Offering maximum impact for minimum effort, it's no wonder that smoky eyes are a party season perennial and regular fixture on the red carpet. But if the sight of black eyeshadow leaves you feeling a little nervous, check out these seriously smouldering celebrity looks that are more glam than goth.
For more smoky-eye inspiration, follow our step-by-step guide to creating the look at home.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
For seriously sultry peepers, wing your eyeshadow out from the outer corner of the lids towards the edge of the brow and add extra definition with lashings of liquid liner along the upper lash line.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Carey Mulligan proves that heavily kohl-rimmed eyes needn't look harsh. The secret is in the blending. Here a soft taupe shadow has been blended to soften the edges.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Traditionalists may regard sleeping in your makeup as the number one beauty faux pas but queen of kohl, Kate, has turned smudged-up eye makeup into a sought-after beauty trend for all budding rock goddesses.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Smoky eyes are a family staple for the Kardashians. Kim teams hers with her trademark XXL lashes for added drama.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
For a softer take on the look, Angelina Jolie sweeps the lid with a dusky taupe shade, blending a darker mocha shade close to the upper lashes. For that feline femme fatale look, line the inner rim of the eye with black kohl pencil.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Liz Hurley proves that smoky eyes are not the preserve of the under 30s. Here she teams charcoal lids with flushed cheeks and glossy lips.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Keira ensures all the focus is on her smouldering dark brown eyes by teaming dark smoky lids with matte-velvet skin, rosy cheeks and bare lips.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Cheryl keeps the look clean and simple by steering clear of heavy eyeshadow and creating definition with black kohl pencil and lashings of volumising mascara. This enables her to get away with a more dramatic lip colour. This shimmering raspberry shade adds the perfect touch of femininity.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Smoky eyes look super-sultry when peeping out from under long lash-skimming fringes as Naomi Campbell demonstrates here.
The A-list guide to smoky eyes
Kimberley Walsh teams dramatic eyes with red lips and 40s-inspired waves for a look that's evocative of the screen sirens of Hollywood's golden age.