Plum Smoke Makeup Tutorial

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Prime and set lids

   Step 1 of 7

   Apply eyeshadow primer across the entire lid up to the brow bone. Set with a light, matte nude shade. This creates a smooth base that prevents the deep plum pigments from creasing or mudding together.

   Tip: Use a shade that matches your skin tone — the primer should disappear, not add color.

2. 2

   Warm transition shade

   Step 2 of 7

   Blend a warm mauve or dusty rose shade through the crease using a fluffy blending brush. Use windshield-wiper motions. This transition shade bridges your skin tone and the deep plum, preventing a harsh line.

3. 3

   Build plum in the crease and outer V

   Step 3 of 7

   Using a smaller, denser brush, apply a deep matte plum to the outer V and outer half of the crease. Build in layers — two thin passes are better than one heavy application. Blend the edge into the transition shade so there's no visible line.

   Tip: Tap off excess from the brush before applying. Deep plum shades can deposit too much pigment in one swipe.

4. 4

   Shimmer lid

   Step 4 of 7

   Pat a plum or berry shimmer shade onto the center of the lid using a flat shader brush or your fingertip. Press the color on rather than swiping to maximize metallic payoff. The shimmer creates contrast against the matte crease and adds dimension.

5. 5

   Deepen outer corner

   Step 5 of 7

   Add a touch of dark burgundy or deep eggplant to the very outer corner, right at the lash line. Blend upward and outward in a V shape. This adds depth and smoke without the entire look going too dark.

6. 6

   Lower lash line and inner corner

   Step 6 of 7

   Sweep the plum transition shade along the lower lash line with a pencil brush. Add a light champagne or pink shimmer to the inner corner for brightness. Line the upper waterline with a dark purple or brown pencil.

7. 7

   Mascara and final blend

   Step 7 of 7Almost done!

   Apply two coats of volumizing mascara. Use a clean fluffy brush to do a final blend through the crease, softening any remaining edges. The finished look should feel like a gradient from light inner corner through plum center to deep outer V.