I still remember the first time I tried a smokey eye — black shadow everywhere, zero blending, and a very humbling reminder that not all eye makeup tutorials are one-size-fits-all. If I’d known then what I know now, I would’ve saved myself years of makeup wipes. The truth? Once I learned how to tailor a smokey eye to my actual eye shape, everything changed.
The best smokey eye depends on your eye shape. By adjusting placement, blending, and depth, you can enhance your natural features, make your eyes look bigger or lifted, and create a flattering smokey look that actually works for you.
Once you understand why certain techniques work better for certain eye shapes, smokey eyes stop feeling intimidating and start feeling fun. Below, I’m breaking it all down step by step — like I would for my little sister — so you can finally master a smokey eye that feels effortless and flattering.
Does a Smokey Eye Look Good on Everyone?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: it just needs to be customized. Smokey eye makeup is incredibly versatile, but the placement, intensity, and colors matter more than people realize. When you work with your eye shape instead of against it, a smokey eye can seriously elevate your entire makeup look. It may take a little practice, but once you crack the code, everything else becomes easier.
How To Create the Perfect Smokey Eye Look for Your Eye Shape
Tailoring your makeup to your unique features is one of the best beauty upgrades you can make. Let’s walk through exactly how to do a smokey eye based on your eye shape.
How to do a smokey eye for hooded eyes
If your eyeshadow disappears the second you open your eyes, welcome to the hooded-eye club. The key here is lifting and soft definition.
Step 1: Start with brown eyeshadow
Instead of black, I love using a softer brown like L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss (available on Amazon). Smudge it across the lid, blending slightly above the crease and outward.
Step 2: Blend with a shimmer shade
Layer L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose (available on Amazon) just above the brown and softly blend the edges for a diffused effect.
Step 3: Highlight your brow bone
A touch of L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick in Glowy Crème Chic (available on Amazon) on the brow bone and inner corners opens everything up.
Step 4: Define with eyeliner
Tightline with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim (available on Amazon) for subtle definition.
Step 5: Finish off the look with mascara
Seal it all in with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara (available on Amazon) for wide, lifted lashes.
How to do a smokey eye for round eyes
Round eyes are naturally doe-like, so smokey makeup is perfect for adding sultry definition.
Step 1: Fill in the eyelid
Sweep a deep matte brown shadow across the lid and slightly past the crease.
Step 2: Add subtle dimension
Layer a shimmery brown or bronze shade on the lid and softly blend outward.
Step 3: Line your eyes
Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Brown (available on Amazon), extending it outward toward the temple.
Step 4: Accentuate your lashes
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara in Black Brown (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for small eyes
Yes, small eyes can absolutely rock a smokey eye — it’s all about strategic placement.
Step 1: Start with a matte eyeshadow
Apply L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Alluring Rose (available on Amazon) lightly over the lid.
Step 2: Darken your outer corner
Blend a medium brown shade on the outer half only.
Step 3: Define your lower lash line
Use the same brown shade softly underneath the eye.
Step 4: Create a wing
A thin wing using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner (available on Amazon) helps elongate the eyes.
Step 5: Create look-at-me lashes
Curl and coat with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for downturned eyes
For downturned eyes, lifting everything upward is the goal.
Step 1: Create a nude base
Apply a soft nude or taupe shade across the lid.
Step 2: Add depth
Blend a medium brown or taupe from the center outward, lifting at the corner.
Step 3: Create a soft wing
Buff a deeper shade upward to form a shadow wing.
Step 4: Trace your wing with liner
Define with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (available on Amazon).
Step 5: Finish with mascara
Use L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara (available on Amazon) on upper lashes only.
How to do a smokey eye for almond eyes
Almond eyes are incredibly versatile — this look is a classic favorite.
Step 1: Apply a matte shade to your lid
Blend a matte gray shadow just below the brow bone.
Step 2: Add shimmer
Tap a metallic gunmetal shade onto the lid.
Step 3: Highlight your inner corner and brow bone
Use L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle (available on Amazon).
Step 4: Line and define your eyes
Define with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Grey (available on Amazon).
Step 5: Complete the look
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Volume Mascara (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for monolid eyes
Monolids shine with precision and soft blending.
Step 1: Swap eyeshadow for eyeliner
Sketch your shape using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Aubergine (available on Amazon).
Step 2: Blend the eyeliner out—quickly
Soften edges with a fluffy brush.
Step 3: Bring it all together with matte eyeshadow
Layer a neutral shadow over the liner.
Step 4: Add some smoke under the eye
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for upturned eyes
Upturned eyes already lift themselves — smokey makeup enhances that effect.
Step 1: Line your eyes and smudge them out
Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner (available on Amazon) and smudge upward.
Step 2: Repeat on the lower lash line
Step 3: Smoke out the liner with shadow
Step 4: Add the finishing touches
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Waterproof Mascara (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for close-set eyes
The goal here is visual spacing.
Step 1: Play with various shades of eyeshadow
Step 2: Use darker tones to lift
Step 3: Complete the look
Apply mascara with L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara (available on Amazon), focusing on outer lashes.
How to do a smokey eye for wide-set eyes
Darker tones help balance wide-set eyes beautifully.
Step 1: Define the eyes with dark eyeshadow
Step 2: Add dimension
Tap L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss (available on Amazon) onto the lid.
Step 3: Line your eyes
Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Black (available on Amazon).
Step 4: Coat your lashes
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara (available on Amazon).
How to do a smokey eye for deep-set eyes
Deep-set eyes shine with definition and lift.
Step 1: Stick with matte shadows
Apply L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss (available on Amazon).
Step 2: Lengthen with a wing
Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner (available on Amazon).
Step 3: Lift your lashes
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara (available on Amazon).
How To Do a Simple Smokey Eye
If you’re just starting out, this is my go-to beginner routine.
Step 1: Prime your lids
Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24HR Full Coverage (available on Amazon).
Step 2: Apply a neutral base
Blend a L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick (available on Amazon) over the lid.
Step 3: Blend a dark shadow along your lash line
Finish with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner (available on Amazon) and mascara.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it’s that a smokey eye isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about understanding your eye shape and making small tweaks that work for you. From choosing softer browns instead of harsh blacks to adjusting where you place depth, liner, and shimmer, those little changes make all the difference.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, practice, and even mess up a few times (trust me, we’ve all been there). Makeup should feel empowering, not intimidating. So grab your favorite shadows, try the technique that fits your eye shape, and make it your own. The perfect smokey eye isn’t about perfection — it’s about confidence, and you already have that part down.
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