A Pro MUA Shares the 5 Autumn Eye Makeup Trends Defining 2025

This autumn, eye makeup takes on depth and texture. Smoky eyes are softened, metallics feel brighter, and lashes come in warmer tones. On the AW25 runways at Altuzarra, Versace and Rodarte, designers showcased looks that balanced richness with playfulness, setting the tone for the season ahead.

Our in-house makeup artist, Saffron Hughes, breaks down the five most prominent trends, why they are having a moment, and how to wear them for your eye shape.

1. The New Smoky Eye

The smoky eye is never out of style, but autumn 2025 has reimagined it in softer tones. Instead of the stark black we saw dominate the 2010s, this season it’s all about blurred greys, taupes, bronzes and even berry shades that feel romantic and wearable. 

On the AW25 runways at Isabel Marant and Altuzarra, models wore hazy washes of smoke that looked diffused rather than defined. Celebrities such as Jenna Ortega and Hailey Bieber have embraced the look, favouring softer, bronzier takes.

Saffron’s application tips:

“Your brushes will do the hard work here. Fluffy eyeshadow brushes in different sizes are essential. Hold closer to the bristles for control when packing shadow onto the lid, but further down the handle if you want a looser, more fluttery blend. That’s what gives you those soft, hazy edges.”

She suggests bronzer for blending. “Using your bronzer as a transition shade means the smoky tones melt into your complexion. If you are winging the look out, it helps the shadow blur into the skin.”

When it comes to colour, brown is her go-to. “If you still want the depth of black, always blend it out with brown to soften the finish. And for added intensity, start with a cream shadow or tinted base in the same shade as your powder. P.Louise bases are brilliant for this, but even a cream bronzer works beautifully.”

How to adapt it for your eye shape:

• Monolids: Start with eyeliner smudged along the lash line, then build shadow upwards in an ombré effect.
• Round or downturned eyes: Blend in a rounded shape rather than winging out.
• Almond or close-set eyes: Wing the darkest shadow outward at the corners.
• Hooded eyes: Keep the darkest colour just above the crease and along the lash line so it shows when your eyes are open.

2. Autumn Metallics 

Autumn makeup always leans into warmth, but this year, colour is bolder, and metallic textures are everywhere. Shades of cranberry, rust, brick and molten gold dominated the AW25 runways at Etro and Rodarte, where shimmer was used to brighten the eyes and lift the face. 

Celebrities like Florence Pugh and Zendaya have recently worn copper lids on the red carpet, proving these tones are both modern and glamorous.

 

Saffron’s application tips:

“Always start lightly. You can build colour and intensity as you go, but it is much harder to take it away. If you are unsure about bold shades, apply them just on the lid and diffuse the edges with browns or neutrals. The beauty of autumn colours is that they all work beautifully with soft neutrals, so the look always feels cohesive.”

For shimmer, she advises using fingers. “Metallics and toppers apply best with your ring finger. Brushes rarely give the same payoff. Keep your metallics in the same colour family as your matte shadows so everything blends seamlessly. And do not panic if your matte base looks messy, the shimmer will disguise imperfections and tie it together.”

How to adapt it for your eye shape:

• Almond, round or downturned eyes: Brighten the eyes by placing shimmer at the inner corners.
• Hooded or deep-set eyes: Apply shimmer across the centre of the lid to create lift.
• Monolids: Keep metallics close to the inner corner or sweep along the lower lash line for a subtle flash of light.
  

3. Warm-Toned Mascara

This autumn, mascara has taken a softer turn. Instead of defaulting to jet black, warm tones like brown and burgundy are taking over. 

At Chloé and Michael Kors, makeup artists paired earthy eyeshadows with brown mascara for a finish that felt modern yet understated. Celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie have helped popularise the look, leaning into warm-toned lashes as part of their signature “quiet luxury” aesthetic.

Saffron’s application tips:

“I love brown mascara for everyday wear. It is softer and more natural, and it flatters my own complexion and eye colour so much more than black. Burgundy makes more of a statement. It is perfect if you want blue, green or hazel eyes to pop, while on brown eyes it adds warmth but stays subtle.”

She recommends keeping the look cohesive by pairing mascara with eyeliner in a similar shade. “It ties everything together without looking overdone. On days when you want more impact, layer brown strip lashes or clusters on top. They give extra volume while keeping the softness intact.”

