This article first appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.
Whether you prefer chic greys and black or shimmering bronzes highlighted with a pop of champagne, the key to perfecting the smokey eye is blending and smudging to create a gradient between shades. And to achieve this, you need the right palette.
With a range of coordinating shades, specially-designed applicators, and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re the best way to master the timeless beauty look. Shop some of our favourites in the gallery below.
This five-pan palette from Kevyn Aucoin includes highly pigmented powders with matte and satin finishes, plus an introduction to the brand’s new and innovative Cream Foil Eyeshadow. The velvety textures allow for flawless blending and application, while the shade options will suit any occasion or aesthetic.
Offering the ultimate set of nude shadows created for all skin tones, this palette from Nars is perfect for creating a natural smokey eye or something more daring with smouldering metallic shadows. Plus, the velvety texture easily blends to create smooth, even colour.
This cute palette from Benefit Cosmetics unites four powder shadows that come in two finishes (a soft matte and a shimmer) to create an endless array of smokey eye looks. The mini size also makes it perfect for packing in your carry-on or keeping in your handbag for a quick touch-up.
From champagne to bronze, the four shades in this ‘Bella Sofia’ Charlotte Tilbury palette are designed to complement each other and suit any skin tone. Create a smooth base with the ‘Prime’ shade, build up definition with the easy-to-blend ‘Enhance’ color, then add definition and drama for evening with the highly pigmented ‘Smoke’ and light-reflecting ‘Pop’ shades.
This limited-edition eye shadow palette in a festive mirrored case features eight eye shadows in matte, chrome metal and metallic finishes for endless smokey, shimmering looks.
This Paris-inspired edit of buttery neutrals from Laura Mercier features 12 ultra-pigmented shades in both shimmer and matte finishes. Perfect for everyday nude looks or a dramatic smoky eye, this is bound to become your desk-to-dusk hero.
Inspired by the hues in Burberry’s runway collection, this eyeshadow palette allows you to effortlessly create multiple eye looks. Silky smooth and ultra-blendable, these highly-pigmented eye colours enrich the skin, leaving a lasting vibrant finish.
Fans of neutral powder shades will love this subtle yet warming eyeshadow palette. Including everything from pale nudes to warm greys and muted browns, the soft shades will suit all skin types and occasions. Wear them alone or blended for a natural smokey look.
Create an endless array of looks with this sublime palette from Hourglass. Featuring a range of matte, satin, and metallic finishes, each shade perfectly complements one another so you can effortlessly enhance your eyes with depth and dimension.
Create an endless array of looks with this sublime palette from Hourglass. Featuring a range of matte, satin, and metallic finishes, each shade perfectly complements one another so you can effortlessly enhance your eyes with depth and dimension.