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The eyes are truly the windows to the soul, and eye makeup allows us to express ourselves through beauty. Whether you want a subtle daytime look or a glam evening style, the right eye makeup can take your overall face from fine to fabulous. In this article, I’m sharing 25 eye makeup looks for all skill levels and occasions, from on-trend cat eyes to soft smokey eyes.
As a longtime makeup artist, I’ve learned that eyes are the easiest feature to transform—with the right techniques and products, you can completely change your face. I’ll cover everything from classic liner shapes to innovative color combinations. For more beauty tips, whether you’re new to eye makeup or an experienced glamour girl, I guarantee you’ll find looks here to suit your style and stun in any situation.
Eye Makeup Trends 2024
When it comes to eye makeup looks for 2024, two trends are definitely standing out: colorful eyeliner and graphic liner designs. Vibrant shades of eyeliner like bright blue, neon pink, and emerald green are sure to make a statement next year.
I’ve also noticed people getting more creative with fun eyeliner patterns beyond your basic winged liner. Some graphic styles I’ve seen gaining popularity include colorful liner dots, flowers, and abstract shapes drawn across the lid.
I expect colorful eyeliner will work well for both daytime and evening makeup looks in 2024. For day, try pairing a pastel or bold eyeliner with minimal eyeshadow and mascara. At night, layer on some shimmer or glitter eyeshadow alongside a graphic liner in a complementary hue.
Some colors that will work well for both trends include royal blue, lime green, and lavender. No matter the shade, the key is to pick a hue that suits your eye and skin tone for the most flattering pop of color.
One question I’ve been getting a lot lately is – how do I apply colorful eyeliner without it looking messy? My best tip is to start small by drawing on just a thin line, then build up the color in layers until you achieve the intensity you want.
Using an angled brush or eyeliner pen will give you more precision. It also helps to work in small sections and set the liner with an eyeshadow in a similar shade after each part is drawn on. With some practice, colorful eyeliner can easily become part of your everyday routine. I can’t wait to see how creative people get with graphic liner next year!
Eye Makeup Looks Step by Step
Mastering eye makeup is one of the best ways to enhance your natural beauty. With just a few easy techniques, you can create looks that range from subtle daytime definition to glam evening glamour. Here are the basic steps I recommend every makeup lover learn:
- Priming is key – I always apply an eye primer all over the lid up to the brow bone. This creates a smooth base for shadow and helps it last longer. After blending the primer, it’s time for color.
- For daytime, I like to start with a medium matte shade swept across the entire lid. Blending is everything, so take your time to diffuse any harsh lines. Then, deepen the crease with a slightly darker shadow on a fluffy brush. Sweep this back and forth until it’s seamlessly blended out.
- To open up your eyes, highlight the inner corner and brow bone. I love using a shimmery champagne or pearl shade for this. It’s also a quick way to add dimension when you’re in a rush.
- For definition, line your upper lash line with a pencil or gel liner. I find pencils are easier for beginners to control. Smudge it out slightly with a brush for a softer look. Coat your lashes with volumizing mascara before moving on to the rest of your face.
With these basic techniques under your belt, you’ll be ready to experiment. Play with color combinations that complement your eye color. Blend, blend, blend – it’s so worth taking the extra minutes. Have fun discovering what makeup styles you feel most confident and beautiful in.
Eye Makeup Looks by Skill Level
In this section, I’ll break down eye makeup options according to skill level so there’s something for everyone. We’ll start with simple looks using just one or two shades, then explore more involved techniques like cut creases and false lashes. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or pro, keep reading to find styles that suit your experience and vibe.
Easy Eye Makeup Looks for Any Occasion
Whether you’re heading to work or meeting friends for brunch, a simple eye makeup look can polish off any look. I often field questions from newbies asking for easy options they can master. Here are three of my go-to looks perfect for busy days:
Neutral Smokey Eye (3 minutes or less!)