How to adapt it for your eye shape

• Blue, green or hazel eyes: Burgundy mascara makes eye colour pop.
  
• Brown eyes: Brown mascara adds softness without losing definition.

Mascaras Saffron recommends:

• Catrice Glam & Doll Volume Brown Mascara Waterproof
• Essence Lash Without Limits Brown Mascara
• Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect in Black-Brown
• Sweed Pro Lash Lift Mascara in Dark Brown

4. The Graphic Flick

This season, eyeliner has become an art form. At Valentino and Mugler, makeup artists showcased bold, graphic shapes and double wings that felt more sculptural than cosmetic. 

Celebrities such as Doja Cat and Alexa Demie have made dramatic liner central to their aesthetic, bringing runway artistry into the everyday.

 

Saffron’s application tips:

“Always start with preparation. Set your eyelid base with powder or shadow before applying liner. This prevents creasing and stops the product from slipping into fine lines. Do your eye makeup before foundation, so if there is a mistake, it is easy to tidy without ruining your base.”

For beginners, she recommends sketching with softer products. “If you are new to liner, do not go straight in with liquid. Map out your shape using eyeshadow or a pencil first, then trace over with liquid or gel once you are happy with the outline.”

Technique is about confidence and control. “Be fluid in your movements. Do not let the eyeliner know you fear it. Rest your little finger on your cheek for balance and experiment until you find the style that feels flattering. I also love creating a wing from the lower lash line rather than the top. It is an unexpected way to get that sharp cat-eye effect, and it pairs beautifully with outer-corner lash clusters.”

For staying power, Saffron prefers gel. “Gel formulas are unbeatable if you want your liner to last. Inglot is my personal go-to,” she says “but I also rate Essence Stay & Play Gel Eyeliner Pot and Catrice 20H Ultra Precision Gel Pencil as brilliant budget-friendly options.”

How to adapt it for your eye shape:

• Almond: Balanced symmetry and space make this the easiest eye shape for liner experiments.
• Monolids: Bigger, bolder wings look striking and dramatic.
• Round eyes: Keep liner thin at the lash line and build thickness at the outer wing.
• Downturned eyes: Apply thicker liner towards the outer corner and angle it upwards for lift.
• Hooded eyes: Apply a very thin line along the lashes, avoiding the crease. You can also map your wing with eyes open, then connect the lines with eyes closed. This may look bold when closed, but reads as perfect with eyes open.
  

5. Frosted Finishes

The Y2K revival is still going strong, and this season shimmer is at the centre of it. At Versace and Blumarine, models walked with frosted lids and glossy lips that echoed the shine of their high-sheen fabrics. 

On TikTok, frosted glosses are trending for their nostalgic appeal, while celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter have leaned into pearlescent eyes and lips that feel playful yet chic.

Saffron’s application tips:

“Shimmer should feel fun, not overpowering. I like to keep it focused on the eyes and lips. A dusting of sparkle across the lids paired with gloss at the centre of the lips instantly ties the look together. If you love highlighter, this is the perfect trend to lean into because frosted finishes thrive on glow.”

She also recommends investing in versatile shimmer products. “I adore Jordana Ticia Cosmetics’ Twinkle Tower glitter toppers, because they work with every colour story and instantly elevate an eye look. The new Gummy Twinkle Sticks are also exciting as they can be used on eyes, lips and face for a high-impact frosted finish.”

How to adapt it for your eye shape:

• Almond and round eyes: Shimmer in the centre of the lid adds dimension.
• Monolids: Frost along the lower lash line creates sparkle without overpowering.
• Hooded eyes: Keep shimmer close to the lash line or inner corner so it stays visible.
  

Products Saffron recommends:

• Catrice Space Glam Chrome Eyeshadow
• Essence Meta Glow Duo Chrome Eye Pencil
• Essence Jelly Jewels Glitter Eyeshadow Topper
• Essence Juicy Bomb Shiny Lip Gloss
• Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lip Gloss

Autumn 2025 beauty is about richness, warmth and a little playfulness. These five eye trends show how makeup is moving towards both softness and experimentation. Each look can be adapted to your eye shape and personal style, proving that this season’s beauty is as versatile as it is expressive.