The smokey eye is one of the most captivating makeup techniques in beauty history, known for its sultry, mysterious appeal that can instantly elevate any look. Whether you’re going for an everyday neutral tone, a bold colorful statement, or a high-glam evening appearance, a smokey eye can be tailored to suit any occasion. The magic lies in blending—the seamless transition of shadows that creates depth, dimension, and intensity around the eyes. With the right shades, tools, and techniques, anyone can master this iconic look. If you’ve ever been mesmerized by an ultra-glam smokey eye and thought it was impossible to recreate, think again. We’ve gathered 21 breathtaking smokey eye makeup looks that you won’t believe are real. From the timeless black smokey eye to dazzling jewel tones and innovative new trends, these styles will inspire your next makeup transformation. Plus, we’ll recommend must-have Amazon products to help you achieve each look effortlessly.
1. Classic Black Smokey Eye
source @lmakeupinstitute
The ultimate definition of bold and dramatic, the classic black smokey eye is a signature look that never goes out of style. This is the go-to choice for high-impact, glamorous evenings, and it pairs beautifully with nude lips to maintain balance. To create this intense, deep-black effect, start with a matte black eyeshadow, blending it gradually into a dark brown or gray transition shade. Use a soft kohl eyeliner to define the waterline and smudge it out for extra drama. Finish the look with voluminous false lashes to enhance the sultry appeal. A high-pigment palette like the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette will provide the rich, blendable shadows needed to perfect this look.
2. Soft Brown Smokey Eye
source @oliviaritamakeup
For those who want a more subtle, wearable version of the smokey eye, the soft brown smokey eye is an ideal choice. This look enhances your natural features while adding warmth and definition to the eyes. It’s perfect for everyday wear, offering a soft, blended effect without the heaviness of a traditional black smokey eye. Start by applying a warm caramel brown shade on the crease, blending it seamlessly with a taupe or chocolate hue. A slight shimmer on the lid can brighten the eyes without overpowering the look. Pair it with a soft pink or peach lip color for a balanced and effortlessly chic finish. Try using the Maybelline Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette for a versatile range of brown shades.
3. Silver and Charcoal Smokey Eye
source @makeupbyfarah____
If you want to turn heads at an evening event, a silver and charcoal smokey eye is the way to go. This metallic variation of the classic smokey eye brings an electrifying touch of glamour. Start with a deep charcoal base, blending it outward with a transition shade to create a seamless gradient. Then, apply a shimmery silver shadow to the center of the lid to add a reflective pop of light. This combination creates a mesmerizing contrast that enhances the eyes beautifully. Using a setting spray to dampen your brush before applying the silver pigment will intensify the shimmer, giving it a foil-like effect.
4. Blue Smokey Eye
source @mouli_chakraborty_makeup
For those looking to step out of their comfort zone, a blue smokey eye is an eye-catching alternative to traditional neutral tones. Rich navy or electric blue shades can add depth and uniqueness to the look, making the eyes pop. The trick to pulling off a blue smokey eye is using a deep indigo or navy as a base and blending it into a soft brown or gray transition shade to maintain harmony. A touch of shimmer on the center of the lid or inner corner can add dimension without overwhelming the look. The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette in Brights offers a great selection of blues to experiment with.
5. Green Emerald Smokey Eye
source @makeupbyjanny
Green is a color often overlooked in makeup, but an emerald green smokey eye is undeniably luxurious and elegant. This deep, jewel-toned look is particularly flattering on brown and hazel eyes, as the green hues make the eye color stand out beautifully. Start with a dark green shadow blended with black in the outer corners, and use a metallic emerald shade on the lid for a rich, jewel-like effect. A touch of gold in the inner corner can add warmth and contrast, making the entire look more dimensional.
