How to do a smoky eye for beginners

A smoky eye is just dark shadow blended upward and outward from your lash line, with the darkest color closest to your lashes.

1. Prime your lids. Pat eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone. This prevents creasing and makes colors pop. If you don't have primer, concealer works.
2. Apply transition shade. Use a fluffy brush to sweep a neutral brown slightly darker than your skin tone into your crease. Blend in small circles, building slowly.
3. Deepen the outer corner. Take a darker brown or charcoal shade on a smaller brush. Focus on the outer third of your lid, blending into the transition color. Keep the darkest part near your lash line.
4. Line and smudge. Draw close to your upper lash line with dark brown or black liner. Immediately smudge with a small brush or your finger while the liner is still soft.
5. Highlight and finish. Pat a light shimmer or matte shade on your inner corner and just under your brow bone. Apply mascara, focusing on separating lashes rather than adding volume.