Yes, rainbow pastel eyeliner might be the fashion week beauty trend making a big splash backstage (see Dior, Prada, Jeremy Scott, Salvatore Ferragamo, the list goes on), but, behind the scenes the classic smokey eye has been making a quiet cool girl comeback.
Long considered a make-up look reserved solely for Victoria's Secret models or Cheryl on a night out out, AW18 has officially ruled the smokey eye fashwun again.
Spotted backstage everywhere from Erdem and Anna Sui, to Tommy Hilfiger and Tom Ford, AW18 gave the smokey eye the sartorial seal of approval. Which is great news for everyone, because it might just be the most flattering eye make-up ever.
Read on for every way to work 2018's reincarnation of the smokey eye and look epic...
The 'Smokey' Smokey Eye
Sounds literal, but bear with. Backstage at Tom Ford, Erdem and Max Mara it was all about grungey black eye make-up that was 'smoked out'. Think less iridescent browns and shimmer eyeshadows, this look was matte black and totally badass.
Defined socket lines with diffused edges lent a worn in look that said, 'I've been partying with Kate Moss all night and my eye make-up looks even better for it.'
We love... Tom Ford Private Show Eye Colour in Nightcast, £29
The Taupe Smokey Eye
We never thought we'd be describing 'taupe' as exciting, but we also never thought AW18 would bring back the balaclava as legit headwear, so here we are.
The au naturel way to work a smokey eye this season, tones of tan, brown and taupe were washed across eyes for an editorial twist on our everyday brown eyeshadow.
'The inspiration for this season was raw beauty, with an emphasis on fresh skin, boyish brows and haunting eyes,' said Andrew Gallimore, NARS UK Make-up Artist Ambassador backstage at Isa Arfen where he used matte liquid lipsticks to create the ethereal look.
We love... NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in American Woman, £23
The Jewel Tone Smokey Eye
Whether pink and purple Twiggy-esque eyes by Pat Mcgrath at Anna Sui, metallic and seriously winged at Marc Jacobs, or emerald green and up to the brows at Naeem Khan, jewel tone smokey eyes were everywhere.
If you're not feeling the all out coloured eyeshadow, go for a muted shade of khaki or aubergine with a little glitter for a more subtle nod to the trend.
We love... Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single in Moss, £12
The Awards Season Smokey Eye
If a traditional glam smokey eye is your go-to, then this AW18 update on the red carpet favourite is for you. A little bolder and a whole lot more smouldering than your usual, make-up legend Diane Kendal described the look backstage at Carolina Herrera as 'midnight smokey.' Moody...
Make yours AW18 with metallic slate-toned eyeshadow, a hint of navy blue eyeliner and a whole lot of highlighter or white shimmer pigment in the corner of your eye.
The best bit? It's uber flattering thanks to the 'two thirds' rule aka where the darker shadow starts about a third of the way into your eye creating a widening effect and a universally flattering almond shape.
We love...Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette in Smokey Grey No.01, £40
