2 Minutes Easy Black Smokey Eyes for Beginner Shystyles

Sure, a smokey eye might not be the most game-changing beauty look ever, but it is a guaranteed way to up the ante on your party season make-up and look seriously hot in under five minutes.

But how to get it right? Too much and you're straying into smudged black morning-after-the-night-before make-up and not in a good way. Too little? And the impact is lost.

From skipping the eyeshadow at first, to going hard on the mascara, here's how to nail a super quick smokey eye - no expert YouTube tutorial needed.

Matteo Scarpellini

How To Do A Smokey Eye

1. Start With Your Base

'Choose a foundation that adds warmth and looks great paired with smoky eyes and soft lip colour. Honey shades work well with dark eyes making the overall effect one of diffused softness', says backstage make-up legend, Terry Barber.

The Best Foundations Ever As Voted For By ELLE And 10 Pro Make-Up Artists

Best Foundation... Compact Formula

As Voted By... ELLE

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Cushion Foundation - £25 (refill only) SHOP NOW

Digital Beauty Editor George Driver swears by this ultra light foundation. Simply dab on top of a layer of primer for the ultimate dewy 'your skin but better' finish. The best bit? It can't smash in your bag.

Best Foundation For...SPF

As Voted By...Diane Kendal

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation - £48 SHOP NOW

'Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation has SPF and a really lovely dewy finish.'

Pro Tip: 'I would apply this with a brush or sponge to get more coverage where you need it most, but it'll still look incredibly natural.'

Best Foundation For... Sensitive Skin

As Voted By... ELLE

bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation - £27 SHOP NOW

Even the most sensitive of skin will love this complexion clearing powder foundation. You'd be forgiven for thinking a powder foundation would be drying but fortunately you'd also be wrong. This genius formula gives a silky soft finish, instantly smoothing out pigmentation, sallow skin and spots without any cracking.

Best Foundation For...Applying On The Go

As Voted By...Hannah Martin

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick - £32 SHOP NOW

'Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation Stick is my all time favourite foundation for a number of reasons, not least because it's so portable and great for touch ups on the go. It also has a beautiful, velvety finish that's hard to beat.'

Pro Tip: 'Use it sparingly on any areas of high colour to even out your skin tone for a relaxed, pared down look. Alternatively, stipple over day cream for lightweight coverage or layer up for full-glam coverage. Without powder it has a soft, dewy finish, but set it with powder and you can create a completely matte look that photographs amazingly.'

Best Foundation For... A Dewy Finish

As Voted By... ELLE

Surratt Dew Drop Foundation - £70 SHOP NOW

Pro Tip: 'The no-make-up make-up look shows no sign of going away. Just because you don't have naturally glowing bare skin, doesn't mean you need to smother your entire face with foundation. Instead, apply a high-pigment product only where you really need it. Start at the outside of your cheeks, where breakouts are most visible, and go super light in the T-zone.' - Wendy Rowe

Best Foundation For...Investing In

As Voted By...Caroline Barnes

Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation - £47 SHOP NOW

'My favourite investment foundation is Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Foundation. It feels like liquid cashmere on the skin and gives a lovely glow to your complexion that looks healthy rather than made up.'

Best Foundation For... Shade Range

As Voted By... ELLE

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation - £34 SHOP NOW

With a shade range of 44, Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Foundation works with almost every skin tone which means we can all treat ourselves to the perfect complexion.

Best Foundation For... A Matte Finish

As Voted By... ELLE

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 - £32 SHOP NOW

Pro Tip: 'Matte foundations have been under the radar for a while, with 'dewy' being the finish of choice for many women. However, many women with oilier skin still prefer to have a shine-free complexion, so need a more mattifying formula.

