Smokey eyes have been a trend for all the right reasons. We all agree that smokey eye makeup can make the eyes look gorgeous and intense. Isn't it? But can you achieve it by just using an eye kajal pencil? Yes, you heard it right.
While applying kohl kajal on the lower water line is very common and a part of our daily regime, but, with a little more effort, amazing bold and dramatic smokey eyes can be achieved. Though smokey eye looks come with practice, they can be created with ease with the help of the right waterproof kajal pencil and some tricks for [perfecting the technique. Here is your guide to getting the perfect smokey eye makeup using a Kajal pencil.
The Essentials for Smokey Eye Makeup
Before starting your smokey eye look, having your eye makeup products ready is essential. Here is the list of beauty products you will need to complete your smokey eyes look using kajal:
Waterproof Smoothening Eye Pencil: A creamy, blendable formula of Forever52 Waterproof Smoothening Eye Pencil is key to achieving that intense, smudged effect for smokey eyes.
Moisture Base: Forever52 Moisture Base helps the eyeshadow adhere better and stay on longer while creating a smooth canvas for eye makeup application.
Blending Brush Set: A good-quality blending brush set and accessories are crucial for achieving a seamless look.
Unbelievable Mascara for Eyes: Forever52 Unbelievable Mascara helps add perfect volume and length to your lashes.
Intense Gel Eyeliner/ Miracle Liquid Eyeliner: Using Forever52 liquid or gel eyeliner range helps add definition and drama to your smokey eye makeup.
How To Apply Kajal for Dramatic Smokey Eyes?
Step 1 – Prepare Your Eyes
Start by cleansing your face and eyelids to remove any dirt or oil, ensuring a smooth surface for the makeup. Followed by layering your skin with a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Use eye cream to help soothe the area around your eyes.
Step 2 – Start with the base
Whether planning to wear eyeshadow or going with just a kohl kajal, it is best practice to prime the eyelids before starting the smokey eye makeup look. Applying a makeup primer underneath your waterproof kajal makes the application smooth and stays intact for long hours. It is best to use a matte primer and set it with the help of translucent powder before starting the smokey eye look.
Step 3: Apply Kajal on the Eyelid
Take your kohl kajal and draw a thick line along your upper lash line. This line doesn't need to be perfectly neat, as you need to smudge it for a smokey-eye look. The thickness of the line should be sufficient to create the base for the smoky effect. To enhance the intensity of the eye makeup look, also use the kajal pencil on the upper and lower waterline. This technique, known as tightlining, adds depth and makes your lashes appear fuller and deeper.
Step 4: Smudge the Kohl Kajal
Using an eye blending brush or a Q-tip, gently smudge the kohl kajal on your upper lash line. Blend the kajal in an upward and outward motion, diffusing the color towards the crease of your eyelid. The goal is to create a gradient effect where the kajal is darkest near the lash line and gradually lightens as it moves upward. Take your time with this step to ensure a smooth, smoky transition without harsh lines. Blending is the key to perfecting smokey eyes.
Step 5: Define the Lower Lash Line
Apply a fine line of kohl kajal along your lower lash line, similar to how you did on the upper lash line. Then, using the same makeup brush or Q-tip, smudge this line gently to soften it. Connect the outer corner of your lower lash line with the upper lash line to create a winged, smoky look. This is crucial if you want to achieve a balanced appearance and avoid any gaps in your smokey makeup look.
Step 6 – Set the Kajal
To prevent the kajal from creasing and to extend the wear time, lightly dusting some compact powder or a similar shade of eyeshadow over the smudged areas can work wonders. This setting step helps absorb any excess oil and keeps the kajal in place. For an even more intense smoky effect, you can apply a dark eyeshadow over the smudged, waterproof kajal and blend it well. This additional layer deepens the color and enhances the overall smoky appearance.
Step 7 – Line Your Eyes
Use either liquid or gel eyeliner as per your comfort to line your upper lash line, making the line thicker towards the outer corners. The eyeliner adds definition to your eyes and enhances the dramatic effect of your smokey eyes. You can also create a small wing for an extra touch of glam.
Step 8 – Finish with Mascara
Complete your smokey eye look with a few coats of volumizing and lengthening mascara for eyes. Use wiggle motion while applying eye mascara to enhance the sultry, cat-eye effect. For an even more dramatic look, consider using a false lash before layering mascara. Do not forget lower lashes to complete your smokey eye look.
Consider Experimenting with Different Colors
A basic smokey eye look will go well with almost all makeup looks. But makeup is all about experimenting with different color combinations depending on the outfit or the mood. You could also use darker shades, such as black on the outer corner and blue on the inner corner, for that heavy party makeup look. The shades of kajal pencil can also be selected depending on the color of the eyes.
