9 Smoky Eye Kits to Help You Master the Classic Look
Get ready to work it.
By Christina Pérez
Elle / Amy Armani
There's nothing sexier than a smoky eye, and with autumn just around the corner, it's a good time to brush up on your blending and smudging skills. To save time, money, and skip an inevitable mess, add a handy all-in-one palette to your makeup bag. With a range of coordinating shades, specially-designed applicators, and easy-to-follow instructions, they're the best way to master the classic come-hither beauty look. Here are nine favorites.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
With sixteen blendable shades ranging from deep coal to shimmery white, the color combinations offered in this kit are nearly endless. But it's the thoughtful, built-in guide that makes it especially fun to use: Simply choose one shade from each labeled row and work your way up, from liner to highlighter.
Knock Out Beauty Smoky Eye Palette, $25; target.com
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Leave it to Bobbi Brown to create the ultimate all-in-one eye palette. It includes miniature versions of the legendary makeup artist's four favorite brushes and pretty, iris-enhancing hues like Rich Plum and Royal Navy.
Bobbi Brown Everything Eyes Palette, $75; nordstrom.com
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Time strapped minimalists rejoice! The four tonal shadows in this streamlined palette are each embossed with the ideal, eye-defining placement, making application a breeze. The darkest shade is for the eye's outer corner, the medium for the crease, the shimmer for the lid, and highlighter for the brow bone. Voila, done.
Round or almond? This professional-looking set—which contains an eyelid primer, brush, and 14 shadow options—comes with a detailed booklet on how best to play up your unique eye shape for day, night, and beyond.
Smashbox Full Exposure Eye Palette with Primer, $52; nordstrom.com
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
For those who prefer extra definition at the lash line, two skinny pencils take the place of an angled brush. Eight shades, from a rich chocolate to the palest sand, let you really build color.
Caked-on, too-dry shadow is so not cute. The three "foundation" shadows here prep and smooth lids, while peptides and collagen provide extra anti-aging benefits. Once you're primed, select from three trios of color.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Eye Transforming Anti-Aging Super Palette, $42; ulta.com
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Prepare to be amazed by all the features Dior was able to pack into its pint-size palette: A pointy-tipped liner brush, a round blending brush, a sponge wand, four vaguely shimmery powder shadows, and one smooth dark gel liner.
No one-trick show pony here. Whether you're craving a soft, sheer look or something a tad more dramatic, this versatile palette can make it happen. Each shade can be applied wet or dry, and the double-sided brush lets you define and blend without a second thought.
Laura Geller The Delectables Eye Shadow Palette, $45; dermstore.com
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Okay, so it's technically not a "palette," but this five-piece set scores major points for providing all the tools a smoky eye requires, right down to the intensely black volumizing mascara and easy to follow step-by-step guide.
bareMinerals Bare Tutorials Smoky Eyes Set, $30; nordstrom.com