'To use, think about applying where needed and in good daylight. Pump a small amount on the back of your hand and use a brush, sponge or fingertips to blend into your skin starting at the nose and blending out. Most people need the most around their noses and chins, where there are more sebacious glands, more redness or discolouration. Use sparingly, and barely use on areas of the skin that don't need it.' - Kay Montano

Best Foundation For...Acne

As Voted By...Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation - £34 SHOP NOW

'My Magic Foundation is your secret weapon and best friend if you suffer from rosacea, redness, acne or discolouration.

'It treats and transforms while you wear, reducing the appearance of acne after just 9 weeks. It contains mushroom extract to tighten pores and reduce sebum production, Vitamin C to brighten and lift the complexion, and Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to youth-boost and smooth the skin. These super-charged ingredients also reduce the appearance of age spots by 75% in 4 months!

'The high coverage – which glides over skin like a dream– covers even the darkest of birthmarks.'

Best Foundation For... Oily Skin

As Voted By... ELLE

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation - £39 SHOP NOW

Pro Tip: 'Use your fingers to apply the foundation as you can really work it into the skin, then use a foundation brush to go over your base and add a little more foundation where its needed on key areas.' - Kirstin Piggott

Best Foundation For...An Airbrushed Finish

As Voted By...Val Garland

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation - £66 SHOP NOW

'This foundation is so fine that it can diminish the appearance of pores and wrinkles.'

Pro Tip: 'Use a duo fibre foundation brush like a MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush to 'airbrush' the foundation onto the skin with a circular motion. Or if you prefer, you can use a Beautyblender instead of a brush.'

Best Foundation For... Light Coverage

As Voted By... ELLE

Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum - £38 SHOP NOW

The ultimate weightless serum foundation, Dior's sheer formula gives your skin the glow-giving boost it needs without feeling heavy, cakey or leaving dodgy tidemarks in your side burns.

Best Foundation For...Olive Skin

As Voted By...Hannah Martin

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation - £48 SHOP NOW

'For olive skin tones I love Bobbi Brown's Intensive Skin Serum Foundation.'

Pro Tip: 'Those with an olive skin tone should look to buy yellow toned foundations as pink undertones won't match the tone of the rest of your body.'

Best Foundation For... Long-Lasting Formula

As Voted By... ELLE

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation - £27 SHOP NOW

Causing a storm when it first launched, Rihanna's ultimate matte foundation lasts all the way through your morning commute, overtime in the office, dinner with your best women and all the way home again.

Best Foundation For...Lasting All Day (And All Night)

As Voted By...Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Foundation - £34SHOP NOW

'To always look fresh-faced and healthy, apply my Light Wonder foundation for a luminous, dewy finish that lasts all day.

'The air-light formula illuminates, smooths and hydrates the complexion, while minimising pores and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

'Featuring youth-boosting actives to even out skin tone, and a botanical alternative to retinol to kick-start collagen production, this genius foundation is instant radiance in a bottle!'

Best Foundation For... Full Coverage

As Voted By... ELLE

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation - £42 SHOP NOW

Pro Tip: 'Fingers are the finest tools. Just put it in your handbag and you're good to go!' - Alex Box

Best Foundation For... Dry Skin

As Voted By... ELLE

Sisley Phyto-Teint Ultra Eclat - £66 SHOP NOW

Worth the investment, this light-diffusing foundation blurs and mattifies without drying skin. An added extra of pollution protection courtesy of buckwheat seed makes this the ultimate city-ready foundation.

When it comes to making your smokey eye last all night UK Education/Artistry Manager at Pat McGrath Labs, Adeola Gboyega reveals her top tip: 'I tend not to use an eyeshadow base unless the eyelids are super oily. Instead you can use a mattifying face primer on the eyelids. I would usually just put concealer on the eyelids, as this also helps to correct any discolouration on the eyes and then set it with some loose powder.'

2. Go Straight For The Eyeliner

There's no need to faff around with a cut crease, instead dive straight into the deep end with a jet black eyeliner.

