Zendaya’s Smoky Eye Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide for Sultry Perfection
Master Zendaya’s signature sultry smoky eye look with easy, expert hacks and product tips for truly standout eyes.
Zendaya’s Sultry Smoky Eye: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Tutorial
Is there anything more universally alluring than a smoky eye? Often regarded as the makeup equivalent of an LBD and killer stilettos, the smoky eye is a timeless staple in every beauty lover’s arsenal. Zendaya, renowned for her chic style and bold looks, has managed to make this classic even more enticing with her unique approach — combining chocolate hues and clever blending hacks for a soft yet smoldering effect. Whether you’re getting glam for a night out or want to elevate your everyday look, this comprehensive guide will walk you through Zendaya’s signature smoky eye, step by step.
Inspired by Zendaya and her go-to products from COVERGIRL, these instructions simplify what might seem daunting into an easy routine you can master in minutes. Read on for pro tips, product recommendations, helpful hacks, and answers to common questions — all designed to help you channel Zendaya’s beauty confidence.
Why the Smoky Eye Reigns Supreme
- Instant Drama: The smoky eye adds depth and allure, drawing immediate attention to your eyes.
- Versatility: Works for casual outings or major events, adapting from subtle to dramatic.
- Fits Every Style: With customizable colors and intensity, the smoky eye flatters all eye shapes and skin tones.
Zendaya’s Smoky Eye: The Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s dissect every stage of this iconic look so you can ace it from start to finish.
1. Ace Your Base
Begin by creating a flawless canvas with your favorite matte foundation. Zendaya’s makeup artist recommends using a fluffy foundation brush to blend a matte foundation like COVERGIRL Clean Matte all over your face. The goal is an airbrushed finish that looks fresh and natural, providing the perfect base for dramatic eye makeup.
Tips:
- Choose a matte formula to prevent shine in areas competing with your eye look.
- Blend well around your nose and under eyes for seamless coverage.
- Set with a translucent powder if you have oily skin for long-lasting wear.
2. Get In Line
Switch your focus to the eyes by tracing along your upper and lower lash lines with a soft black eyeliner pencil, such as COVERGIRL TruNaked Eyeliner Duo in Mocha Ebony. This liner acts as a foundation for the smoky effect.
Tips:
- Don’t worry about precision — the goal is a smudgy, lived-in look.
- Apply more product to the outer corners for extra drama.
- Consider using a waterproof formula for longevity.
3. Flip Your Lid: The Hashtag Hack
For a cool twist, use the brown side of the eyeliner duo pencil to draw a hashtag (#) symbol across your eyelids. This innovative hack lays a diffused base for the shadow. Blend the lines out with a blending brush or your fingertip until they melt seamlessly into your lids.
What others are reading
Why it works: The hashtag creates an even distribution of color, so the shadow that follows appears richer and more dimensional.
4. Throw Shade: Smoky Shadows
Next, sweep a deep brown eyeshadow over your upper lid and along the lower lash line. Use the COVERGIRL TruNaked Eye Shadow Palette in Nudes for perfectly calibrated smoky hues. If you’re new to bold shades or want a softer finish, opt for a lighter cappuccino or taupe shade.
Blending Tips:
- Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush for smooth edges.
- Pack the color at the lash line and blend upward for a gradient effect.
- Light-handed blending gives a natural smoky transition without harsh lines.
5. Lighten Up: Strategic Highlighting
Brighten and lift your eyes by applying a shimmery cream shadow to the inner corners and under the brow bone. This step adds dimension and makes your eyes pop, preventing the smoky look from appearing too flat.
Highlighting Tips:
- Use your pinky or a small brush for precise placement.
- Choose champagne or ivory tones for a universal glow.
- Avoid glitter-heavy formulas for daytime; opt for shimmer instead.
6. Lash Out: Big, Bold Lashes
A smoky eye calls for dramatic lashes that won’t get lost in the haze. Layer on 2–3 coats of a fiber-packed mascara, such as COVERGIRL Super Sizer Fibers Mascara, on both the top and bottom lashes. The fiber technology mimics lash extensions, adding instant volume and length without clumping or smudging.
Tips:
- Wiggle the wand at the roots to maximize lift.
- Don’t neglect bottom lashes—they frame the look beautifully.
- If desired, finish with natural false lashes for extra glamour.
7. Be a Bronzed Bombshell: Bronzer Over Blush
With eyes this bold, blush can compete or create an overdone effect. Instead, follow Zendaya’s trick: skip blush and sweep bronzer (try COVERGIRL TruBlend Bronzer) from the apples of your cheeks toward your temples. This mimics Zendaya’s natural glow and sculpts the face for camera-ready radiance.
