The Modern Smoky Eye

Nicole Lombardi

The Modern Smoky Eye

Move over charcoal -- smoky eyes are just as sultry when created in shades of blue, purple and orange.

The trick to keeping the look sexy -- not clownish -- is to apply brighter colors closest to your lash lines and then blend toward the brow bones with neutrals like taupe, gold or silver. And no smoky eye (no matter what shade), would be complete without lots of lashes, so finish the look with an extra coat of volumizing mascara or a pair of false lashes.

The best hue for your eye color.

Brown Eyes

Blues really make brown eyes pop. Lighter skin tones should play with aqua and turquoise, while sky blue and teal work for deeper complexions. To add the smoky edge, trade in your basic black liner for one in navy.

Blue Eyes

According to the color wheel, orange is the opposite of -- and therefore the best complement for -- blue. Deeper skin tones with baby blues can pull off the most vibrant oranges that are hot for spring, while soft peaches flatter girls with pinkish skin tones.

Green or Hazel Eyes

Green and hazel eyes really sparkle when surrounded by purple shadows. Mauves are best for complexions that have pink undertones, and eggplant and maroon work for yellow undertones.

Nicole Lombardi is a beauty expert who has written for Redbook, Woman's Day and Life & Style. She also makes frequent TV appearances.

NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS ...

Makeup Trends - The Modern Smoky Eye