Smoky eyes have multiple personalities, ranging from rich jewel tones to classic black. Here, we break down the best examples of the year so you can find a lid look to match your every mood.
—Baze Mpinja, Style.com
Smoke Show: The Sultriest Eyes of 2014
Playful
As demonstrated by Joan Smalls at the CFDA Awards, an unexpected amethyst shade beats basic black when paired with an airy Spring '15 Stella McCartney dress. For a similar look, accent Estée Lauder's Pure Color Instant Intense Eyeshadow Trio in Steel Lilacs with a liberal lashing of purple mascara.
Photo: Wenn.com / Newscom
Bold
Nicola Peltz was one of our breakout beauty stars of the year. One of the many reasons why: her stellar smoky eye game. A wash of brown-black set off by pearly-white pigment in the inner corners at the Transformers: Age of Extinction premiere in New York City illustrates this young screen siren's grasp of serious glamour. For a soot-free look, rim lids with ebony- and coffee-colored pencils in lieu of powder and blend out with a tapered brush like makeup pro Pat McGrath did backstage at DVF.
Photo: Getty Images
Dramatic
Intensify brown eyes by enveloping them with a midnight-blue shadow like Keira Knightley did at the premiere of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, then add tons of black mascara. Try Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Apparition.
Photo: Getty Images
Classic
Kate Upton's charcoal lids say "Eyes up here, mister." Help maintain the focus with an understated nude lip.
Photo: Getty Images
Modern
Gigi Hadid's take on smoky eyes is easy enough to do at your desk or even in the back of a cab: Use your finger or a tapered brush to apply an earth-toned cream (such as Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Spice) from lid to just below your brows. Complete the effect by smudging any leftover pigment along your lower lashes, then finish with one coat of mascara on top and bottom. (Just wait for a red light to wield your wand.)
Photo: Getty Images
Rock 'n' Roll
Karlie Kloss might be the queen of nice on the catwalk, but there was nothing sweet about her sultry look at the American Music Awards. Make like the model (and maquillage master Charlotte Tilbury at Tom Ford) and rim the inside of your top and bottom lash lines with a jet-black pencil to intensify onyx shadow and add some extra smolder.
Photo: Getty Images
Glamorous
Contrast clean winter whites with a smoky metallic look, like Kerry Washington did at the Golden Globes. Use black liner and a deep gray shadow at the base, then apply a shimmery platinum on top, blending it from the inner corners of your eyes just to the center of your lid. For an all-in-one palette, try Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Eye Shadow + Built-in Primer in Smoky Steel.
Photo: Getty Images
Fresh
Who says you have to save your smoky eyes for after dark? For a daytime-appropriate version like Emma Stone's, keep the shadow close to your lash line and don't wing it out. Pop a peachy blush on the apples of your cheeks to balance out bold lids.
Photo: Getty Images
Sultry
When you let go of the idea of perfection and leave your shadow a little bit messy around the edges, you get a sexy, slept-in vibe like Beyoncé's at the Grammys. To create an I-woke-up-like-this effect that stays put, use a water-resistant shadow such as L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Black.
Photo: Getty Images
Edgy
Pantone named Marsala the Color of the Year, but beauty risk taker Zoë Kravitz was well versed in the shade long before it earned a title. Makeup artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua matched the star's burgundy dress at the Met ball with maroon shadow, but bolstered the reddish hue with taupe pigment on her lids and lower lash lines. Don't have oxblood in your arsenal of eye shadows? Use a wine-colored lipstick instead.
Photo: INFphoto.com / Newscom
Earthy
We got the full, step-by-step scoop on Cara Delevingne's envy-inducing eye makeup at the Met ball from makeup master Vincent Oquendo, but here's the Cliff's Notes: Craft a winged shape with a brown pencil, layer a cream shadow over the entire lid, and set with bronze pigment.
Photo: Getty Images
Retro
"The dress is just fishnet and crystals and a couple of crossed fingers," designer Adam Selman told Style.com about Rihanna's nearly nude CFDA gown. The only thing the star kept covered up? Her lids. Kohl and black shadows were layered on and pulled into a feline shape reminiscent of Deco showgirls.
Photo: dpa photos / Newscom