Start with a medium brown eyeshadow all over the lid. Blend it up toward the brow bone for a diffused effect. Then line the upper lash line with a dark brown or black pencil.
Smudge it out slightly for a softer look. A few coats of mascara finish this look that flatters any eye color. Neutral tones make this a safe choice you can wear anywhere.
Bright Wash of Color
If you want a pop without lots of blending, sweep a shimmery eyeshadow in your favorite bold hue like emerald or plum all over the lid. For definition, line the upper lash line and smudge as before.
The bright wash of color livens up your look in an instant. I love this when I want to feel put together without much fuss.
No-Makeup Makeup
On mornings when you have five minutes to get out the door, try dusting a matte skin-tone eyeshadow from lash line to brow bone. Sweep a soft taupe in the crease for subtle shape.
Finish with a swipe of mascara. Your eyes will look wide awake and polished. It’s the perfect “I woke up like this” look for those busy days.
Intermediate Eye Makeup Looks
If you’ve mastered the basics but want to step up your eye game, these everyday eye makeup looks are perfect for you. With a few extra products and techniques, you can take your eyes from pretty to stunning in no time.
Soft Smokey Eye
A soft smokey eye is such a classic for a reason—it’s super flattering on every eye shape. Start with a medium brown or taupe shadow all over the lid and blend it up towards the brow bone. Sweep a darker shade along the lash line and blend it out for drama.
Don’t forget to line your upper lash line for definition. Mascara is key to make your lashes really pop. I love using a volumizing formula first, followed by a lengthening mascara on the tips.
Subtle Winged Liner
Another go-to is a subtle winged liner. Line your upper lash line with a felt tip liner, extending it out past the outer corner at a slight angle. Keep the wing thin and subtle—you don’t want it to be too harsh.
Smudge a bit of brown shadow along the lower lash line to balance things out. Curling your lashes before mascara makes your eyes look instantly wider and brighter.
Colorful Lid
A colorful lid is so fun for day or night. Sweep a shimmery eyeshadow in your favorite hue—emerald, sapphire, ruby—all over the lid and blend it into the crease. Make sure to use a fluffy brush to diffuse any harsh lines.
A wash of color is all you need to spice up a look. Top it off with plenty of mascara and you’re good to go! As always, practice makes perfect with these intermediate techniques.
Advanced Eye Makeup Looks
Looking to up your eye game? These dramatic eye looks require more skill but are so worth it for a night out. With some practice, you’ll be turning heads in no time.
Smoky shadow brigade
Start with a deep matte brown all over the lid. Blend a darker shade into the crease, then smoke it out with black along the lash line.
Blend, blend, blend until it’s hazy heaven. Sweep a shimmer across the center of the lid for dimension. Lining the inner rim with a silvery shadow makes eyes pop.
Cut crease queen
Use concealer on the lid as a base. Cut a crisp half-moon shape above the crease, filling the bottom with a bright shimmer or glitter.
Blend a darker shade into the outer V and crease. Thin liner on the upper lash line and a thick flick of liquid liner on the bottom take this look to the next level.
Gradient goddess
Blend three complementary shades – a light, medium, and dark – across the lid in gradient fashion. Start with the light on the inner corner, deepening the shade as you move out. B
lend the colors seamlessly together with small, diffused motions. Thick upper liner wings it out, while lower liner in just the outer half makes eyes sultry without closing them off.
Mastering these advanced looks takes practice, but the payoff is totally worth it. Experiment until you find your signature eye that suits your features and vibe.
Eye Makeup Looks by Occasion
Whether you’re heading to brunch on Sunday or a party on Friday night, the right eye makeup can take your look from day to dazzling. In this section, I’ll share some of my favorite eye looks for different events, from natural daytime styles to sultry evening glam.
Everyday Eye Makeup
For most of us, putting together a quick eye look is essential for those busy weekday mornings. Here are a couple of my go-to natural eye makeup looks that take only 5 minutes but still make you feel polished and pulled together.
