a dream, which is perfect for beginners.
How to Create the Perfect Smokey Eye Look: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating the perfect Smokey eye doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can master this iconic makeup look. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you:
Step 1: Prime Your Lids
Before applying any eyeshadow, start with an eyeshadow primer. This will help your shadows stay put all day (or night) without creasing. Apply a thin layer of primer on your eyelids and blend it in with your fingers.
Step 2: Set the Base Color
Pick a neutral, light shade from your palette to set the base. This will help your other shades blend more easily. Apply this shade all over the eyelid, from the lash line to just under the brow bone.
Step 3: Define the Crease
To add depth to your look, apply a medium matte shade into the crease of your eye. Blend this out with a fluffy blending brush to create a soft gradient effect. The crease shade should be slightly darker than your base shade but still in the same color family.
Step 4: Add Depth with Dark Shades
Now it’s time to go bold! Pick a dark matte shade (such as a deep brown, charcoal, or black) and apply it to the outer corners of your eyes. This will add dimension to your Smokey eye. Make sure to blend, blend, blend—this step is crucial to avoid any harsh lines.
Step 5: Add Some Shine
For a stunning finish, add a shimmering or metallic shade to the center of your eyelid. This will help bring the entire look together and make your eyes pop.
Step 6: Line the Eyes
Use an eyeliner (black is classic for Smokey eyes) to line your upper lash line. For extra drama, line the waterline as well. You can also smudge the eyeliner slightly with a brush for a softer, more blended look.
Step 7: Mascara and Finishing Touches
Finish off your Smokey eye with a generous coat of mascara to define your lashes. If you’re feeling extra bold, add false lashes for that extra pop.
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Tips for Beginners
- Start Slow: If you’re new to Smokey eyes, start with lighter shades and build up. It’s always easier to add more product than to take it off!
- Blend Well: Blending is key to achieving that seamless, soft, smoked-out effect. Don’t skip this step!
- Use the Right Brushes: A fluffy blending brush is essential for softening harsh lines. A flat, dense brush works best for packing on shimmer or metallic shades.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Smokey eyes can be intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to create this iconic look in no time.
Conclusion
The Smokey eye is a versatile, timeless look that works for almost any occasion. Whether you prefer cool tones, warm hues, or even bold pops of color, there’s a Smokey eye palette out there for you. In 2024, the best palettes offer a variety of shades, textures, and formulas to suit every need.
For beginners, start with a neutral palette that offers matte and shimmer shades. As you get more comfortable, don’t be afraid to experiment with darker tones or vibrant colors. With
the right palette, a little practice, and the techniques above, you’ll be creating stunning Smokey eyes in no time.
FAQs
- What are the best Smokey eye palettes for beginners?
Palettes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades, like the Urban Decay Naked Smoked or the Maybelline The Nudes Palette, are perfect for beginners. They offer enough versatility to create a range of Smokey eye looks. - Can I use a Smokey eye palette for everyday looks?
Yes! Many Smokey eye palettes have neutral shades that can be used for both day and night looks. Try using the softer shades for a more subtle look during the day. - How do I prevent fallout when doing a Smokey eye?
Tap your brush to remove excess product before applying it. You can also apply your eye makeup first, then clean up any fallout before doing your face makeup. - Can I create a Smokey eye look with just one color?
Yes, you can create a more subtle Smokey eye using just one shade. However, adding a mix of dark and light shades will give your Smokey eye more dimension. - How do I make my Smokey eye last all day?
Use an eyeshadow primer to help your eyeshadow stay put and finish with a setting spray to lock in your look.