These 3 Products Give Me the Perfect Smokey Eye Every Time (2025)

Whether you want to call it a millennial makeup trend or not, there’s a reason why so many of us were (and still are!) obsessed with a sultry, smoldering, smokey eyeshadow look. It’s versatile, draws major attention to the eyes, and looks flattering on all eye shapes, but one drawback is that it can look a bit intimidating to try. I mean, it’s an eye makeup look I don’t even attempt to do daily out of fear that I’ll end up with a mess of black eyeshadow all over my lids (in a very non-artistic way). And who has time to deal with all that?!

But, after watching my favorite makeup artist/influencer @paintedbyspencer’s tutorial on creating a quick and easy smokey eyeshadow look, I decided to give it a go for myself, and the results are…chef’s kiss! So, if you’re ready to try out a smokey eye look on yourself, check out the step-by-step guide and video below. I promise you, it’s not hard and will take no longer than 10 minutes. All you’ll need is a kohl pencil eyeliner, a dark brown transition powder, a lengthening mascara, and some eyeshadow brushes (I’m obsessed with Morphe’s latest brush collection). There's no better eye look for date night in balmy summertime.

Step 1: Line your waterline, tightline, and top lid

I used the Neutrogena Smokey Kohl eyeliner to tightline, and the formula glided on smoothly, providing intense pigment. It sets in 30 seconds, so I recommend blending it quickly before it dries down. Then, grab a small eyeshadow brush and smudge out the liner underneath the waterline and along the top lid.

Step 2: Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and a transition shade to smoke out the liner

I have the same palette that @paintedbyspencer used in his video, the Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Palette, and we used the dark brown shade “Hope.” You don’t need this exact shade/palette, though; any dark brown powder can work.The trick is to move little by little. Dip the brush into the powder and blend it into the smudged liner. Continue blending the powder into the smudged-out liner and towards the crease until you get your desired results. Then, follow the same steps on the lower lash line.

Step 3: Use a large fluffy brush to diffuse the edges

Keep blending until you get the results you like. I ended up blending too much, so I went back in with a bit more eyeliner to get a darker effect across my lids. Finish off with a few coats of mascara, and you're good to go!