The No-Makeup Makeup Look
- Sweep a neutral matte eyeshadow across the entire lid up to the crease in a shade similar to your skin tone. Blend well to diffuse edges.
- Tightline your upper waterline with a black or brown eyeliner. This adds subtle definition without being overly dramatic.
- Sweep on a few coats of mascara, focusing on the outer lashes to open up your eyes. Curl lashes first for added lift.
- Finish with brushed brows to frame your face naturally.
The Smoky Wash of Color
- Dust a medium brown or taupe eyeshadow all over the lid and crease using a fluffy brush. Blend blend blend to diffuse edges.
- Smudge a slightly darker shade along the upper and lower lash lines to add depth and definition.
- Apply a few coats of black or brown mascara.
- Fill in brows to complete the look.
Both of these looks take me 5 minutes tops to do in the morning. The key is using long-wearing, blendable formulas and focusing on one or two techniques rather than a full beat. With a bit of practice, you’ll be an everyday eye makeup pro in no time.
Simple Eye Makeup Looks for the Workday
When it comes to eye makeup for the office, less is always more. A polished yet natural look allows you to feel put together without overpowering your features or breaking workplace dress codes. Here are a few of my go-to minimalist eye looks perfect for busy work mornings:
The No-Fail Neutrals
For days when you’re rushed, a swipe of brown or taupe eyeshadow blended all over the lids keeps it simple.
A few coats of waterproof mascara finish it off. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon in Smokey Quartz – the perfect neutral that works for every eye color.
The Quick Smokey
For a slightly more dramatic weekday eye, sweep a matte gray or charcoal shadow along the upper lash line and blend it upwards.
Apply a lighter color on the inner corners to brighten eyes. A thin line of black or brown eyeliner along the top completes this look in under 5 minutes.
The Pop of Color
If your workplace allows for bolder hues, add a wash of jewel-toned or pastel shadow just on the center of the lid.
I find brighter shades like mint green or lavender really open up my eyes without being too much. Top it off with a coat of tinted brow gel to frame your face.
The key is choosing crease-proof, long-wearing formulas and keeping lines soft. Focus on accentuating your best features naturally rather than over-contouring.
With a few strategic makeup moves, you can look polished and professional all day long without fussing over touch-ups. With some practice, these looks become as simple as getting dressed!
Party Looks to Steal the Spotlight
Whether you’re attending a holiday party or New Year’s Eve bash, sultry eye makeup is key to feeling glamorous and confident as you socialize. I’m sharing two of my favorite techniques for dramatic day-to-night looks perfect for any special event.
Sultry Smoky Eye
For a smoky effect that’s both sexy and subtle, start by applying a mid-tone brown shadow all over the lid and blend it into the crease. Then sweep a darker brown along the lash line and blend it upwards, taking care to soften the edges.
Add definition with a thin line of black gel liner along the upper lash line. Smudge it lightly for a sultry, smokey result. Top it off with thick coats of volumizing mascara. This look has a way of making eyes stand out without overwhelming facial features.
Glitter Glam
When you want all eyes on you, reach for glitter. My go-to is a wash of rose gold shadow on the lid with a dab of clear glitter gel patted on top. The effect is mesmerizing—like your eyes are glowing from within.
Define the crease with a warm brown and line upper lashes with a shimmering bronze pencil. Sweep on a few coats of black mascara and you’re good to shine.
I love how the glitter adds just the right amount of sparkle without crossing the line into costume makeup. Subtle touches of highlighter and gloss round out the look for an all-night glow.
Whether you prefer smoky or glittery, dramatic party eye makeup is guaranteed to make an entrance. Just be sure to prep lids well so your hard work lasts through late night laughs and twirls on the dance floor. Have fun with it!
Wedding Eye Makeup
Choosing the perfect eye makeup for your big day can be overwhelming with so many gorgeous looks to inspire you. As a makeup artist, I often get asked: what are the best eye makeup styles for brides? Here are a few of my favorite elegant options:
Natural Glow
For a fresh, romantic look, try softly smoked out brown or taupe shadow swept across the lid and blended into the crease.