6. Burgundy Smokey Eye
source @next.door.diva
A burgundy smokey eye is the perfect fusion of warmth and drama, making it a go-to look for fall and winter. The deep red and wine hues create a striking effect, adding a romantic yet edgy touch to your makeup. This look is best achieved using a mix of matte and shimmer burgundy shades, blended with soft brown tones to diffuse harsh edges. Burgundy smokey eyes work well with both black and brown eyeliner, depending on whether you want to keep it soft or intensify the effect. The Morphe 35O Supernatural Glow Artistry Palette is an excellent choice for rich burgundy shades.
7. Purple Smokey Eye
source @natashadenona
A purple smokey eye offers a blend of mystery and vibrance, making it a fantastic choice for those who love experimenting with color. Deep violet shades add a regal and sophisticated feel, while lighter lavender hues provide a dreamy, ethereal touch. The best way to create depth with a purple smokey eye is by using a deep plum shade in the outer corner, a medium-toned purple in the crease, and a metallic lavender on the lid. This layering technique enhances dimension, ensuring that the look remains seamless and striking.
8. Gold and Black Smokey Eye
source @manjitadhar
Nothing says luxury like a gold and black smokey eye. This look combines the classic depth of a black smokey eye with the radiant shine of gold, creating an irresistible balance of drama and elegance. Start with a deep black base, blending it outward into a soft brown transition shade. Then, apply a metallic gold shadow to the center of the lid for a dazzling contrast. This combination is perfect for formal events, weddings, or any occasion where you want your eyes to be the focal point of your look. A great product for achieving this intense metallic effect is the Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow.
9. Bronze Smokey Eye
source @makeupbyroko_
A bronze smokey eye is perfect for those who love warm, sun-kissed tones. The golden-bronze hues flatter all eye colors and skin tones, adding a soft yet glamorous touch. This look is especially stunning during the summer months, as it enhances natural warmth and radiance. To create a flawless bronze smokey eye, use a combination of warm brown and copper shades, layering them with a soft gold shimmer on the lid. Blending is key to achieving that perfect gradient that seamlessly fades into the skin.
10. Smokey Eye with Glitter Cut Crease
source @xk_blog
A modern twist on the classic smokey eye, the glitter cut crease adds definition and sparkle, making it a show-stopping look for special occasions. The key to achieving this style is precision—start by defining the crease with a dark shadow, then use concealer to carve out the cut crease shape. Once the base is set, apply a glittery shadow or loose glitter pigment to the lid, ensuring it adheres for maximum shine. This technique makes the eyes look bigger and more defined, creating a bold, glamorous statement.
11. Halo Smokey Eye
source @samhartsam
The halo smokey eye is a mesmerizing technique that makes the eyes appear larger and more radiant by placing the lightest shade in the center of the lid. This look is achieved by applying darker shades to the inner and outer corners of the eye while keeping the middle section bright and reflective. You can use shimmer, metallic, or glitter in the center to create an ethereal glow. This look works with almost any color, from neutrals to jewel tones, and adds a unique twist to traditional smokey eye styles. The Juvia’s Place The Nubian 2 Eyeshadow Palette offers excellent pigment for this dramatic contrast.
12. Rose Gold Smokey Eye
source @patricktabeauty
Soft yet glamorous, a rose gold smokey eye blends feminine warmth with a touch of shimmer, making it perfect for romantic dates or elegant events. This look works well with warm-toned browns and peachy hues to create a seamless transition. A metallic or shimmer rose gold shadow on the lid adds the signature glowing effect, making the eyes pop. The Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered Palette is a great choice for achieving this ultra-flattering style.
13. Sunset Smokey Eye
source @noofalmannai_mua
Inspired by the beauty of a sunset, this smokey eye look incorporates shades of orange, red, and deep purple to create a stunning gradient effect. The warmth of this combination makes it a perfect choice for summer evenings or festivals. Begin by blending a warm orange into the crease, followed by a deep red in the outer corner, and finish with a pop of shimmering gold on the lid. This look is both artistic and flattering, especially for those with brown or green eyes. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette contains the ideal shades for this fiery look.
