I would recommend using Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance as a base. Primes the eyelid and makes sure that eyeshadows don't crease and last all day and night!
As a 'beginner' you don't have to use black for a smokey eye, you can always use a really dark brown. I use The Body Shop's eyeshadow called Chocolate - a very deep dark brown with gold reflects.
I sometimes opt for dark colours e.g. dark green or a midnight blue.. Smokey eyes don't always have to be black!
The rest Perdita has really said it all.. No point repeating that x