'Draw a thick line along the top lash line and pull out slightly into a wing. With a small thin brush buff along the line to break it down and get it looking worn in. Next draw along the waterline (the inner rim of your eyes) for added intensity. Using MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline, trace under your eyes on your lower lash line and smudge in with your finger', advises Barber.

ELLE Edit: 12 Of The Best Liquid Eyeliners For The Ultimate Cat Eye

NARS Climax Liquid Eyeliner - £22

SHOP NOW

This liner did not come to play. Highly pigmented, it gives an instant shock of inky and matte drama to any look. The tip is cleverly shaped so the sides can be used to create a thicker line than the tip.

KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner - £19

SHOP NOW

You only have to peek at the product reviews for this to know it's a must-have for any liquid liner lovers. No patchiness, no flooding pens, no smudging.

Glossier Pro Tip Liquid Eyeliner - £15

SHOP NOW

Glossier may be known for the ultra natural look, but who doesn't look a touch of eyeliner to finish things off? This vegan formula has a really flexible tip that hugs the curves of your eye, so things won't go wayward when applying.

Benefit Roller Liner - £19.50

SHOP NOW

A great option for newbies to the liquid liner game, this felt-tip style nib is one of the neatest there is. It does dry quickly, which means you need to act fast, but also stops any transfer.

Byredo Technical Black Eyeliner - £31

SHOP NOW

This inky black liner was designed with make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench, who put her years of expertise into the product. 'It has the longest tip possible that can still create a straight line', she told ELLE. 'From a technical point of view, that was really important to me.'

Chanel Le Liner De Chanel - £31

SHOP NOW

The small brush on this liner means application can be precise, but its flexibility allows for a smooth sweep at the same time. The longwear formula leaves an almost latex-like, stretchable finish so it won't crease through the day.

Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner - £16

SHOP NOW

With its sharp tip but wider nib, this eyeliner pen is perfect for creating a dramatic but neat feline flick in one go. It also contains Eyeko's signature lash boosting formula, as a nice added bonus.

Rimmel Wonder'Ink Liquid Eyeliner Black - £6.99

SHOP NOW

Some felt-tipped liners can tend to drag, but this stays saturated with product so glides on seamlessly. Make-up artist James Molloy suggests 'stamping along the lash line, them gently flicking away from the eye.'

Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner - £25

SHOP NOW

Pat 'Mother' McGrath apparently trusts the precision and staying power of this liner so much, she uses it to sign autographs. The formula is more velvety than wet, so is easy to control and dries quickly.

Shiseido ArchLiner Ink Shibui Black - £22

SHOP NOW

This ergonomically designed pen has an angled, teeny-tiny tip, that means you can get close to the lash-line with more control and less wrist-bending. The ink is lightweight and buildable, so once you've got the line drawn you can easily boost the thickness.

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen - £47

SHOP NOW

A super fine calligraphy nib on one end, a thicker nib for bolder, graphic looks on the other, this double-ended eyeliner is spenny, but you do get two for the price of one! As with all Tom Ford Beauty, the formula and staying power is second to none.

Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Liquid Liner Black Waterproof - £24

SHOP NOW

A staple inside many a make-up artist's beauty arsenal, this onyx black liner is waterproof, weather proof, almost make-up remover proof. Perfect for those with hooded eyes that struggle with transfer.

If a winged liner is your aim of the game, Gboyega recommends having two types of eyeliners in your arsenal: 'For a precise fine line, I would opt for a liquid liner as the thin nib is perfect for creating a perfect wing.

'If you're a beginner, I would suggest going for an eyeliner pencil or a gel liner with a brush. These formulas don't move as much as a liquid liner and will glide easily onto the eyelids for better control and an even application. My favourites are the Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultraglide pencil or the Bobbi Brown Gel ink liner . Once applied, you have a little play time to smudge and move the liner before they set.'

Dior

3. Add Grey Eyeshadow

Instead of an ink black shade which can take it too far, opt for a concrete grey instead.