14. Pink Smokey Eye
source @priyanka_rooh
Playful yet sultry, a pink smokey eye is a fresh take on this classic style. Ranging from soft pastel pinks to bold magentas, this look can be customized to suit any occasion. For a sophisticated effect, use a soft mauve transition shade and a deeper pink in the outer corner. A shimmering or metallic pink on the lid adds dimension and radiance. This look pairs beautifully with rosy blush and a nude or pink lip. The ColourPop Stone Cold Fox Palette offers an incredible selection of pink-based shades for blending perfection.
15. Smokey Eye with Winged Liner
source @kerosenedeluxe
Combining a smokey eye with a sharp winged liner takes drama to the next level. This style offers the best of both worlds—smoky, blended shadows for depth and a crisp wing for added definition. A jet-black liquid liner is essential for creating the perfect wing that stands out against the blended shadows. Whether you opt for a soft brown smokey base or a deep black gradient, the winged liner ties the whole look together for a striking finish. The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is perfect for achieving a sharp, smudge-proof wing.
16. Gunmetal Smokey Eye
source @mariahlleonard
For a modern and edgy take on the traditional smokey eye, a gunmetal look is a must-try. The metallic gray tones add a futuristic vibe while maintaining the sultry intensity of a classic smokey eye. Start with a deep gray or black base, blend it out with softer gray tones, and finish with a gunmetal shimmer on the lid. This look is perfect for evening events and pairs well with a nude or deep red lip for contrast. The Tarte Tarteist PRO Remix Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette has the perfect gunmetal shades for this effect.
17. Teal Smokey Eye
source @makeupby_farheenfraz
Bold and vibrant, a teal smokey eye is ideal for those who love to experiment with color. The deep blue-green tones create a unique and eye-catching effect, especially on brown or hazel eyes. To achieve this look, blend a dark teal shadow into the crease, adding a shimmering or metallic teal shade to the lid for dimension. This look can be paired with a nude or peach lip to keep the focus on the eyes. The Milani Gilded Emerald Eyeshadow Palette offers the perfect mix of teal and green hues for a striking smokey effect.
18. Copper Smokey Eye
source @hriyamarfatia
A copper smokey eye brings warmth and radiance, making it a stunning choice for all skin tones. The rich, fiery copper tones enhance blue and green eyes while adding a sultry depth to brown eyes. Start with a matte burnt-orange or brown shade in the crease, blending it into a metallic copper shade on the lid. Adding a touch of gold in the inner corner can make the eyes look brighter and more awake. The NARS Ignited Eyeshadow Palette offers highly pigmented copper and gold tones for a luxurious finish.
19. Graphic Smokey Eye
source @natashadenona
A graphic smokey eye is a creative, bold variation of the traditional look, incorporating sharp lines and geometric shapes. This style often includes defined cut creases, floating eyeliner, or exaggerated smudging for a more avant-garde effect. Black and dark gray shades are commonly used to create a structured, artistic appearance. If you want to step outside the box and try a daring makeup look, a graphic smokey eye is the perfect choice. A precision brush set like the Real Techniques Eye Detail & Define Brush Set is essential for achieving sharp edges and clean lines.
20. Smudged Smokey Eye
source @judymua
For a more effortless and slightly undone effect, the smudged smokey eye is the ultimate choice. This look has a grungy, rockstar-inspired feel, with intentionally blurred and smudged edges to create a lived-in aesthetic. Using a kohl eyeliner, line the upper and lower lash lines, then smudge it out using a blending brush or your fingertips. Pairing this look with a nude or glossy lip adds a chic contrast. The Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner is perfect for achieving that smudged, effortlessly cool effect.
21. Reverse Smokey Eye
source @everandhawaofficial
A bold twist on the classic style, the reverse smokey eye focuses the intensity on the lower lash line rather than the upper lid. This technique creates an ultra-dramatic effect that makes the eyes appear larger and more defined. Start by blending a dark eyeshadow or smudging a kohl liner along the lower lash line, gradually fading it out for a seamless transition. The upper lid can be kept soft with a neutral or light shimmer shade to maintain balance. A waterproof eyeliner like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ensures that the reverse smokey effect stays put all day.
