Smokey eye dominates 2026-2027 runways

This autumn, the smokey eye has become the defining makeup trend for the autumn-winter 2026-2027 season, as seen on high-fashion runways. Designers like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, and 7 For All Mankind have each interpreted the look in unique ways, emphasizing dramatic intensity and bold style.

Variations on the smokey eye theme

At Saint Laurent, the look is presented as a perfectly smoky version, paired with dark lipstick for a strong, striking appearance. Gucci adds a feline touch by extending the smoky effect to the temples, while Prada gives it a grunge-inspired, deliberately imperfect finish with a greasy powder and tousled hairstyle.

Theatrical and dramatic interpretations

Balenciaga takes the smokey eye to an almost theatrical level, darkening the entire eye with a thick line. Meanwhile, 7 For All Mankind offers a more intimate version, tightening the smoky effect closely around the eye for a sexy and mysterious look. The trend has also appeared in vibrant colors, such as purple on Bella Hadid’s green eyes at Saint Laurent and blue at Hermès.

Popularity and search trends

The smokey eye has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, with a 5,000% increase in Google searches in France during October 2026 compared to previous months. Makeup expert Chloé Lombral from Kiko notes that the trend is linked to autumn and has been emphasized by runway shows like those of Saint Laurent.

Creating the 2026 smokey eye

According to Lombral, the process starts with applying a greasy base of the main color directly at the lashes. This can be a pencil, cream, or eyeshadow. A round and dense brush is used to shape the eye, either by emphasizing its natural shape or by stretching or rounding the look.

Blending and intensifying the look

After shaping the eye, a fluffy brush is used with eyeshadow of the same color as the base to achieve a smoky effect. A lighter eyeshadow is then blended in to create a soft transition. A black eyeliner or pencil is used to intensify the look, ensuring it is long-lasting and pigmented.

Enhancing the eye with color

To open the eye slightly, a colored pencil can be used to highlight the iris. For example, a brown pencil for hazel eyes, a copper for blue eyes, or a violet pencil for green eyes. A black mascara is then applied for extended and intense lashes, completing the look.

Who is the smokey eye for?

The smokey eye is considered a neutral and universal look that works with all eye colors. It can be adapted to match other colors as desired. The shape of the eye determines how the look is applied, with adjustments made to either stretch or round the appearance.

Matching the rest of the makeup

For a refined look, the cool undertones of the smokey eye can be balanced with warm tones on the face, such as an orange blush. Conversely, a smokey eye with warm undertones can be complemented with a pink or purple blush to create harmony in the overall makeup look.