The 2010s Smoky Eye Is Back—and Smudgier Than Ever

One of my most harrowing truths as a beauty writer is that I’ve never perfected the smoky eye. I feel like I’ve been hearing about the look—the look—since I was a literal baby, and somewhere down the line its reputation grew to a place where I was scared to tackle it myself.

So, I’ve left the style to the professional makeup artists (and my little sister, when I beg her to do my eyeshadow). Until now! As it so happens, the smoky eye is back in a big way. This time around, I’m going to be brave and put my blending brushes to good use—if I even end up needing them.

The Trend

The makeup look as we know it first gained major popularity in the ’90s. Think Kate Moss making her way down the runway or off-duty with her kohl-rimmed eyes perfectly smudged. Then, it had a heyday in the mid 2010s when indie sleaze looks ruled the streets and our Tumblr feeds. At one point, the glitteratti took on the style, going a more ’70s Elizabeth Taylor route for red carpets, pairing the sultry shadow with stunning gowns and jewels galore.

The iteration of the smoky eye we’re currently seeing tones down some of that glamour while upping the cool factor (thus becoming glamorous on its own accord). But don’t worry, there’s still a hefty dose of drama involved.

Right now, we’re seeing the look used both day and night. Kristen Stewart has long been a fan of a broad daylight smoky eye on the film festival circuit, and Lily-Rose Depp takes hers to award shows and basketball games. Keke Palmer and Jenna Ortega do a great smoky eye (with jewel tones!!), and did you see Taylor Momsen at the 2025 VMAs? She’s essentially referencing herself.

“It’s one of the most iconic looks to keep in your arsenal,” celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty told Byrdie while discussing the “slept-in” smoky eye trend a few years back. Truly, no matter how many interpretations there are, the vision is essentially the same. And this look will never go out of style.

Get the Look

Okay… it turns out applying a smoky eye—the less glam, more indie sleaze kind, at least—is way easier than I thought. In fact, I perfected mine while writing this.

Bhatty said that one of the best tricks of the trade is embracing cream and liquid products. She also recommends using your fingers to gently blend and smudge—it’s easier to be intentionally messy that way.

If you need stricter instructions, Byrdie has a simple step-by-step guide to the basic smoky eye here. Remember: it’s supposed to look a little unprofessional. Where there’s smoke, there’s a fire look.