The Rules of Colour Theory
Rule one is that there are no rules when it comes to applying makeup. You should feel empowered to wear any eyeshadow or lip colour you like, whether that means flaunting violet lids or a bold, scarlet pout. However, colour theory can be a helpful guide when you’re shopping for your shades, as you’re guaranteed to uncover hues that are best-suited to your features.
So, how does colour theory work? The idea is that shades sitting opposite each other on the colour wheel make a perfect pairing - they bring out the best in each other. For example, red is opposite green, so red tones look luminous against emerald, while blues enhance browns and yellows set violet hues aglow. Now, let’s find your smokey eyeshadow shade…
The Best Smokey Eye Makeup for Blue Eyes
Your Palette: Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Nudes
Velvety browns, shimmering taupes and dazzling golds will bring out the sparkle in blue eyes, lending definition that appears much softer than silver, grey or charcoal shades. Team this chocolate box of eyeshadows for blue eyes with a smudge of Kohl Pencil in the waterline. We love the shade Taupe, which is a warmer, glowier alternative to black.
The Best Smokey Eye Makeup for Green Eyes
Your Palette: Smokey Eye Drama Kit in Luxe Lilacs
The soft lilacs, vivid violets and deep aubergines in this palette will make green eyes glow. Apply the first, lightest shade across the entire lid, then blend the deeper colours (the deep aubergine and terracotta) through the crease to softly sculpt. Want your eyes to really shimmer? Use your fingertip to press the glittery violet (top middle) to the very centre of the lid.
The Best Smokey Eye Makeup for Hazel Eyes
Your Palette: Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Rose Nudes
Go for rose gold and blush mauve tones to flawlessly frame your hazel irises, as these pinky shades bring out the hints of green and brown in your eyes. Choose one of the lighter hues to highlight the entire eyelid area, then smudge the brown or shimmering purple in the socket and along the lower lash line. Finally, define eyes with a flick of Colour X-Pert Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black for a super-striking gaze.
The Best Smokey Eye Makeup for Brown Eyes
Your Palette: Smokey Eye Drama Kit in Azure Allure
Just as browns enhance blue eyes, blue shadow will enhance brown eyes, too, and the bold cobalt hue in this palette is perfect for completing your smokey look. Sweep it across the entire lid, from the lash line to the crease, then smudge a little along the lower lash line for a sultry effect. Next, apply the lightest shimmer on the inner corner of the eye, the deep chocolate brown through the socket and a touch of the silver on the centre of the lid. The finished look is dazzling.
The Best Smokey Eye Makeup for Every Eye Colour
Your Palette: Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Cappuccino Nudes
Each of our Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palettes will flatter every eye colour, but the ultimate suits-all colourway has to be Cappuccino Nudes. This line-up of taupe, chocolate, bronze and copper shades offers endless smokey combinations, whether you want to go soft and shimmery or deep and dramatic. No smokey eyeshadow is complete without a sweep of mascara, so finish your look by zig-zagging Volume Infusion Mascara through your eyelashes, working from root to tip.
