Kriti Sanon consistently wows with her understated yet glamorous style. A key part of her signature look is the versatile brown smoky eye, a softer, chicer alternative to the classic black. Here’s how you can master it at home.
Why Brown is the New Classic
The black smoky eye has
its place, but the brown version offers a more modern and wearable appeal. Shades of chocolate, bronze, and taupe are universally flattering, especially on warm Indian skin tones, adding depth without appearing harsh. Unlike intense black, a brown smoky eye transitions seamlessly from a day at the office to a night out. It enhances the eyes, making them appear bigger and more defined, all while maintaining a soft, sophisticated finish. Kriti Sanon often opts for this look, pairing it with everything from ethnic wear to chic western outfits, proving its incredible versatility.
Your Everyday Makeup Toolkit
The best part about this look is that you don't need a professional makeup artist's kit to achieve it. Most of the essentials are probably already in your makeup bag. Gather a creamy brown or black kajal or eyeliner pencil, a neutral eyeshadow palette with a few brown shades (a light, medium, and dark brown work best), a fluffy blending brush, a smaller smudging brush, and your favourite mascara. An eyeshadow primer or even a simple concealer can serve as a great base to make the colours pop and last longer.
Step 1: Create a Smooth Canvas
Before you begin with colours, prepping your eyelids is a non-negotiable step. Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or a dot of concealer all over the lid, from the lash line up to the brow bone. Blend it out with your finger or a brush. This creates an even base, neutralises any discolouration, and gives the eyeshadows something to grip onto, preventing them from creasing and fading through the day.
Step 2: Define and Smudge
Take your creamy kajal or a soft brown eyeliner pencil and apply it along your upper lash line. Don't worry about making the line perfect. The goal is to deposit colour close to the lashes. Now, before the liner sets, use a smudging brush or even your fingertip to smudge and soften the line upwards and outwards. This creates the 'smoky' foundation of the look. Apply the same pencil to your lower lash line and waterline, smudging it gently for a cohesive, sultry effect.
Step 3 : Build a Gradient of Colour
Now it's time for eyeshadow. Pick up a medium brown shade on a fluffy blending brush and sweep it into your crease, using back - and - forth windshield - wiper motions. This adds dimension and creates a smooth transition. Next , take a slightly darker brown shadow and pack it onto the outer third of your eyelid , blending it into the smudged liner . The key is to build the colour gradually , keeping the darkest intensity at the lash line and the outer corner , and blending upwards into lighter shades.
Step 4 : Add a Pop of Light
To prevent the look from appearing flat , add a touch of light . Take a shimmery light beige , champagne , or soft gold eyeshadow and press it onto the centre of your eyelid with your finger . This simple trick catches the light and makes your eyes look brighter and more open . You can also add a tiny dab of this shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes and just below the arch of your eyebrows to highlight and lift the entire eye area .
Step 5 : The Finishing Touches
No eye look is complete without well - defined lashes . Curl your eyelashes and apply two to three generous coats of mascara to both your top and bottom lashes . This will open up your eyes and complete the smoky effect . For a look that’s truly inspired by Kriti Sanon , keep the rest of your makeup balanced . Think luminous skin , a soft blush , and a nude or soft pink lipstick to let your beautifully defined eyes take centre stage .