Line your upper lash line with a matching pencil and coat your lashes in black mascara for subtle definition.
A dab of highlighter on the inner corners opens up your eyes. This look lets your natural beauty shine through under floral crowns or veils. It’s what I wore on my own wedding day—timeless and photo-friendly.
Smoky Sparkle
A smoky eye never fails to make a statement. Use a dark gray or charcoal shadow swept from lash line to crease, then blend, blend, blend until it’s diffused.
Dust a matching shade on the lower lash line as well. Top it off with silver or champagne shimmer on the center of the lid for an extra touch of glamour.
Individual false lashes add drama without going over the top. This style photographs beautifully in any setting from beach weddings to ballrooms.
Classic Cat Eye
You can’t go wrong with a classic cat eye. Try an inky black or deep brown pencil, winging it out along the upper lash line and blending the edges. Sweep a coordinating shadow across the entire lid and blend it up through the crease.
Curl those lashes and load on the volumizing mascara. This look is sleek and sophisticated for rehearsal dinners or elegant ballroom weddings.
With the right eye makeup, you’ll glow with confidence all through your special day and into the night. I hope these ideas inspire your vision—now go get wedding-day gorgeous!
Eye Makeup Looks by Eye Color
When it comes to Eye Makeup Looks, I’m always asked about how to make the most of different eye colors. In this section, I’ll share some of my favorite palettes and techniques for bringing out the best in brown, blue and green eyes. We’ll cover daytime enhancing looks as well as more dramatic evening styles to make those peepers pop!
Eye Makeup for Brown Eyes
Brown eyes have such depth and warmth to them – I’m always looking for ways to highlight their natural beauty. Here are a few of my go-to eye looks that complement different brown eye colors.
Neutral Smokey Eye (for medium to dark brown eyes)
A neutral smoky eye is universally flattering. I start by blending a matte taupe all over the lid and crease. Then I sweep a shimmery brown along the lower lash line and smudge it out for dimension.
A few coats of black mascara finish it off. The taupe and brown blend seamlessly with brown irises while defining eyes.
Warm Copper Glow (for light to medium brown eyes):
Copper shades make hazel and caramel eyes absolutely glow. I apply a warm copper shadow from lash line to crease, blending well.
Then I sweep a darker rose gold along the outer third to add depth. A few coats of black mascara and you’re good to go! The copper brings out flecks of gold and green that can sometimes get lost.
Pop of Color (for medium to dark brown eyes)
For a fun twist, try a jewel-toned shadow like emerald, sapphire or amethyst on the lower lash line and blended halfway into the mobile lid.
I find these colors make brown eyes really stand out against my skin. Apply a neutral matte shadow all over the lid first to make the pop of color pop even more. Top it off with lots of mascara.
Eye Makeup Looks for Blue Eyes
When it comes to highlighting your baby blues, less can definitely be more. As a makeup artist, I’ve found that blue-eyed gals like us don’t need much in the way of shadow or liner to make our eyes pop.
In fact, going too heavy or dark can sometimes overwhelm lighter iris colors. Here are a couple of my go-to minimalist looks perfected over years of experimenting on myself:
The No-Makeup Makeup
For an everyday enhancement, sweep a soft taupe or light brown shade all over the lid up to the crease. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines.
Then tightline the upper waterline with a matching pencil or gel liner. A few coats of waterproof mascara finish it off. This look accentuates your eyes without screaming “I’m wearing makeup.”
The Smoky Sparkle
For nights out, try a touch of shimmer on the lid. Apply a silvery taupe shadow all over, then layer a frosted champagne shade on the center of the lid only.
Softly blend the edges. Line top and bottom lashlines thinly with a gray-toned pencil and coat lashes as usual. The subtle sparkle brightens eyes in low light while letting your natural color shine through.
