How To Create the Perfect Navy Blue Smokey Eye

One of the most sought-after looks in the makeup world is the basic smokey eye. However, the traditional smokey eye can become stale, and for color-lovers it may feel a bit bland and dull. Playing up a smokey eye with different colors is an easy way to reinvent a classic, sophisticated look. Here, I'll outline how to do navy blue smokey eyes!

Step one. Apply the eyeshadow primer of your choice. Be sure to only use a thin layer spread evenly over the surface of your lid.

Step two. Using a semi-stiff eyeshadow brush with smooth bristles, apply the deep/dark blue eye shadow of your choice to the inner two-thirds of your eyelids. The color you decide to choose can be as bright or as mute as you wish. For the sake of this tutorial, I used a dark cerulean. Whatever blue you use, though, I would suggest using a shimmer, or a pearl shadow. Shimmer shadows tend to have tiny reflective "sparkles" and pearl shadows are opalescent and powdery with usually a light green or purple sheen. Either finish guarantees a beautiful, original look.

Step three. Using a soft blending brush, apply a matte black or dark gray eye shadow to the outer-V of both of your eyelids. Blend the black shadow up into the crease above your eyeballs to create that smokey eye depth and dimension. For this tutorial, I used a dark gray shadow. You may have to apply more black or gray as you go, but remember that less is more - always start with a little bit, because you can always add more product but taking it off can be a pain!

Step four. Wipe the majority of the excess black or gray eye shadow off onto a tissue or the back of your hand - do not worry about getting the brush completely clean; at this step it will actually be better for the residue to remain on your brush! Take your blending brush and, moving the brush in small circular motions, blend the dark eye shadow into the blue eye shadow. Remember, this is a smokey look, so try to mute the blue as you blend it into the black (or gray), as I have in the picture.

Step five. Using a smudging sponge, apply the same gray or black eyeshadow to your lower lash-line, about halfway across your eye, and carefully blend the color out in order to avoid harsh lines. Towards the outer corner of your eye, blend the shadow out into the shadow that you applied to the outer-V of your top eyelid.

Step six. Using the black, dark blue, or dark gray eyeliner of your choice, apply a thin line to your top lash-line and blend it out using a q-tip to soften the harsh line. A smokey eye look is all about keeping all of your colors soft! Apply a black liner to your bottom waterline.

Step seven. Add mascara, and you're finished. Congratulations, you have just learned how to create the perfect smokey eye!