The smokey eye trend is making a comeback, surprising many as it becomes a forecasted trend for spring-summer 2025. Recently, make-up artists backstage at fashion weeks have been seen creating the moody-glam look on models. It’s time to dust off those Bobbi Brown shadow sticks and MAC paint pots as the smokey eye takes centre stage once again.
It’s been almost a decade since the last smokey eye craze back in 2015, during a time of Kardashian-inspired makeup looks. To help us navigate this trend once more, Hollie Ellis, a make-up artist at Bobbi Brown, shared her insights. Ellis, known for her work on runway shows and with celebrities, reveals that smokey eyes are back for the colder months. Soft grunge smokey eyes have been a key focus at recent fashion weeks in New York and London.
Ellis provides tips on achieving the ultimate smokey eye look. She emphasises that the signature look doesn’t need to be complicated and can be achieved with a few key products. One of her recommendations is Bobbi Brown’s long-wear shadow stick, known for its creamy formula and longevity. Ellis also highlights the importance of mascara in creating a sultry look, suggesting Bobbi Brown’s smokey eye mascara as a top choice. She shares a five-step process for seamless results, including using neutral shades and adding coats of mascara for length and volume.
When it comes to products for a smokey eye, Ellis recommends creamy formulas for ease of application. She also mentions mascara and kohl eyeliner as essential products. For those looking for a quick smokey eye, Ellis suggests a one-product swipe and go approach, applying cream shadow along the lash line and blending with fingertips.
Adapting a smokey eye for different eye colours involves choosing complementary shades. Ellis suggests warm brown tones for blue eyes to make them pop, recommending Bobbi Brown’s golden amber long-wear cream shadow. For brown eyes, blue tones can enhance the eyes, with plum also being a surprising option. Ellis recommends Bobbi Brown’s kohl cream liner for this, while a more budget-friendly alternative is Kiko Milano’s eyeliner and khôl duo.
The return of the smokey eye trend brings with it a mix of nostalgia and excitement, as make-up enthusiasts rediscover and perfect this classic look for a new era.