Traditional, smokey eye tutorials feature brown, gray, and black eyeshadows. I have found that the aubergine tone of Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano is the perfect color to make any eye color pop. The matte formula and velvet finish of this color, make this smokey eye look quite unique and unforgettable. I hope you enjoy. (Please excuse the slight lighting variation; the sun was going in and out on this day.)

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano used with a dampened angled brush as an intense eyeliner.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadow #5 Vulcano used with a dampened angled brush as an intense eyeliner.
- Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow primer (I used Nars). Dampen any angled brush (I used my Meme Eyeliner Brush) with water (I use Witch Hazel) and dip the brush into the pan using a good amount of pressure. You want to saturate the brush tip with an adequate amount of color. Apply the color thickly along the lash line and create a wing at the ends. This will act as a guide for the black liquid liner that will be applied later.
- Step 2: Use a dry dual ended brush (I used Billy B #12 Brush) or a sponge tip applicator and smudge a light amount of Vulcano over the liner. I like to stop midway on the lid. The goal is to create a hazy layer over the darken line to make the eyes appear larger. This technique will not disrupt the liner, because once Vulcano sets it does not budge.
- Step 3: Apply a matte flesh-colored shadow (I used MUFE M-510) to the rest of the mobile lid using a soft eyeshadow brush (I used Chikuhodo Z-5), blending some color onto the edge of Vulcano. This lighter color will not only brighten and even out the rest of the lid, but it will also blend out any of Vulcano’s harsh edges. Apply the same matte flesh color to the brow bone area.
- Step 4: To add depth to this look, add a warm brown matte color (I used MUFE M-600) to the crease area using a soft eyeshadow brush (I used Meme Eyeshadow Brush). The warmth of the crease color perfectly enhances Vulcano’s aubergine tone.
- Step 5: Add any brightening pink-based eyeshadow/highlighter (I used MUFE I-524) to the inner corner. This will open up the eye area and the iridescent texture proved to be an interesting and attractive contrast against all the matte shadows.
- Step 6: Apply liquid liner of your choice (I used Presitge Line and Style Ink Pen), using the first layer of Vulcano as a guide; being diligent not to completely cover the line. Should you become overzealous with you liquid liner and cover too much of the original line, reapply more Vulcano with your dampened angled brush directly on top of the black line. The darkened aubergine color against the black liner will give your eyes a doe-like effect and really make them appear larger.
- Step 7: Take your gel liner (I use Ingot #90) and tightline your upper waterline, making sure to cover any gaps in-between the lashes. Use a pointed Q-Tip dipped in lotion to sharpen and clean up the edges of your wing.
- Step 8: Apply a light bronze color thickly along the lower lash line. It is my personal belief, using a bronze shade on the lower lash line really accentuates the eyes, more so than using the same color that was applied on the lids.
- Step 9: Add your favorite mascara (I used Clinique Volumizing Mascara) and tightline the lower waterline with your favorite liner (I used Givenchy #9 Brun Cachemire).
THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?
Makeup would tell you this smokey eye look will make your eyes stand-out. Use any eyeshadow color or brand of your liking or cream products if you have really oily lids. Regardless, I hope you found the technique helpful to create your own unique smokey eye. Until next time, be well, stay safe and be happy.
-Maria
*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me, with the exception of the Meme Brush Set. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.
I’m late to the party but this is an awesome look. By any chance do you recall the lipstick you were wearing? Thank you Maria!
Hello SquirrelGurl,
I am wearing one coat of Girlactik Allure Matte Lip Paint as my lipliner (you can skip this if you do not have feathering issues) topped with Estee Lauder Insolent Plum Lipstick, topped lightly with YSL 11 Prune Impertinente Baby Doll Kiss and Blush. I hope this helps.
-Maria
This is such a classic look. I love the way you apply these colors–one of the best looks and directions I have come across. Thank you for this.
Hello Julie,
Thank you so much. I hope you are able to recreate this look easily, it really is a very versatile and striking look. Thank you for the support and for commenting.
-Maria
Hey Maria, thank you for the tutorial! It’s amazingly clear and easy to follow! I don’t think I’ve tried something like this! Sometimes I use a pencil liner as a base, but I don’t wing it out that much. I should give it a go soon!
Hello Sunny,
Thank you so much. It really is an easy technique with minimal eyeshadows.
-Maria
Gorgeous! Great tutorial too! Love the color combinations! I commend you for your patience in doing a great job in doing a tutorial. I know how time consuming it can be! *Pats you on the back.*
Hello Olivia,
Thank you my friend. Only someone who’s blog is as wonderful as yours can understand how much work goes into every post 🙂 *Big virtual hugs back at you baby*.
-Maria