Kriti Sanon consistently turns heads with her stunning makeup, and her signature brown smoky eye is a masterclass in versatile glamour. Softer than black but just as impactful, this look is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to get it.
The Allure of the Brown Smoky Eye
While a classic
black smoky eye is a go-to for high-drama events, the brown version offers a sophisticated and wearable alternative. It's less harsh, making it suitable for daytime events, office parties, and evening functions alike. The earthy tones are particularly flattering on Indian skin, adding warmth and definition without overwhelming the eyes. Kriti Sanon's makeup artists frequently use shades of warm brown to create a smudged, kohl-rimmed effect that is both sultry and soft. This look relies on blending and layering to achieve a seamless gradient of colour, proving that you don’t need harsh lines to make a statement.
Your Everyday Makeup Toolkit
The best part about this look is that you don't need to buy a whole new set of products. You likely have everything you need in your current makeup bag. Gather these essentials before you start:
- An eyeshadow primer or a creamy concealer.
- A neutral eyeshadow palette with a few shades of brown (light, medium, and dark).
- A brown or black kohl/kajal pencil (a creamy formula works best).
- A fluffy blending brush and a smaller, denser brush for smudging.
- Your favourite mascara.
- An optional highlighter or shimmery champagne eyeshadow.
Step 1: Prep the Perfect Canvas
A long-lasting eye look starts with good prep. Applying an eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of concealer over your eyelids is a crucial first step. This creates a smooth, even base for the eyeshadows to glide onto, prevents creasing, and helps the colours appear more vibrant. If you're using concealer, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. This ensures that the darker shadows you apply later will blend effortlessly.
Step 2: Build the Foundation
Using a fluffy blending brush, sweep a light brown or beige eyeshadow all over your eyelid, from the lash line up to the brow bone. This initial layer acts as a transition shade, ensuring there are no harsh edges later on. Next, take a medium brown shade and apply it into your crease, using windshield-wiper motions to build the colour gradually. This step starts to add depth and dimension to your eyes, creating the foundation of the smoky effect.
Step 3: Define and Smudge
This is where the magic happens. Take your dark brown eyeshadow and pack it onto the outer 'V' of your eye with a smaller, denser brush. Blend it inwards towards the center of the lid. The key to Kriti’s look is often a heavy kohl application. Line your upper lash line with a creamy kohl pencil, making the line thicker towards the outer edge. Don't worry about it being perfect. Immediately take your smudger brush and soften the line, blending it upwards into the dark brown eyeshadow. Repeat this process along your lower lash line, applying kohl and smudging it out with the dark brown shadow for a cohesive, smoky look.
Step 4: Highlight and Finish
To prevent the look from appearing flat, add a touch of light. Dab a shimmery champagne or pale gold eyeshadow onto the inner corner of your eyes and right under the arch of your brow bone. This instantly brightens and lifts the eye area. Next, apply a creamy kajal to your upper and lower waterlines to intensify the look, a technique often seen on Kriti. Finally, curl your lashes and apply two to three generous coats of volumising mascara to both your top and bottom lashes. This final touch opens up the eyes and completes the glamorous effect.
