Trend Alert: The Modern Smokey Eye Is Going To Be Big This Fall
A smokey eye is one of the most classic makeup looks in beauty history. And we understand its popularity; the dark shadow and sultry liner are undeniably sexy. With that said, we’ve recently seen a modern resurgence of the classic smokey eye, and it’s a far cry from the OG vibe. Gone are the days of dramatic cool, grey tones, the modern smokey eye is more sophisticated, more subtle, and ultimately, more flattering! Here’s how to rework the trend and some major smokey eye inspo…
Switch Up The Color Palette
View this post on Instagram
Say goodbye to cool-toned shadows and black smoked-out edges, the new smokey eye is more vibrant and embraces color. Experiment with different color families, like rich plums, khakis, and soft brown hues. Our new Huda Beauty Haze Obsessions Palettes, $29, in Khaki, Sand, and Purple are designed to nail this sexy, smokey look. Each palette features soft mattes, metallic shimmers, and rich hues, allowing you to create a modern smokey eye in seconds.
View this post on Instagram
How to Create The Ultimate Smokey Eye
Step 1: Start by creating a wash of color using a fair-toned eyeshadow. The rule with a smokey eye is to keep it monochromatic, so choose a color and work with different shades within that palette.
Step 2: Use a small fluffy brush to buff a deeper shade into your crease using back and forth motions. For a more intense look, layer another deeper color into the crease.
Posts You'll Love:
Step 3: To create a smokey effect, take a densely packed brush and a dark shadow and trace along your lash line, starting from the middle of the lid moving outwards into a wing. Smoke out the shadow towards the tail of your brow and back into your crease. Using the same rich hue, line your lower lash line. For a polished final look, take a Q-tip soaked in micellar water and clean up the edges.
Step 4: Next, add a shimmery shadow over the center of the lid and the inner corner. This will also help open up the eye and make it look bigger. You can also add winged liner to lift and snatch the eye.
Step 5: Finish with lashings of a voluminous mascara – our Huda Beauty Legit Lashes, $27, is perfect – or apply a set of your favorite falsies. Check out our guide to find false lashes to suit your eye shape here.
View this post on Instagram
From fiery reds to icy blues, have fun and play with different color palettes. For shades that suit your eye color, khaki and emerald green look amazing on hazel and brown eyes while purple hues look stunning on blue and brown-eyed beauties.
View this post on Instagram
Remember, a modern smokey eye doesn’t have to be a bold shade. Strip it back and use warm, nude-for-you tones, subtle brown shades, and warm shimmers.
Opt for A Smokey Halo Eye
View this post on Instagram
For a fresh spin on the smokey eye, you can play with a halo eyeshadow effect, AKA when it looks like a panel of light is hitting the center of your eyelid. This smokey halo eye on supermodel Adut Akech Bior is next-level stunning.
View this post on Instagram
To get the look, separate your lid into three sections, the inner corner, the center, and the outer corner. The two corners should add depth with a deeper shadow to accentuate the eye’s natural almond shape. Then, use a brighter shade on the middle section, then top with a shimmer texture. For more halo eye inspo and tips, check out this post.
Experiment with Graphic Shapes
View this post on Instagram
By adding a graphic element to your smokey eye, you’ll instantly give it an edgy feel. We’re obsessed with this wing shape on Bella Hadid created by celeb MUA, Hung Vanngo.
View this post on Instagram
To create a graphic smokey eye like bombshell Olivia Culpo, take a flat angled brush and a black shadow and create a thick, exaggerated wing. Start your liner a third of the way from the outer corner, all the way to the tail of the brow. This will help lift the eye for a sculpted final look. Then, use a small fluffy brush to smoke out the wing.
Add a Pop of Contrasting Color
View this post on Instagram
Take note from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, and contrast the rich smokey outer corner with a pop of color in the tear duct. We’re obsessed with how this cleverly-placed color instantly elevates a subtle, smokey look. Be sure to use a bright color and blend well to ensure it looks intentional.
Are you guys vibing this smokey eye look? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a comment