'Next take a soft grey shadow and, using a tiny amount on a narrow brush, press on to lids. The shadow helps set the pencil and gives eyes a soft-focused, airbrushed look - the look is melted liner not sculpted shadow so don't use too much', recommends Barber.

ELLE Edit: Best Grey Eyeshadows

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Shadow Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Dynamo O! - £22

SHOP NOW

Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Twilight Grey - £19.50

SHOP NOW

Diorshow Mono Eye Shadow in Runway - £27.50

SHOP NOW

Cosmetics à la Carte Luminous Cream Shadow in Meteor- £28

SHOP NOW

To get the perfect shape, Gboyega recommends 'creating the depth and smokiness at the lash line by using a dark shadow or liner and then blending it out with a smudge brush. This tip is universally flattering for all eyes shapes and ensures that you don't end up looking like you have that panda eye look.'

Always make sure you have some fluffy eyeshadow brushes to hand to buff out any sharp lines. 'I often see people taking the eyeshadow too high and not blending enough. Ensure that the shadow doesn't go up much further than your socket and blend the edges of the shadow after every application', says Gboyega.

Carl Timpone/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

4. Apply Lots Of Mascara

Lots of black mascara is a great partner to smoky eyes but make sure you push it right into the roots so you get that depth of jet black.

Barber's secret to getting a fluttery look is to 'use the tip of the wand to catch individual hairs and to 'fan' out lashes to add more impact. If your eyes are really round only add to your top lashes to give a narrowing, 'cat-like' effect'.

ELLE Edit: Best Mascara For Volume, Length And Curl

Magic Extension Mascara Black

When word of this mascara launch got round last year, it racked up a waiting list of thousands. Now, it's the mascara ELLE Beauty Assistant Hannah Thompson reaches for every time 'big night out' lashes are required. No minimal mascara here, just densely packed, dramatic lashes worthy of a 1960s editorial shoot.

Future Lash Mascara

Victoria Beckham Beauty

£26.00

Bestowing the gift of 'your lashes but better', we present Victoria Beckham's Future Lash. The uber-thin brush will win over those who favour precision with their mascara, and a couple of coats will leave you with glossy, natural but defined lashes. It's not just called Future Lash for the fun of it either- the formula is enriched VB's C2 complex which conditions your eyelashes and improves them over time for stronger, healthier, future lashes. Geddit?

Lash Idôle Mascara

It's not often you can get the ELLE beauty team to agree on their favourite beauty product, but it turns out this was the mascara to unite us all. Its curved tapered wand allows you to get right into the corners, picking up lash hairs we didn't even know we had, and it's curl-holding ability is truly something to behold.

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

While eyelash extensions are a great time-saver, getting them too often can sometimes damage your lashes and leave them worse off than what you started with. For the closest thing to lash extensions in a bottle, try Hourglass' Unlocked mascara, with an inky black formula that gives you defined and dramatic lashes in an instant.

Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

If fluttery, flirty lashes are what you're after, Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk mascara lengthens lashes to their full potential and defines them with a jet black coating.

Kush High Volume mascara

Thicker lashes are the dream, but the upkeep it takes to get them there (aka a lot of lash serum and vitamins) can be a bit tiresome. Enter the Kush High Volume mascara, made with cannabis seed oil, which not only gives you immediate fluffy full lashes but conditions them too.

Superfake Mascara

On a budget but don't want to skimp on volume when it comes to your lashes? Lottie London's Superfake mascara will take your peepers to the next level with a formula that coats and lifts every lash.

Superhero Mascara

Acting Beauty Director, Jennifer George, can vouch for this chunky brushy mascara's blacker than black formula - ideal for when you want going-out-out eyelashes.

Maxi Lash Extra Volume Lash

ELLE's Beauty Director, Katy Young, swears by Guerlain's Maxi Lash mascara for eyelashes that look twice as long and bring a serious hit of dramarama.

