The Best Fall Eye Makeup Trends That Are 10 Times Cooler Than a Basic Smoky Eye

October 5, 2016

We see you. Walking through Sephora, picking up the brightest, most colorful eyeshadow you can find...and letting out a little "lol, nope." We're here to change that. Not because there's anything wrong with a neutral smoky eye or plain black liner (if anyone loves a good classic, it's us), but because you're missing out on one hell of an eye party. And that's exactly what fall is throwing this year in terms of the biggest trends. To prove exactly how wearable they are, we challenged two Glamour editors to put them to the test. This way, their best advice and favorite looks. We cordially invite you to try them all.

Katie Friedman
1/12
Glitter Tears
Place silver sparkles (we like Make Up For Ever Extra Large Size Glitter in Silver) below your eyes for a fun twist. "It looks like I'm crying glitter! Happy glitter tears, of course," says beauty assistant Jen Mulrow. "Having the glitter below my eyes really wasn't noticeable and made me feel like Sailor Moon. I love it as an update to a smoky eye for going out." We're keeping this bookmarked for New Year's Eve. (Hey, it's never too early to plan.)
Katie Friedman
2/12
Glossy Lids
If the runways have anything to say about it, you'll be swapping your standard shadow for gloss faster than you can say, "Ooooh!" Try MAC Studio Eye Gloss (which comes in multiples shades for various finishes), like associate fashion writer Lauren Chan did here. "The peach gloss was welcome departure from my go-to look," she says. "I loved the way it brought a touch of warmth to my face."

Katie Friedman
3/12
Super-Smoky Eyes
Take your usual smoky eye up a notch by rimming your entire eyes with dark shadow and draw kohl liner along your waterlines. "Typically when I do a smoky eye, I only applying product on my upper lids," says Jen. "After this variation, I'm realizing I can go way darker and still keep it wearable. Outlining my whole eye made the whites of my eyes pop like crazy."
4/12
Metallic Copper Lids
Sweep copper shadow on your lids and swipe black powder just at the edges for more dimension. "This super-pigmented copper smoky eye was my favorite look," says Lauren. "The second I put it on, it changed my whole attitude. I went from tired-looking and feeling beat to full of energy." (Proof: She immediately stared taking selfies.) "I’m definitely going to try this on my next Saturday night out."

Katie Friedman
5/12
False Lashes
Skip the cat eye and get a similar vibe by applying false lashes at the outer corners of your eye only. For a precise application, try Flirt Cosmetics Lash Applicator, which dispenses false lash buds directly onto your lids at the click of a button. It's like a staple gun for falsies, and yes, it's incredible! "I'm usually too lazy to apply false lashes, but I can't deny how great they look," says Jen. "They look dramatic in the photo but from a more natural distance it looks shockingly similar to winged liner."
Katie Friedman
6/12
Pop-of-Color Liner
Matte + a bright color = a win, especially against brown or hazel eyes like Lauren's. "My signature look is a cat eye—the sharp wings enhance my eyes’ almond shape," she says. "This bright orange made them even more noticeable." Try it out with a vibrant matte liner like NYX Vivid Brights Liner.

Katie Friedman
7/12
Sequin Lids
Keep flecks of holographic glitter in place with a balm like Aquaphor. "Mermaid makeup is happening right now, and I definitely felt like a real-life version of Ariel wearing this," says Jen. "I loved the deep purple eyeshadow on the outer corners, which brought the whole look together. I wish I could live in this."
Katie Friedman
8/12
Dramatic Lashes
Yes, yes, we know clumpy lashes are a very divisive look, so consider the latest version of them the happy medium. To get the look, use a dark, thick mascara like Maybelline New York Colossal Chaotic Lash and pinch small sections of your lashes together. It's a little more of an eye-catching look than usual. "It brought me right back to my high school days," says Lauren.

Katie Friedman
9/12
Icy Blue Allover
Something we bet you never expected: '80s makeup is making a comeback. Tiptoe with caution back into the era with modern take on icy blue. Use a wash of cream shadow (like Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Blue My Mind) all over your lids, fading out slightly as you go up to your eyebrows. "I love finding new ways to bring out my green eyes," says Jen. "And my latest move is wearing cool blue and aqua makeup. I was surprised by how pretty it is."
Katie Friedman
10/12
Emerald Lids
Another way to bring out blue or green eyes? Shock them with a swipe of emerald. "Not going to lie, highlighter green is intimidating with a capital I," says Jen. "But paired with a little blue eyeliner on the bottom lash line—just in the center—and it actually becomes crazy wearable."

Katie Friedman
11/12
Red Smoky Eye
More bright, warm eyeshadow! You sensing a trend yet? From the runways to the red carpet, unexpected shades like cranberry, magenta, and burgundy keep popping up. "For me, a black cat eye is a daily look, so this red shadow packs the perfect punch when I need to step it up for a night out," says Lauren. A good starting point? NYX Cosmetics Primal Colors Pressed Pigments Face Powder in Hot Red.
Katie Friedman
12/12
Graphic Cat Eye
Consider this your lesson in Cat Eye 301. (Translation: For those of you who have already mastered the basics.) Bring your flick up along the crease of your lid, stopping at the center, and say hello to a retro finish. To make it go on smoother, stick with a creamy kohl liner like Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black. "The lines along my crease were a little tough to keep symmetrical," says Jen. "I'd definitely make sure to try this when you're not crunched for time!"