As a beauty editor, I see makeup trends everywhere, whether it's IRL, on social media or on the red carpet. But in terms of the trends that people are actually searching for every day, us journalists keep an eye on Google data to see what the active search terms are. These are reflective of what people are really after—whether it's a trending new beauty product or a makeup look.
Right now, it turns out that everyone is searching for natural smokey eye makeup. In fact, searches for this makeup look are currently at 4,500%. While it's not new, it's also nothing short of timeless— a brown smokey eye or wing is one of the most versatile yet simple makeup looks. In black or grey, the colours can look too intense outside of the evening, but brown and neutral tones instantly make it wearable. This iteration of the smokey eye can take you from work through to dinner and beyond, so it's no wonder I see it everywhere. And currently, team Who What Wear UK are seeing it all over their FYPs on TikTok, as well.
If you're looking to perfect your natural smokey eye makeup look, scroll ahead for some inspiration and the best products to achieve the look.
The Best Natural Smokey Eye Makeup Looks
This soft, diffused eyeshadow look makes Sofia Richie Grainge's eyes pop.
ICYMI, makeup artist Pati Dubroff was behind Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding-day makeup look, and she's collaborated with Beauty Pie on this very wearable eyeshadow quad that is full of versatile shades. Price shown is member price.
I'm here for Zendaya ever-so-subtle smoked brown eye makeup, which features a smokey wing that enhances her almond-shaped eyes beautifully.
To recreate the look, take a long-wearing eyeliner pencil and sketch out a wing on the outer edge of each eye. You don't want any harsh lines (it should almost look like a shadow), so use a small eye shadow brush to softly diffuse the pigment.
An angled eyeliner brush like this is ideal for creating soft wings. You could also use it with eye shadow for the same effect.
Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo does soft, natural smokey eye makeup so well. In this case with Lily James, the look is more intense for evening, but it still uses those soft brown hues for a more subtle take on a traditional black smokey eye.
Matte eye shadows are ideal for creating a soft smokey eye. This eyeshadow quad has various brown tones which work well layered together for a contoured eye look, or worn alone for something more simple.
The key to achieving this look is all in the blending—as with this brown smokey eye on Bella Hadid. If you haven't already, invest in a set of eye makeup brushes of varying shapes and sizes. The right tools will make creating eye makeup looks that much easier.
This set has a flat eyeshadow brush for applying colour to the lid, a fluffier brush for diffusing and blending, an angled brush for lining the eyes and winging out shadow; and a domed brush, which is best for applying eye shadow into the crease of your lid for definition.
How dreamy is this natural smokey eye makeup look on Laura Harrier? Cream shadow sticks make it easy to apply colour along the lash line, so you can just blend and go in five minutes flat.
This cream shadow stick set has every neutral shade you could want, with both matte and shimmer finishes.
If you find that black mascara is too harsh, try brown. It's a small tweak but can make all the difference if you want to dial down the intensity of your eye makeup while still giving your lashes definition.
YSL's much-loved Lash Clash mascara now comes in brown, which delivers the same fanned-out effect as the original.
I love this natural-looking brown smokey eye look; it makes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's eyes smoulder. Add definition with a creamy, cool-toned brown pencil to the crease of your lid.
Makeup artists swear by this eye shadow contouring pencil. It creates natural definition without looking heavy.
Next Up: Tired Eyes? This Makeup Hack Makes You Look Wide Awake in Seconds
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