How to Do a Quick Smokey Eye (The Bobbi Brown Way)

If you love that effortless, polished Bobbi Brown style, soft definition, warm tones and naturally enhanced eyes, then this quick smokey eye is perfect for you. It’s simple, flattering on every eye shape, and takes less than 10 minutes to recreate.

Here’s how to achieve it step by step.

1. Start With a Cream Shadow Base

Bobbi Brown’s signature smokey eye always begins with a long-wear cream shadow.
Choose a neutral shade close to your skin tone and sweep it across the entire lid.
This helps everything blend seamlessly and ensures your makeup lasts all day (or all night).

2. Add a Wash of Soft Brown

Pick a matte medium brown shade, something warm and wearable.
Use a fluffy brush to blend it into the crease and just above it.
This gives that soft, hazy definition without looking too heavy.

Tip: keep the edges diffused and blown out for that effortless finish.

3. Deepen the Lash Line

Instead of going straight in with black, Bobbi Brown’s look uses soft liners and smudges, not harsh lines.

Use a brown pencil or a deep chocolate shadow and press it into the upper lash line.
Then gently smudge it with a brush or your fingertip so it looks soft and smoky.

You can repeat this on the lower lash line, but keep it subtle to avoid closing the eyes.

4. Add a Touch of Depth

To make the eyes pop, use a darker shade, a deep brown or espresso, and place it in the outer corner of the eye.
Blend it in small circles until everything looks seamless.

This step adds shape and lifts the eye without feeling dramatic.

5. Highlight the Inner Corners

Use a soft champagne or ivory shimmer and tap it into the inner corners.
This brightens the eyes and adds that signature Bobbi Brown glow.

6. Finish With Mascara

Lots of mascara is the final step to make the eyes look open and defined.
Go for lengthening first, then add a little volume on top for balance.

Final Tips for the Perfect Smokey Eye

• Stick to warm, flattering tones to keep the look soft and wearable
• Blend more than you think you need to, this is what gives that signature Bobbi Brown finish
• A nude lip pairs beautifully with this kind of eye
• Great for work events, date nights, Christmas parties or everyday glam

If you’d like help mastering this look in person, my 1-to-1 makeup lessons cover eyes, complexion, brushes, blending and choosing the right products for your skin tone and lifestyle.

Get in touch if you’d love to book a session!

Written by Crissie Bond, professional makeup artist based in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.