The smoky eye is a timeless makeup classic, but the traditional heavy black can sometimes feel too intense. Enter its softer, chicer cousin: the brown smoky eye, a go-to look for style icon Kriti Sanon. It's elegant, versatile, and easy to love.
Why Brown is the New Black
For years,
the black smoky eye has been the undisputed champion of dramatic evening looks. But a shift towards softer, more wearable glamour has put the brown smoky eye in the spotlight. Unlike the stark intensity of black, brown offers a gentler, more forgiving frame for the eyes. It defines and adds depth without the risk of looking overly harsh, making it a perfect choice for a wider range of occasions, from a brunch date to a wedding reception. Shades of chocolate, caramel, and taupe are also incredibly flattering on warm and olive Indian skin tones, enhancing the natural richness of the complexion. The transition from day to night becomes effortless; a soft daytime look can be easily intensified by adding deeper brown shades, offering a versatility that classic black often lacks.
Kriti Sanon's Signature Style
Kriti Sanon has mastered the art of understated glamour, and the brown smoky eye is a frequent star in her makeup repertoire. She often pairs warm, diffused brown eyeshadow with softly smudged liner to create a look that is both captivating and approachable. This choice accentuates her features beautifully, providing definition that complements both elaborate ethnic wear and modern western outfits. Her take on the trend proves that you don't need intense black shadows to make a statement. Instead, a well-blended brown eye look can appear more sophisticated and seamlessly integrated, enhancing the eyes without overpowering the rest of her makeup.
Your Toolkit for the Perfect Look
Recreating this look at home is simpler than you might think, provided you have the right tools. The key is to work with blendable, pigmented formulas. You will need: an eyeshadow primer to ensure your look lasts; a versatile brown eyeshadow palette with a mix of light, medium, and dark shades in both matte and shimmer finishes; a creamy brown eyeliner or kohl pencil; a fluffy blending brush and a smaller pencil brush for smudging; and a volumizing mascara to complete the look. When choosing a palette, look for one with warm browns, rich coppers, and perhaps a gold or bronze shimmer to add a festive pop.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless Finish
Ready to try it yourself? Follow these simple steps for a Kriti-inspired brown smoky eye. 1. Prime Your Lids: Start by applying an eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of concealer all over the eyelid. This creates a smooth base and prevents the shadow from creasing. 2. Create a Transition: Using a fluffy brush, sweep a light, warm-brown matte shadow through your crease. This will serve as your transition shade and help all the other colours blend seamlessly. 3. Build Depth: Pat a medium-brown shadow onto your eyelid, from the lash line up to the crease. Then, take a darker chocolate-brown shadow and focus it on the outer corner of your eye, blending it into a 'V' shape to add dimension. 4. Line and Smudge: Apply a creamy brown eyeliner along your upper lash line. Using a pencil brush, gently smudge the liner before it sets for a smoky effect. Apply the same liner to your lower lash line and smudge it out with the dark brown shadow for a cohesive look. 5. Highlight and Finish: Add a touch of shimmer to the inner corner of your eye and on your brow bone to brighten and lift the area. Finish with two generous coats of your favourite mascara to make your lashes pop.
