First find the total number of tulips in the eyes: 2 eyes * 8 tulips/eye = <<2*8=16>>16 tulips
Then find the number of tulips in the background: 18 tulips * 9 = <<18*9=162>>162 tulips
Then add the number of tulips in the eyes, smile, and background to find the total number of tulips: 16 tulips + 162 tulips + 18 tulips = <<16+162+18=196>>196 tulips
#### 196