Blue, purple, green, and similar shades suit perfectly on brown eyes. Similarly, shimmer shades such as copper, gold, and champagne also look good for smokey eyes. Daily Life Forever52 offers a variety of shades of waterproof eye kajal pencils or the perfect smokey eyes.
Advanced Looks for Smokey Eye Using Kajal
1. Gradient Smokey Eye
Creating a gradient smokey eye using kohl kajal by blending different intensities of the same color. Start by drawing a thick line of kohl kajal along your upper lash line and then blend it upwards. The goal is to achieve a gradient effect, where the kajal is darkest near the lash line and gradually lightens as it moves towards your crease. To add depth, you can layer additional kajal and blend it out slightly less than the first layer. Highlight the inner corners of your eyes and just under your brow bone with a face highlighter to enhance the dimensions of your eyes. Finish by applying kajal on the lower lash line, smudging it, and blending a lighter shade slightly below it to maintain the gradient effect for an overall smokey eye look.
2. Colored Smokey Eye
While traditional kohl kajal is black, you can achieve a colored smokey eye by pairing it with colorful eye pencils. Start with a thick line of kohl kajal along your upper lash line and blend it out to create a base. Choose a colorful eye pencil like navy blue, emerald green, or burgundy, and apply it over the blended kajal. Use a brush to blend the color into the kajal base for a seamless transition. Reapply a thin line of kajal close to the lash line to intensify the look. You can play with different colors to create a gradient effect that intensifies and adds drama to your smokey eye look.
3. Glitter and Metallics
Enhance your smokey eye with glitter or metallic effects for a touch of glamour. Begin by creating a smokey base using kohl kajal along your upper lash line and crease, blending it out for a smooth finish. Then, apply metallic or shimmer eyeshadow to the center of your eyelids using a fingertip or an eyeshadow brush. This adds a sparkling effect that catches the light beautifully. You can even use shimmer eyeliner or a face highlighter to add some shine. Then, highlight the inner corners of your eyes with the same glitter or metallic eyeshadow to brighten up your look. To complete the style, smudge kajal along your lower lash line and add a hint of glitter or metallic eyeshadow over it, ensuring your eyes dazzle from every angle.
4. Cut Crease Smokey Eye
A cut crease adds definition to your smokey eye using Kohl Kajal. Start by doing the basic steps to achieve a smokey eye makeup. Next, use a concealer to carve out a sharp line above your crease. Apply the concealer using a makeup brush, starting from the inner corner to the middle of your eyelid, creating a clean, defined line. Over the concealer, apply a light or shimmery eyeshadow to highlight the cut crease. Ensure the edges where the dark smokey base meets the light cut crease are well blended to maintain a seamless transition. Finish by applying and smudging kohl kajal along the lower lash line, balancing the defined upper lid with a smokey lower lash line.
5. Reverse Smokey Eye
Focus the intensity on your lower lash line for a reverse smokey eye using eye kajal. Start by keeping your upper eyelid neutral with a light eyeshadow or no makeup look. Apply a thick line of kohl kajal along the lower lash line and smudge it downward using a blending brush to create a smokey eye look. Add depth by applying a medium-dark eyeshadow just below the smudged kajal, blending it well. Lightly smudge kajal along the outer corner of your upper lash line to connect with the lower lash line. This reverse smokey eye look draws attention to the lower part of your eyes, making a bold and striking statement.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smokey Eyes
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key to a flawless smokey eye. Use clean eyeshadow brushes to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless gradient of kajal pencil.
- Build Gradually: Start with light application and gradually build up to darker ones. This makes blending easier and prevents the look from becoming too harsh.
- Use Quality Brush Set: Invest in good-quality eye blending brushes. It makes a significant difference in the application and blending of eye makeup.
- Set with Powder: After applying kajal, set it with a matching eyeshadow or compact powder to prevent smudging and prolong wear.
- Balance the Look: If you’re going heavy on the eyes, keep the rest of your makeup subtle. A nude or soft lip color complements smokey eyes beautifully.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Smokey eye makeup requires a lot of practice. Don’t be disheartened if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Practice different techniques and find what works best for your eye shape and personal style.
No matter the size of the eyes, applying eye kajal on the upper lid adds glam and makes the eyes look intense. Achieving the perfect smokey eye makeup with just kajal is an art that combines technique, creativity, and practice. Once you know the trick, nothing is stopping you from experimenting with this latest trend.
If you are looking for more colors of eye kajal for experimenting with a smokey eye look, then the Daily Life Forever52 range of waterproof kajal, eye pencils, extra lasting kajal, etc., are the best to start with. The intense color pigment and vegan formulations ensure smooth blending giving you a flawless smokey eye look instantly. It's time to nail the smokey eyes and stand out with your glam look with Daily Life Forever52.
