Updated January 2026 –Eye makeup is often the first thing people notice, so a small change can make a big difference. If your routine feels repetitive, experimenting with new eye looks is an easy way to switch it up at home. Try one trend at a time, keep what feels wearable, and save the bolder looks for days when you want extra drama.
Whether you’re getting ready for a wedding, a girls’ night out, or a face-to-face client meeting, you may be thinking about trying something new with your make-up. If you avoid lipstick like the plague and are too scared to contour your cheekbones, there’s plenty of eye makeup trends you can try. From false eyelashes to bright eye shadow colors, here are the top makeup trends suitable for any time or place.
Graphic Eyeliner
If you want something fresh without piling on shadow, try graphic eyeliner. Think a double wing, a tiny floating line above the crease, or a sharper flick that stops early. Keep the lid mostly bare so the shape looks clean and intentional. Start small with a thin liner, then build it up once you see what works with your eye shape.
Mismatched Eye Shadow
If you want to break the rules, mismatched eye shadow may suit you. This is a simple way of getting your makeup to another level. In creating the mismatched eye shadow, instead of copying the same look on both eyes, you will have two different shades, one for each eye. Make sure that these colors harmoniously go together from the same palette or you can choose from completely contrasting tones for a bolder. No one is stopping you from your choice.
Blue Smoky Eye
Blue eyeliner has been a favorite makeup trend since the 80s, so why not take it a step further and try a blue smoky eye? Adding blue to your eyes is a bold way to play up your natural eye color and create a bit of drama, without having to go overboard with glitter and shimmer. The look is simple: try smudging a bit of cobalt metallic shadow right on the lid and just below the lower lash line. Simply smooth and blend, and your blue smoky eye will be ready to take on the world.
If you don’t feel confident in applying smoke eye makeup, watching smokey eye makeup tutorials can help you.
BIG Lashes
Like brows, eyelashes can do much more for your look than you think. Not only do they make your eyes appear bigger, but they can also make your face appear more soft and delicate. For a big DIY lash look, try wearing lash strips or clusters – both are equally effective for creating a doe-eyed look. If you’re new to lash extensions, try starting with lash clusters first, as they provide more control with placement. To create this look, apply the clusters with a small space in between each one. For a more dramatic look, try adding a few clusters along the bottom lash line as well.
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Shimmering Silver
While icy, metallic shades tend to be reserved for the winter season, they’ve been slowly creeping into the spring and summer months. To recreate a silver-eyed runway look, use a white cream shadow flecked with silver to create a perfectly dewy look. To make it extra simple, try using an eye shadow stick – they’re especially easy to use and you won’t have to worry about loose powder falling from your eyes. Finish the silver off with black liner and a few coats of mascara, and you’re good to go!
Go Naked
Think of this as the anti-makeup trend – going without any makeup at all can sometimes be the most daring eye makeup look, especially if you’re getting dressed up and going out. It’s been all over the runways, and is an especially good choice if you’re wearing brightly colored clothing or statement jewelry, as you don’t want your makeup to clash or compete with the rest of your outfit. If you still want your eyes to stand out, use a matte cream shadow in a skin-tone shade, then add mascara for a clean, wide-awake look.
Pops of Color
The easiest way to add a bit of color to your outfit is with pops of color on your face – try using pink lipstick on your eyelids, brush the corners of your lids with a bright eye shadow, or why not use a glittery eye pencil to line your bottom lids? When it comes to colorful makeup, don’t be afraid to try something new. For more inspiration, browse online beauty catalogs and peruse runway snapshots for colorful eyes, lips, and cheeks that’ll take your eye makeup game to the next level.
Coordinate with Colored Contact Lenses
If you are looking to fully customize your eye aesthetic, consider changing your eye color. Colored contact lenses are a great eye accessory. They give many possibilities for coordination and drama.
For that bold blue smoky eye look, pair it with vibrant AIR OPTIX® Colors lenses. These completely transform your gaze. If you prefer the “Go Naked” style, lenses like 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE™ enhance your natural iris subtly. This gives an easy, wide-eyed look without makeup.
Whether you seek a full color change or a subtle eye enhancement, colored contact lenses provide a simple, non-permanent cosmetic change. Always put your lenses in before applying any makeup. This step keeps them clean and comfortable.
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References
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Decorative Contact Lenses for Halloween and More. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/decorative-contact-lenses-halloween-and-more. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Colored and Decorative Contact Lenses: A Prescription Is a Must. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/colored-and-decorative-contact-lenses-prescription-must. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Four Risks of Colored Contacts. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/avoid-these-four-dangers-of-non-prescription-conta. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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How to Take Care of Contact Lenses. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses With Makeup. ACUVUE. https://www.acuvue.com/en-us/blog/makeup-and-contacts/. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Floating Eyeliner Trend: How to Create the Look. Makeup.com by L’Oréal. https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/eyes/floating-eyeliner-looks. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Mismatched Eyeshadow: How to Pull Off the Trend. Makeup.com by L’Oréal. https://www.makeup.com/makeup-tutorials/eyes/mismatched-eyeshadow-how-to. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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The Best Makeup Trends of 2025. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/2025-makeup-trends. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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The 7 Makeup Trends That Defined 2025, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists. Vogue Scandinavia. https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/must-try-makeup-trends-of-2025. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Online Vision Test & Eye Exam. Lens.com. https://www.lens.com/vision-test/. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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AIR OPTIX COLORS Contact Lenses. Lens.com. https://www.lens.com/contact-lenses/air-optix-colors/. Accessed January 19, 2026.
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Halloween Contact Lenses. Lens.com. https://www.lens.com/halloween-contact-lenses/. Accessed January 19, 2026.
