What if I ask you: What is, in your opinion, the all-time iconic makeup look? Most of you, of course, will talk about the classic red lip, or the pin-up eyeliner, while some of you will casually mention colored mascara. But for me, personally, it is the smoky eye look. It is surely considered to be the undisputed champion of evening makeup. Any interpretation of the look works, by the way! And I'm actually one of those people who thinks that smoky eye can be adopted as a day-to-nightime makeup.
And who does the smokey eye look best on? Celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty icons are constantly reinventing this iconic makeup, experimenting with textures, colors, and application techniques to keep it fresh and inspiring. Today I've decided to comb through some of the archives to bring you the 10 best celebrity smokey eye looks that you can recreate for your next event, date night, or whenever you want to feel utterly glamorous. Get ready to swap your everyday nude palette for something a little more goth and sultry!
- Taylor Swift VMA, 2024
Let's start with Taylor Swift's iconic look at the MTV Video Music Awards from 2024. Apart from an absolutely gorgeous dress (flannel shirt vibes alert!) Taylor wore a classic version of the smoky eye look, slightly tuned up to match her eye color: it is semi-transparent, with a bluish undertone, and beautifully matches the warm color of her lips.
- Selena Gomez for Billboard's ‘Woman Of The Year’ Photoshoot, 2017
Simple words cannot describe my love for this gorgeous makeup look! Billboard's photoshoot was unforgettable. Thanks to the masterful hand of Kate Young, who styled her look, Selena was able to showcase her inner state through the pictures. A subtle smokey eye paired with bold red lips is for sure a killer combo.
- Lalisa Manoban in her "Rockstar" music video, 2024
When doing my research for today's blog post, I surely couldn't miss Lisa and her makeup from her "Rockstar" music video. This picture of her smokey look has to be an illustration next to the word description in the dictionary. I'm serious! Glowing inner corners, subtle tightlining, and those shimmers are surely made to spice up the look. If still in doubt, consider this your sign to try this look yourself.
- Pamela Anderson The 29th Annual American Music Awards, 2002
We all know and love that Pamela doesn't wear makeup, and we praise the positivity she radiates with the message. I truly believe that we all can look great without makeup. But, for the sake of today's compilation, let's look back at her attendance at the 29th Annual American Music Awards. We still remember your glittery two-piece dress, Pam, and definitely can't forget the grandious silvery-black smokey with the blackest eye kohl on the waterline.
- Billie Eilish for Vogue, 2016
Finding Billie's photo with a smokey eye look was quite a task, but I was determined to add this makeup to my list! How do you like the purple eyeshadow on her blue eyes? Or should I say on her "ocean eyes"? Well, either way, this look is fantastic, and it was very trendy back then.
- Doja Cat at GRAMMY Awards Show, 2021
Doja Cat is well-known for the drastic changes in her appearance, but my favorite look is the dramatic eye makeup she wore for the 2021 Grammys. If you are searching for eyebrow-high drama, you have found it. The smokiness of the eyeshadow goes up to the brow, creating an unforgettable gradient. How do you like it?
- Jennifer Lawrence At The Dior Cruise 2025
The next look worn by Jennifer Lawrence at the Dior Cruise 2025 show is a bit more moderate. Let's say it is for those moments when you want to feel extra glamorous, but it is still the time before midday. I'm joking, of course, but this nudish-brown makeup with a dark brown tightlining is a great option for universally flattering day-to-night occasions.
- Kylie Jenner, 2022
I absolutely randomly stumbled upon this look on Pinterest and was stunned by the elegance of Kylie's look. I believe no one does smoky like she does it. By the way, did you know that the secret to a perfect smoky eye lies in the perfect blending between colors? Makeup artist Rachelle Grimes reveals: "The secret to a great smoky eye is if you can't see any lines from each color." And as you can see, this is a perfect example.
- Zoe Kravitz at Vanity Fair Oscar Party, 2015
Smokey makeup isn't only about the color or the seamless blending, it is also about the shape of the look. See how beautifully Zoe's eye shape is emphasized by the eyeshadow. It extends to the temples and up, creating a wing-like effect. Pair this look with a nude lip, and you'll be fantastic!
- Ariana Grande GRAMMYs 2016
And, at the end of today's post, let's appreciate the beauty and class of Ari's look from the GRAMMYs. The brown smokey with naked lower lash line and barely-there lipstick is the perfect company for her gorgeous coral-red dress. If you like it as much as I do, don't forget to try it, this time pairing it with your simple black dress.
Concluding...
From the soft, bronzed gradients perfect for a subtle glow to the intense, jet-black definitions that command attention, these 10 celebrity looks prove that the smokey eye is truly timeless – and endlessly adaptable. Hopefully, these red-carpet moments have given you the inspiration (and courage!) to pick up your brushes and try a darker, more dramatic look for your next outing. Now go ahead and experiment – your perfect signature smoke awaits.
