Celebrity style often provides endless inspiration, but few looks are as versatile and wearable as Kriti Sanon's signature brown smoky eye. It’s a softer, more modern take on a classic, offering drama without the harshness of traditional black.
Why Brown Is the New Black
The classic
black smoky eye is iconic, but it can often feel too intense for daytime or for those who prefer a subtler effect. Brown, however, offers the best of both worlds. It provides the same sultry depth and definition but with a softer, more forgiving finish that is universally flattering. Warm brown tones, from caramel to deep espresso, blend seamlessly with most skin tones, particularly Indian complexions, enhancing natural features rather than creating a stark contrast. This makes the brown smoky eye incredibly versatile; it can be worn for a casual day out and easily intensified for an evening event, making it a go-to for celebrities like Kriti Sanon who need a reliable and chic look.
The Essential Toolkit
To recreate this look, you don't need a professional makeup artist's entire kit. The focus is on a few key products that work together to create a seamless, blended effect. Start with an eyeshadow primer to ensure your makeup stays put and the colours remain vibrant. You will need an eyeshadow palette with a range of brown shades, including a light matte brown for the base, a medium warm brown for the crease, and a deep chocolate or espresso shade for definition. A good blending brush is non-negotiable for achieving that signature 'smoky' diffusion. Also, have a brown kohl or gel eyeliner pencil and your favourite mascara on hand. For extra pop, a touch of champagne or bronze shimmer can be used to highlight the inner corner and brow bone.
Step 1: Prep the Perfect Canvas
A smooth base is the key to any flawless eye makeup. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer across your entire eyelid, from the lash line up to the brow bone. This simple step prevents creasing and ensures the eyeshadow pigments appear true to their colour. If you don't have a primer, a small amount of concealer blended evenly across the lid works as a great alternative. Once primed, apply a light, neutral eyeshadow shade that is slightly lighter than your skin tone all over the lid. This creates a clean canvas and makes blending the subsequent darker shades much easier.
Step 2: Build and Define the Crease
The secret to a smoky eye is creating dimension. Take a fluffy blending brush and dip it into a medium-toned matte brown eyeshadow. Tap off any excess product to avoid fallout. Apply this shade into your crease, which is the hollow area just above your eyeball. Use windshield-wiper and small circular motions to blend the colour up towards your orbital bone. This step should not look perfect or harsh; the goal is to create a soft, diffused shadow that adds depth and shape to your eye. Keep blending until there are no obvious lines. This creates the 'smoky' foundation of the look.
Step 3: Add Depth and Smoke
Now it's time to build the intensity. Using a smaller, denser brush, pick up your darkest brown eyeshadow—think chocolate or espresso. Pat this colour onto the outer third of your eyelid, keeping it below the crease you just defined. Then, take your brown kohl or gel pencil and apply it along your upper lash line. You don't need a perfect, sharp line. Immediately use a smudging brush or even your fingertip to soften and smoke out the liner, blending it slightly upwards into the dark eyeshadow. This technique of smudging the liner is what gives the look its signature soft, smouldering effect. Apply the same dark brown shadow lightly along your lower lash line to balance the eye.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches
The final details bring the entire look together. To make your eyes appear brighter and more open, apply a small amount of a shimmery champagne or light gold eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes and just under the arch of your brow bone. Next, curl your eyelashes and apply one or two generous coats of mascara to both your top and bottom lashes. Well-defined lashes are crucial as they can sometimes get lost against a darker shadow. For an extra touch of glamour, as Kriti often sports, you can add a pair of false eyelashes. Finally, take a clean brush to sweep away any fallout and ensure the edges of your smoky eye are seamlessly blended into your skin.
