Fiona’s step-by-step guide to mastering the effortless smoky eye using Reed Clarke favorites.
There’s a reason the smoky eye has stayed in rotation for decades—it’s equal parts sultry and timeless. But let’s be honest: most tutorials make it look more complicated than it needs to be. Enter Fiona’s no-fuss method for a wearable smoky eye that’s polished, modern, and just the right amount of undone.
In this video, Fiona breaks it down using a few staples from the Reed Clarke lineup. The result? A smoky eye that works for dinner, drinks, or when you’re feeling vaguely mysterious on a Tuesday.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Modern Smoky Eye
Step 1. Tightline for Invisible Definition
Begin by using the Surratt Autographique Liquid Liner in Chat Noir to carefully paint between the lashes. This technique, known as tight-lining, creates the illusion of thicker, darker lashes while subtly defining the eyes. It adds intensity without placing any visible darkness on the eyelid—perfect for achieving a polished look that still feels fresh and light.
- The brush is what makes this a stand out product—the ultra-fine hairs all taper to a perfect point making the most razor sharp line possible.
- The ink is super black, like Japanese sumi ink, and it's truly transfer-resistant (which is huge because it's so annoying when your liner ends up on your top lid, where it has no business being).
- Another bonus is that the cartridge is refillable, so you don't have to throw the entire pen out when it's empty— a real plus in our highly disposable world.
Step 2: Define with Liner
Use a creamy liner like the Róen Eyeline Define Eyeliner Pencil to line your upper and lower lash lines. Don’t stress about precision—smudge it out gently with a brush or your finger to soften the edges.
- A richly pigmented, long-lasting gel eyeliner in a clean formulation.
- This formula is wonderfully creamy and blends easily so you can use it to create a solid line, gently smudge it for a softer look, or smoke it out and go full glam.
- The liner is so pigment rich you can actually do a full eye look with just this pencil and have it last all night as well.
Step 3: Build Soft Warmth and Depth
- Start by applying the Rituel de Fille Ash & Ember Eye Soot in Anima to the lid. This unique, cream-to-powder formula gives a soft wash of warmth with a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully.
- To add dimension, blend in shades from the ROEN Eyeshadow Palette in 11:11—a versatile mix of creamy, reflective tones.
- Finally, use Addiction Tokyo’s Naked Veil to buff out the edges and unify the look. It helps create that seamless transition from color to skin, giving the smoky eye its signature “effortless” vibe.
Step 4: Brighten and Balance
Pop a shimmery champagne or pearl shade in the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the look and make your eyes appear more awake.
Step 5: Finish with Mascara
Finish the look with a few coats of Redhead Revolution Gingerlash Mascara in Honest Auburn. This warm, deep brown hue enhances the lashes with a romantic softness that feels more approachable and less harsh than traditional black mascara. It’s the ideal final touch to keep the smoky eye feeling effortless and inviting.
- These tones were developed to be defining and flattering specifically for people with red hair.
- The formula is buildable, quick drying, vegan and waterproof.
- This redhead mascara builds beautifully, gives you thick, full lashes without smudging or flaking, is quick drying so it's easy to apply multiple coats, and it comes in almost impossible shades to find.
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