The Best Eyeshadows For Doing Smoky Eye Makeup
A smoky eye is one of those makeup looks that always seems more complicated than it actually is to create. Sure, you could go the professional route and use a palette with at least three different shade gradients, but that’s where things get tricky. We've found that the more steps you need to master, the more chances you have of ending up with a big ol’ mess. Why complicate what could easily be the best and easiest eye makeup ever when you could stick to a single product? With these one-step makeup superstars, you can swipe, smudge and BAM — there’s your perfect smoky eye. See, not all great makeup looks need a 10-step tutorial! Click through to see exactly what we mean.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@hungvanngo1/12Check out the 10 best one-step products for the perfect smoky eye.
Photo: Courtesy of Maybelline2/12Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon
Maybelline’s ColorTattoo line features some of the best eye pigments you can find in the drugstore, and these crayon versions are amazing because you don’t even have to dip your finger in a pot. Try any shimmery shade, and smudge with your finger for a perfectly dreamy look.
Photo: Courtesy of Eyeko3/12Eyeko Me And My Shadow Stick
The great thing about these shadow sticks is that they’re loaded with pigment — and there’s even a handy little brush on the other side of the stick so you don’t have to get your fingers messy. The soft, smudgy formula lends itself to creating a softly defined eye in a snap.
Photo: Courtesy of Milk Makeup4/12Milk Makeup Shadow Liner
The cool thing about this shadow liner is its chiseled tip, which makes it so easy to apply. But, for a smoky eye, it’s even simpler — you swipe it on and smudge with your fingers. Milk Makeup is made for finger painting, so the formula is blendable (but, once it’s set, it stays put all night).
Photo: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown5/12Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick
These waterproof eyeshadows have serious staying power! What’s cool about this formula is that it’s super lightweight — like a gel liner — and loads on tons of pigment in one swipe. You’ll probably even forget that you put on dramatic eye makeup since this is totally weightless on your lids.
Photo: Courtesy of Butter London6/12Butter London Smoke Stick
As the name implies, this stick is designed for an express smoky eye. With a dual-ended pencil, you can create a slightly more dimensional look, using the lighter shade on the inner corners of your eyes and blending out to the darker shade. Easy-peasy, but totally looks like you spent a ton of time on it.
Photo: Courtesy of Julep7/12Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Power Eyeshadow Stick
An eyeshadow stick with a smudger is your BFF for a smoky eye. This cream-to-powder formula pretty much does the work for you, with a great range of shades that are tailor-made for the technique.
Photo: Courtesy of E.L.F. Cosmetics8/12E.L.F. Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow
This E.L.F. cream eyeshadow wins best budget gem. For less than a latte, you get super pretty colors that you can finger-paint on your eyes — and it actually stays where you apply it! Bless. You can use a brush for more definition, but we love a good finger-friendly product for convenience.
Photo: Courtesy of Surratt Beauty9/12Surratt Beauty Smoky Eye Baton
We love a product that pulls double duty, and this one really takes the cake. One end is a cream liner pencil and the other is just about the coolest eyeshadow. The latter features a a smudger tool that’s spring-loaded into the shadow in its cap. So, all you have to do is blend the pre-dipped sponge over your liner to amp up your smoky eye.
Photo: Courtesy of H&M10/12H&M Eyeshadow Pencil
You can grab this chubby eyeshadow pencil as you’re checking out and toss it in the handbag you also just bought at H&M (they really are a one-stop shopping destination!). This comes in over a dozen colors and blends like a dream. Try it for a smoky eye that's not only super convenient, but also super light on your wallet.
Photo: Courtesy of Sonia Kashuk11/12Sonia Kashuk Instant Smoke Stick
Depending on how dramatic you want your smoky eye to be, you’ve got options here: use the fine-tipped liner for a little definition or wield the cream shadow side for a haze of color. You can even blend both for a sophisticated, monochromatic smoky look!
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