Bronzing Tips:
- Choose a shade one or two tones warmer than your skin for subtle warmth.
- Apply using an angled brush for a seamless contour effect.
- Blend up into your hairline for a cohesive, sun-kissed finish.
Tools and Products to Nail Zendaya’s Smoky Eye
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ace Your Base | Matte Foundation (COVERGIRL Clean Matte) | Create a flawless, oil-free canvas |
| Get In Line | Black Pencil Liner (TruNaked Duo: Mocha Ebony) | Base and liner for smoky effect |
| Flip Your Lid | Brown Liner (TruNaked Duo) | Hashtag hack to diffuse base color |
| Throw Shade | Deep Chocolate/Brown Eyeshadow (TruNaked Nudes) | Main smoky lid color |
| Lighten Up | Shimmery Cream Shadow | Highlight inner corner & brow bone |
| Lash Out | Fiber Mascara (Super Sizer Fibers) | Volumize and lengthen lashes |
| Be a Bronzed Bombshell | Bronzer (TruBlend) | Sculpt and add warmth |
Expert Pro Tips to Enhance Your Smoky Eye
- Try Layering: Use two shades of brown for extra depth and a smoother gradient effect.
- Correct Mistakes Easily: If your liner gets too heavy, blend with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to soften.
- Experiment With Angles: For almond-shaped eyes, extend shadow slightly outward. For round eyes, keep blending upward.
- Tweak the Shades: Swap brown for plum, navy, or deep green to customize your smoky eye.
- Keep Lower Line Soft: Blend shadow under the eyes for sensuality, but avoid harsh lines for a modern finish.
Alternate Smoky Eye Styles
While Zendaya favors a deep chocolate smoky eye, you can try these variations for different effects:
- Everyday Neutral Smoky Eye: Use taupes and lighter browns, minimal liner, and a soft shimmer on the lid for a daytime approach.
- Dramatic Smoky Eye: Amp up the intensity with blacks and cool grays, heavier liner, and false lashes.
- Colorful Smoky Eye: Incorporate matte oranges, golds, plums, or metallics for a playful twist. Use a white base to make colors pop.
Smoky Eye Look: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overblending into the Brow: Smoky doesn’t mean smudgy all the way up; keep definition over the lid.
- Skipping Lower Lashes: Neglecting the lower line reduces the sultriness.
- Using Only One Color: Introducing at least a secondary transition shade adds needed dimension.
- Leaving Harsh Edges: Smooth, seamless transitions are the secret to sophistication.
- Heavy Face Makeup: Overdone base can compete with bold eyes; keep face minimal for balance.
Quickfire Beauty Hacks for Smoky Eyes
- Use a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to prevent fallout and creasing.
- Start with your eyes before face makeup if you’re worried about shadow fallout.
- Dot a little concealer under the eyes after finishing shadow for a crisp edge and brightened look.
- Dampen your brush before grabbing shimmer shadow for more intensity.
- Finish with a setting spray to lock in your masterpiece.
Top FAQs: Zendaya’s Smoky Eye Edition
Q: How do I make my smoky eye look last all night?
A: Apply a matte or primer base before shadow and use waterproof liner and mascara to extend wear time.
Q: Can I recreate Zendaya’s smoky eye with drugstore products?
A: Yes! Most of Zendaya’s look can be achieved with affordable brands like COVERGIRL. Focus on quality brushes, blendable creams, and pigment-rich shadows.
Q: What’s the best way to blend eyeshadow for a smoky eye?
A: Always use a fluffy blending brush. Make small circular motions to diffuse color, gradually building up intensity.
Q: Should I use blush with a smoky eye?
A: No — follow Zendaya’s lead and prioritize bronzer for warmth and contour without overwhelming the look.
Q: How can I customize the smoky eye for my eye shape?
A: For hooded eyes, keep most pigment close to the lash line and blend upward. For almond eyes, wing out the shadow for extra drama.
Final Thoughts: Channel Your Inner Zendaya
Zendaya’s smoky eye is more than just makeup — it’s a statement of confidence and style. With these steps, pro hacks, and answers to common concerns, you’re ready to take your look to a new level. Start experimenting, get creative with colors, and don’t forget your fiber mascara for those memorable winks.
For all skill levels, the smoky eye remains a beauty classic worth mastering, and now, Zendaya’s secrets are yours!
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a60315/zendaya-smoky-eye-video/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58QN0b6XGBQ
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/g3016/smoky-eye-how-to/
- https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/expert-tips/zendaya-lancome-idole-makeup-tutorial
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_86h3CV0h5I
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7lpmmk
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEuqJ1e_5vs
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