As someone who’s experimented with every shade under the sun, I’ve learned blue eyes don’t need much to stand out. Keep it minimal, blend well, and let your peepers do the talking.
Of course, have fun with color too when you’re in the mood! But on busy days, these light-handed looks allow your eyes to radiate without requiring much fuss.
Eye Makeup for Green Eyes
When it comes to playing up those green peepers, I’ve found a few looks that make the color really pop.
Classic Brown Smokey Eye
First up is a classic brown smokey eye – the contrast between the warm brown and cool green is gorgeous. Start by using a medium brown shade all over the lid. Blend it up toward the crease and outer corner, then deepen the outer V with a darker brown.
Don’t be afraid to run that shadow pretty far along the lower lash line too. Finish with plenty of black mascara. This look is so easy to do every day but always turns heads.
Olive and Copper
Another go-to of mine pairs olive green with a metallic copper. Sweep the olive all over the lid and blend it up through the crease. Then focus a shimmery copper just on the center of the lid to catch the light.
Smudge a touch of the olive along your lower lash line as well. A coppery shade works so well to highlight green eyes without being too matchy-matchy. This look screams retro glam to me.
Tropical Turquoise
For a pop of color, turquoise eye shadow is my secret weapon when I want to make my eyes really stand out. Start with a matte pale blue transition shade to blend out any harsh lines.
Then sweep on a vibrant turquoise all over the lid and blend it out along the upper lash line. Don’t be afraid to take it pretty far into the inner corner too.
Finish by lining your upper lash line with a matching turquoise pencil for an ultra-intense effect. This look always gets me compliments – it’s like being transported to the tropics just by doing your eye makeup!
When choosing shades for your eye color, go for colors that provide contrast rather than match precisely. Browns, taupes and olives will all make green eyes pop without washing them out. Metallics like golds and coppers add depth and dimension.
And pops of colors like turquoise are always a fun, bold option. Experiment and see what makes your eyes shine – that’s the beauty of makeup after all. Just have fun with it!
Popular Eye Makeup Styles
In this section, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to eye looks perfect for every occasion. We’ll start with an easy smokey eye tutorial that takes your daytime makeup to sexy new heights.
I’ll also show you how to rock colorful eyeshadow with flair using my favorite techniques. And no trend report is complete without glitter – I’ve got a few sparkly tricks to dazzle without going overboard. Let’s get creative!
Smokey Eye Tutorial
Creating a smokey eye is one of the most versatile makeup looks you can do. Whether you’re going for a daytime-friendly soft smokey or an intense evening smoky eye, the classic technique is so easy to customize for any occasion. Here’s my foolproof step-by-step guide:
Start by priming your eyelids with a skin-toned eye primer to create a smooth base. Then sweep a medium brown or gray eyeshadow all over the lids, from lashline to crease, using a fluffy brush.
Blend blend blend – this is key for a seamless look. Next, deepen the crease with a darker brown or charcoal shadow. Focus the color in the outer “V” and blend upwards towards the brow bone.
To add dimension, sweep a shimmery beige or taupe shadow on the inner half of the lid. Blend the edges so there are no harsh lines.
Add extra depth to the outer “V” with a black or dark gray shadow, using a small, precise brush. Be careful not to go too far in – you want the darkest shade concentrated on the outer corners.
Finish by lining your upper lashline with a soft black or brown pencil. Go over any gaps with a small brush dipped in gel or cream liner.
Curl your lashes and load on two or three coats of volumizing mascara. Add lower lashline liner if you want a more dramatic effect.
Colorful Eye Makeup
Playing with color on your eyes is one of the most fun ways to express your creativity and change up your look. If you’re feeling brave enough to venture beyond neutrals, here are some tips I’ve learned for incorporating vivid hues that will really make a statement:
Start with a primer to make colors pop. I love using a skin-toned base all over the lid to give pigments something to grip onto. For bolder shades, cut creases with concealer will make the color placement ultra precise.
When blending brights, go slowly and build up layers for a seamless blend. Don’t be afraid to blend colors together on the lid – teals and purples pair beautifully.
