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If you were obsessed with the grunge-y glamour of the late 90s—think Spice Girls, supermodels, and that perfectly smudged liner—then you already know the power of a good smokey eye. It’s sultry, a little undone, and forever iconic. And the best part? With the right Laura Mercier essentials, you can nail the look in minutes (no filter required).
Whether you’re channeling your inner ‘90s It-girl or just want a statement eye for a night out, here’s your step-by-step guide to building a classic smokey eye with a modern twist.
Step 1: Build a Soft, Blurred Base
Start with a wash of neutral shadow to give your smokey eye a smooth canvas. Reach for Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Au Naturel and glide it across your lids, blending up toward the brow bone. This creates that signature hazy, lived-in look without any harsh lines.
Step 2: Smoke Out the Crease
To bring in the drama, layer a deeper shade like Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Cocoa on the outer corners and crease. Blend it outward with a fluffy brush—don’t worry if it looks a little messy, that’s the beauty of a 90s smokey eye. The goal is sultry, not super precise.
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Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Matte - Au Naturel
Our best-selling Caviar Stick Eye Shadow, now in an effortless, matte finish.
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Caviar Stick Eye Shadow - Cocoa
High-impact, long-wearing, creamy texture that glides on for 24-hour life-proof wear.
Step 3: Line, Smudge, Repeat
No smokey eye is complete without liner. Use Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner in Espresso Brown to trace your upper lash line, then smudge it out with a small brush for that soft, smoked effect. Drag a little along your lower lash line too—this gives the eyes that perfectly imperfect, slept-in vibe.
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Caviar Tightline Eyeliner - Espresso Brown
Gel-like eyeliner pencil that glides on easily, for 16-hr crease & waterproof wear.
Step 4: Add Dimension With a Touch of Shine
The 90s were all about playing with light and shadow. Press a hint of Caviar Stick Eye Shadpw in Moonlight (a shimmery taupe) onto the center of your lids for a subtle pop that keeps the smokey eye from looking too flat.
Step 5: Seal It With Mascara
Finish with a few coats of Laura Mercier Caviar Extravagant Mascara to make your lashes bold and fluttery. For extra drama, layer on a second coat at the outer corners to enhance that pulled-out, almond-shaped effect.
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Caviar Stick Eye Shadow - Moonlight
High-impact, long-wearing, creamy texture that glides on for 24-hour life-proof wear.
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Pro Tip: Pair With a Nude Lip
The key to keeping this look balanced? Let your eyes steal the show. Swipe on Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick in Chantilly Lace or Lip Glacé in 110 Macaron for the perfect 90s-inspired nude pout.
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Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick - Lipstick / 136 Chantilly Lace
Plumps, smooths and hydrates lips, velvety matte finish, 16HRs of comfortable wear.
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Lip Glacé - 110 Macaron
24 hours of moisture, Feels like a lip balm and the mirror-like shine of a lip gloss.
Why We’ll Always Love the 90s Smokey Eye
It’s timeless, universally flattering, and just the right amount of edgy. Whether you’re dressing it up for date night or keeping it lowkey with jeans and a tee, this look will always serve main-character energy.
So, grab your Caviar Sticks, smudge away, and prepare to give serious 90s supermodel glam.