Climax Mascara

NARS' big brushy wand never fails to deliver super long, separated lashes with a formula that won't flake or smudge onto your eyelids.

Volume Million Lashes

Layer up L'Oréal's bargainous mascara for extra voluminous lashes without the dreaded clumping.

The Volume Mascara

If you're sick and tired of your eyelashes coming off with your mascara then Kevyn Aucoin's genius tubing formula is the one for you. ELLE Beauty Director, Katy Young, is fully converted to the super smart stretching technology.

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara - £14

SHOP NOW

The ultimate day time mascara, one application of Glossier's Lash Slick gives satisfyingly fanned out, clump-free barely-there lashes. Layer up for a false lash effect without the effort.

Benefit BAD Gal Bang! Mascara - £23.50

SHOP NOW

Benefit's latest reincarnation of their legendary BAD gal mascara doesn't disappoint. With a super light formula derived from space technology (yes, really), this gives lashes a much-needed lift with a hit of the best black pigment from any mascara we've tried. And we've tried a lot.

Le Volume De Chanel Mascara - £30

SHOP NOW

Promising longer, plumper and thicker lashes, this mascara is the LBD of the make-up world aka it looks epic on everyone and it's Chanel, duh.

Dior Diorshow Mascara - £28

SHOP NOW

Calling all women with hooded eyes out there! This brushy mascara is the one for you. Giving a lash-extension lengthening effect, we dare you to find any mascara transfer on your eyelids, even when the weather finally heats up.

Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Volum Express Mascara - £7.99

SHOP NOW

Acting Beauty Director George Driver's favourite mascara to date, Maybelline's bargainous wand is totally underrated. One application gives lashes a fluttery super long finish that doesn't clump, won't drown your eyelashes in wet formula, and doesn't transfer or crumble. In short, it's the best £7.99 you'll ever spend.

Lancôme Hypnôse Volume-A-Porter Mascara - £27.50

SHOP NOW

A classic for a reason, Lancôme's rose-scented mascara works on all eyelash types to improve curl, volume and length. In a sea of beauty products, this is one you can trust.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - £22

SHOP NOW

Attaining cult status in the beauty biz is no mean feat but Too Faced's legendary Better Than Sex mascara lives up to its name. The number one selling mascara in America, this collagen-infused formula curls, thickens and lengthens lashes with its iconic hourglass shaped brush.

5. Groom Your Brows

Against a smokey eye brows can sometimes look washed out but then again, don't overdo it to avoid looking too overdone. The perfect balance? A good brow gel. To groom and plump whilst adding a tint of colour.

Easy peasy.

10 Of The Best Eyebrow Gels For Your Bushiest Brows Ever

Clear Brow Gloss

If brows that stay in place all day is what you're after then BBB London's clear brow gloss is what you need. One swipe and your brows won't move for hours.

Bare With Me Hemp High Eyebrow Gel Setter

NYX Professional Makeup

£7.00

Formulated with conditioning cannabis sativa seed oil, this is the brow gel that's kind to your brows while it brushes them up.

Brow Set in Clear

Define your arches with the ultimate backstage brow gel from MAC. Prepare for model-worthy Cara-esque brows in an instant.

Thick Brow Gel

A tiny spooly means this brow gel (available in three shades) can be applied with expert make-up artist precision. Start by applying in the middle and end of the brow to deposit the most colour and finish with the front for a more subtle look.

Benefit Gimme Brow in 3.5 - £20.50

SHOP NOW

This legendary eyebrow gel makes your brows double the size, filling in any sparse patches and holding the hairs in place for that elusive feathery finish.

Glossier Boy Brow in Clear - £14

SHOP NOW

Reaching official cult status Glossier's Boy Brow is a go-to for that Instagram-worthy brushed up, feathery brow finish.

Eyeko Shape & Define Brow Gel in Light Brown - £18

SHOP NOW

This sheer but buildable brow gel lets you create a more subtle brow look.

Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Gel in Clear - £22

SHOP NOW

A light gel without any stickiness and no gloop in sight, Hourglass' eyebrow gel is ideal for feathery, fluffy brows that have a natural finish.

The Browgal Instatint in 03 - £17.50

SHOP NOW

With a delicate applicator brush this eyebrow gel from brow pro Tonya Crooks lets you precisely shape your arches.

Beauty Edit Mayfair Brow Setter - £25

SHOP NOW

If Meghan Markle's go-to brow pro Sherille Riley makes an eyebrow gel, then we're all over it. Housed in a sleek gold case for top chic points, this lightweight gel brushes brows up without setting with a crunchy or sticky finish. Think brows fit for royalty.

6. A Sweep Of Bronzer

A cool toned smokey eye can sometimes make us look a tad vampire-ish, so it's important to add a bit of warmth back in to the face.

'A sweep of bronzer will pop honeyed skin beautifully, just sweep along cheekbones and into temples. I love a bit of strategic highlighting but don't overdo it so it looks WAG-ish', says Barber.

10 Of The Best Bronzers For Olive Skin

NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer in Falasies - £29

BUY

For when you want your contour a little more going out out, NARS powder bronzer with soft focus technology gives a photo-perfect finish.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Bronzer in Tawny - £29

BUY

The peachy pink tone of this powder bronzer gives green undertones a cute summer flush.

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer - £24.50

BUY

A blendable and buildable powder with solid yet sheer coverage. Buff into the hollows of your cheeks for chiselled definition or swirl all over for a gorgeous, natural glow.

Ciate Bamboo Bronzer in Palm Island - £24

BUY

This satin powder is subtle enough for a no make-up look and stays put all day. Even Khloe Kardashian is a fan.

Clarins Bronzing Duo Mineral Powder Compact in Medium 02 - £30

BUY

Capture both shades with your bronzing brush and veil upon your forehead, chin and the bridge of your nose for a stunning sun-kissed warmth. Perfect for those with light and dark olive skin.

Laura Mercier Radiance Baked Powder Bronzer in Shade 2 - £28.50

BUY

A make-up artist favourite for good reason, this shade is perfect for lending light olive skin an otherworldly radiance. The barely-there shimmer gives cheekbones a 3D effect.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Global Glow - £25.50

BUY

The pigment payoff of this mesmerising baked powder is seriously impressive. It is packed with iridescent particles, so there is no need for an extra dusting of highlighter.

Tom Ford Soleil Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust - £52

BUY

Super silky, this powder blends like a cream for a finish that is satisfyingly seamless. Gleaming, lit-from-within skin, yes please.

Too Faced Chcocolate Soleil Bronzer - £25

BUY

Grey undertones in this Too Faced offering will neutralise sallow-looking skin in just one sweep - but the best part is the rich, chocolate-y scent.

Yves Saint Laurent Sahariennes Bronzing Stones in Fire Opal - £36

BUY

Inspired by golden sand dunes, YSL's powder bronzer looks just as beautiful upon cheekbones as it does atop your dressing table. Medium olive skin tones will fall head-over-heels.

Sam Deitch/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

7. Finish With A Rose-Hued Lipstick

It can be difficult to pair a lipstick with a smokey eye but sticking to a neutral shade is your safest bet.

'Rather than pair dark eyes with a boring beige, I love lips with a hint of rose. Soak lips in lip balm first then create a sculpted edge with a lip pencil that looks like the colour of rubbed lips', says Barber.

ELLE Edit: Rose-Hued Lipsticks

K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick - Stoned Rose

Rouge à Lèvres Voile - Mildred Rosewood 203

Luxe Lip Color - Neutral Rose

Kisses Lip Lacquer - Creamy Rose No.07

Burberry Beauty net-a-porter.com.uk

£30.00

Sinner Lipstick - Nude Rose

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Source: https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/make-up/a10006/how-to-party-smokey-eyes-quick/

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