Whether worn in warm nude hues for a daytime vibe or layered dark for nighttime, a smoky eye is universally flattering. That being said, it’s also one of the most difficult techniques to master. That’s why we touched base with celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass, who counts Elisabeth Moss, Cami Mendes, and Olivia Wilde as clients, to teach us how to achieve the sultry look once and for all.

Step One: Prime
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Apply eye primer to the lids.

GITA SAYS: "If you're doing a lot of shadow, primer really helps for it to blend. It also gets rid of any discoloration on the lid."


Step Two: Create Base
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Apply cream shadow from the lash line to the crease.


Step Three: Line
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Smudge black liner on the top and bottom lash lines.

GITA SAYS: "I don't care if the line is perfect because I blend it well with a smudger brush to get that really smoky effect."


Step Four: Add
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Apply shadow on the lower lash line.


Step Five: Finish Lashes
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Use an eyelash curler and apply mascara.

GITA SAYS: "I do three layers of mascara. When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base, then pull up. Use an eyelash combo to separate the lashes."


Step Six: Embellish
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Use a metallic highlighter on the inner corners and blend over entire lid.

GITA SAYS: "It adds some sparkle to the eye, and makes the eye look wider and a little more open."


Shop Your Smokey Eye Kit

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Amber Haze
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Amber Haze
$25 at Charlotte Tilbury
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Credit: Urban Decay
Tweezerman Folding ILashComb
Tweezerman Folding ILashComb
Now 20% Off

Video by Kathryn Wirsing // Makeup by Gita Bass // Hair by Walton Nunez // Manicure by Jackie Saulsbery // Models: Gillian @ Jag Models //