For daytime, place color just on the outer half of the lid and blend it out, leaving the inner corner bare. This gives a washed-out effect that’s not too overpowering. Metallics like golds and rose golds also work well in the crease for day to night looks.
My go-to colorful smoky eye uses a turquoise or emerald on the outer corner blended into a deep plum or fuchsia in the crease. Don’t be afraid to really pack color on the outer V to make a statement. Top it off with thick black liner and mascara.
If brights intimidate you, try a monochromatic look using multiple shades of the same color family, like pinks or corals.
You can also use colorful shadows as highlighters on the brow bone and inner corner for a subtle pop. Have fun mixing textures too – try a shimmer on the lid with a glitter or duo-chrome in the crease. The possibilities are endless!
Glitter Eye Makeup Looks
Glitter eyes can totally transform any look from day to night. Whether you want a subtle sheen or an over-the-top shine, the right techniques and products will make glitter pop without fallout. Here are my tips for rocking glitter makeup like a pro.
Start with an eye primer to prevent creasing and keep glitter in place. My favorite is Urban Decay’s Primer Potion—it grips shadow and glitter so well. Then apply a matte eyeshadow as your base color. Browns, taupes and neutrals work well under glitter for day.
When choosing glitter, go for finer textures that adhere smoothly rather than chunky glitters. Loose glitters can work, but pressed glitter products like ColourPop’s Supershock Shadows are mess-free. Swipe glitter over your base shade using your finger for the most pigment payoff.
For day, concentrate glitter just on the lid and blend out the edges. At night, sweep glitter all over the lid and up through the crease for drama. Top with a thin line of black or brown eyeliner along your lashline to define eyes.
After applying glitter, gently brush away any fallout below your eyes before it sets. A fluffy brush helps dust away loose pieces without disturbing your glitter application. Setting spray will seal everything in place.
Tips for Long-Lasting Eye Makeup
We all know the struggle – you spend time perfecting your eye look only to have it fade within a few hours. Here are some of my tried-and-true techniques for keeping eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara locked in place from day till dusk:
- Primer is paramount. A good eye primer prevents creasing and extends wear. My favorites are Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Apply a thin layer all over lids up to brows before shadow.
- Use a blending brush to diffuse harsh lines. For day, I like blending out matte transition shades in the crease with a fluffy brush. This gives dimension without being overly dramatic.
- Opt for long-wearing formulas. Cream and gel products glide on smoothly and last longer than powders that can crease. For liner, I love Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. It really does stay put through anything.
- Set with powder. After applying cream or powder shadows, dust matching powder over lids to set the look. This prevents oils from disturbing application later on. I use matte single shadows for this.
- Curl lashes before mascara. Curling lifts lashes and creates space for more mascara. Hold for 10 seconds while lashes dry. Then coat with several layers of a waterproof formula like Benefit They’re Real! Mascara.
- Check in periodically. Touch up powder or liner as needed if you notice fading. Carry touch-up essentials like a mini shadow palette for on-the-go fixes.
Bottom Line
In this post we covered so many awesome eye makeup looks – from classic cat eyes to colorful cut creases to sultry smokey eyes. Whether you want something subtle for daytime or more daring for night.
I hope seeing the different styles gives you inspiration to experiment. Don’t be afraid to play! Eyes are such a fun way to express your creativity and mood.
A quick recap of the main tips:
- Clean, well-defined lines are key. Take your time and use a brush or angled liner for precision.
- Blend, blend, blend any shadow looks so there are no harsh lines. Finger blending works great too.
- Use primer to make color pop and last all day. I love Urban Decay Primer Potion.
- Concealer on the lid before shadow helps colors appear super vibrant.
- False lashes can take a look from day to night. Individuals are easiest to apply for a natural effect.
The most important thing is finding what you love and makes you feel confident. Your makeup should be an artistic outlet to show off your personal style. Keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time. Thanks for following along.
