What is a Smoky Eye Look?
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A smoky eye look is a classic makeup style that involves dark eyeshadow blended around the eyes to create a smoky effect. The look can be achieved in a variety of shades, from classic black and gray to more colorful options like purples and blues. The key to a successful smoky eye is blending, which creates a seamless transition between colors and prevents harsh lines. This look can be achieved in a variety of ways, from using a single shade of Ilia eyeshadow to creating a gradient effect with multiple colors.
Why Choose Ilia Eyeshadow for a Smoky Eye Look?
Ilia eyeshadow is an excellent choice for a smoky eye look because of its high-quality, long-lasting formula. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, which means that a little goes a long way. They are also easy to blend, which makes achieving a smoky eye look effortless. Ilia products are also clean and vegan, which means that you can feel good about using them on your skin. They come in a variety of shades, from classic black and gray to more colorful options like purples and blues. One of the best options for achieving a smoky eye look is the ILIA Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint in shade Glaze, which is a beautiful, sparkly bronzy color that looks great on a variety of skin tones.
Prepping the Eyes with Ilia Eyeshadow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleanse and Moisturize
Before applying any makeup, it is important to cleanse and moisturize your face. This step will ensure that your skin is clean, hydrated, and ready for makeup application. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or oil from your face, and follow up with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a rich moisturizer, and if you have oily skin, go for a lightweight, oil-free formula. Once your face is prepped, you can move on to applying your Ilia eyeshadow.
Apply Eye Primer
Applying eye primer is an essential step in achieving the perfect smoky eye with Ilia eyeshadow. Eye primer creates a smooth base for your eyeshadow, helps it adhere better to your skin, and prevents it from creasing or smudging. Apply a small amount of eye primer to your eyelids and blend it out with your fingers or a brush. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying your eyeshadow. Ilia eyeshadow is highly-pigmented and long-lasting, so you won’t need to apply too much product. Start with a small amount and build up the intensity as needed.
Applying the Eyeshadow
Choosing the Right Ilia Eyeshadow Shades
Choosing the Right Ilia Eyeshadow ShadesTo achieve the perfect smoky eye with Ilia eyeshadow, it’s essential to choose the right shades that complement your skin tone. Ilia offers a range of shades, from deep blacks to shimmering grays and browns, that work well for this look. When choosing your shades, consider the following:- Skin Tone: If you have fair skin, go for lighter shades like soft grays and taupe. For medium skin tones, opt for deeper grays and browns. Darker skin tones can work with deeper shades like black and charcoal.- Eye Color: Choose shades that complement your eye color. If you have blue eyes, go for shades like gray, silver, and navy blue. For brown eyes, opt for shades like brown, bronze, and gold. Those with green eyes can go for shades like plum, burgundy, and deep purple.- Occasion: Consider the occasion you’re wearing the smoky eye for. If it’s for a daytime event, opt for lighter shades. For a nighttime event, go for deeper shades.
Applying the Eyeshadow to Achieve a Gradient Effect
Applying the Eyeshadow to Achieve a Gradient EffectTo achieve the perfect smoky eye with Ilia eyeshadow, it’s important to apply the eyeshadow in a gradient effect. Here’s how to do it:- Apply a light base: Start by applying a light base shade all over your eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone. This helps to create a smooth canvas for your darker shades.- Define the crease: Apply a medium shade to the crease of your eyelid and blend it upwards towards the brow bone. This helps to define the crease and create a gradient effect.- Add depth: Apply a darker shade to the outer corner of your eyelid and blend it into the crease. This adds depth to the look.- Blend it out: Blend the shades together to create a seamless gradient effect. Use a clean brush to blend any harsh lines.
By following these tips, you can achieve the perfect smoky eye with Ilia eyeshadow. Choose the right shades and apply them in a gradient effect for a stunning look.
Blending and Smudging with Ilia Eyeshadow: Tips and Techniques for Flawless Eye Makeup

How to Blend Ilia Eyeshadow for a Seamless Look
Achieving a smoky eye look with Ilia eyeshadow requires proper blending techniques. To start, apply a light base color over the entire eyelid. Then, choose a slightly darker shade and apply it to the crease and outer corner of the eye. Using a blending brush, blend the two shades seamlessly to create a gradient effect. Make sure to blend any harsh lines to create a soft, smoky look. Repeat the process with a darker shade until you reach your desired intensity. Remember to blend thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines or uneven patches. Ilia eyeshadow is known for its smooth and blendable texture, so take advantage of this quality for a flawless smoky eye.
Smudging the Eyeliner for a Smokier Effect
For a smokier effect, smudge your eyeliner with Ilia eyeshadow. After applying your eyeliner, use a small angled brush to apply a matching eyeshadow shade over the liner. This will soften the line and create a smokier effect. You can also use a darker eyeshadow shade to intensify the smokiness. Use a clean blending brush to blend the eyeshadow and eyeliner together for a seamless look. Ilia eyeshadows are highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. Experiment with different shades and techniques to find the perfect smoky eye look for you. With Ilia eyeshadow, achieving a smoky eye has never been easier.
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Adding Drama to the Lashes
Applying Mascara for Volume and Length
One of the most important steps in achieving the perfect smoky eye with Ilia eyeshadow is applying mascara for volume and length. Mascara helps to open up the eyes and make them appear more prominent. It is essential to choose a mascara that is long-lasting and waterproof to prevent smudging. For best results, apply the mascara in a zig-zag motion from the base of your lashes to the tips. You can also use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to give your lashes a more dramatic look. Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara is an excellent choice for achieving voluminous and lengthy lashes that complement your smoky eye.
False Lashes for an Intense Look
False lashes are a great way to enhance the intensity of your smoky eye. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose one that suits your eye shape and style. False lashes can be applied in a variety of ways, including individual lashes, strips, and clusters. When applying false lashes, it is essential to use a high-quality lash glue that dries clear and holds the lashes in place. Ilia’s True Skin Radiant Priming Serum is an excellent adhesive for false lashes that is gentle on the skin and provides a strong hold. False lashes add an extra oomph to your smoky eye and are perfect for a night out or a special occasion.
Finishing Touches: How to Perfect Your Look with Ilia Eyeshadow

Highlighting the Inner Corners of the Eyes
To take your smoky eye look to the next level with Ilia eyeshadow, it’s essential to highlight the inner corners of your eyes. This adds a beautiful brightness and dimension to your eyes, making them appear more awake and lively. To achieve this, take a small brush and apply a light, shimmery shade from the Ilia eyeshadow palette to the inner corners of your eyes. This will create a beautiful contrast between the smoky eyeshadow and the highlighted areas, making your eyes pop. Some great shades to try include ‘Essential’ or ‘Mythical’ from the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara and Eyeshadow Palette.
Setting the Eye Makeup with Setting Spray
After applying your Ilia eyeshadow look, it’s essential to set your eye makeup in place to ensure it lasts all day. Using a setting spray is the perfect way to do this. Not only will it help your eye makeup stay in place, but it will also prevent any creasing or smudging throughout the day. To use, hold the setting spray a few inches away from your face and spray evenly over your eyes, keeping your eyes closed until it dries completely. The Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Spray is perfect for setting your smoky eye look, as it provides a soft focus effect that blurs imperfections and gives a beautiful, natural finish. With these tips, you can achieve the perfect smoky eye look with Ilia eyeshadow that lasts all day.