5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!

Nail this sexy evening look with easy expert tricks.

Follow These Simple Tips

Makeup brush and charcoal gray powder // "5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!"

1. Use a medium-size round brush to apply charcoal gray powder in an arch shape just above the crease of the lid. Then blend down to the lash line.

2. Trace the upper lash line with a soft black pencil, then gently smudge with your fingertip.

3. With a smaller, firm-bristle brush, press a gunmetal shade into the lower lash line.

4. Apply a pale silver powder to the inner corners of the eyes to lighten the overall effect.

5. Pile on mascara.

Video: The secret to smoky eyes>

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1 of 8 Photo: Time Inc. Digital Studio

Clean Up Excess Shadow

Keri Hilson // "5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!"

Erase shadow mistakes without ruining your makeup: Dip a cotton swab in concealer, then skim it over the skin. The concealer will pick up shadow without smudging.

Video: Beautiful eyes>

2 of 8 Photo: Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com

Add a Modern Twist

Kerry Washington // "5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!"

Purple is a modern take on the smoky eye. Apply pale violet shadow on the lids, then blend a dark plum shadow into the creases. Rim lower lashes with black liner and top with a layer of lilac shadow applied with a wet brush.

3 of 8 Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images, Time Inc. Digital Studio

Make It Last

Ellen Pompeo // "5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!"

"For a smoky eye, moisturize the area first, so when you line the lid with a pencil it will smudge naturally." --Ellen Pompeo

Video: How to create the perfect smoky eye>

4 of 8 Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com, Time Inc. Digital Studio

Make It Fast

Cameron Diaz // "5 Steps to the Perfect Smoky Eye!"

For a smoky eye in a flash, use just eyeliner. Rim lids with a black pencil, making the line quite heavy; then wipe it off. You’ll be left with a sexy wash of color.

5 of 8 Photo: Victor Chavez/WireImage, Time Inc. Digital Studio