Ever looked at a photo of Adriana Lima and thought, “Okay… how do I get eyes like THAT?” Because honestly, same. Adriana’s eye makeup defines supermodel glam—sultry, sculpted, mysterious, and somehow effortless at the same time. I’ve recreated her signature look more times than I’ll admit, and every single time someone asks, “What did you do differently today?” That’s when you know a makeup style hits.
If you want that Adriana Lima eye makeup energy—the smoky intensity, the lifted shape, the glowing inner corners, the whole supermodel fantasy—you’re in exactly the right place. Grab your brushes and your favorite playlist, because I’m about to walk you through how to build the look like a friend who’s already tried everything for you. 🙂

Why Adriana Lima’s Eye Makeup Stands Out
Adriana’s eyes carry this mix of soft femininity and fierce intensity, which feels almost unfair. But the good news? With the right techniques, you recreate her signature look without needing a glam squad or divine intervention.
Her Makeup Artists Focus on Three Things
- Strategic shading
- Precise definition
- Balanced glow
These elements combine to create eyes that somehow look smoky, clean, and lifted all at once. Ever wondered why her smoky eyes never look messy? It’s because the structure underneath the smoke stays sharp.
The Secret to Her Iconic Look
Her artists use layered depth, not just “one dark shade all over the place.”
They create dimension using neutrals, cool tones, and occasional sparkles.
Why This Style Works for Everyone
You don’t need Adriana’s exact eye shape to pull this off.
The structure enhances:
- Hooded eyes
- Almond eyes
- Round eyes
- Deep-set eyes
So yes—you can totally wear this look to a night out, a date, or anywhere you want to unleash your quiet supermodel confidence.
Prep: The Foundation for Supermodel Eyes
Before going full Adriana, you need a smooth base. Think of it like ironing your shirt before a big event. Sure, you can skip it… but you’ll regret it halfway through.
Prime for Long Wear + Smooth Blending
Why Primer Matters Here
Her look uses a lot of blending, so you need a base that grips pigment without patchiness.
What I Usually Do
I apply a tacky eye primer first, then lightly set it with translucent powder.
This combo makes blending easier while keeping everything crisp.
Pro Tip
If you ever wondered why your smoky eyes fade by hour three, the issue usually starts with the base—not the shadow.
Shape the Brows (But Not Too Much)
Adriana’s brows always look groomed but not drawn-on.
A soft, lifted brow helps frame the intense eye makeup without competing with it.
Quick Routine
- Brush upward
- Fill sparse spots
- Add a tiny bit of gel
Please avoid the overdrawn Instagram block brow—Adriana never goes that route.
Build Adriana’s Signature Smoky Shape
Now the fun starts.
Her smoky eye is iconic because it balances intensity with structure.
Step 1: Start With a Cool-Tone Transition Shade
Why Cool Tones Matter
Her eye makeup rarely leans warm.
Shades like taupe, soft gray, and cool brown create that sultry, model-off-duty vibe.
How I Apply It
I sweep a cool transition shade slightly above my crease to create lift.
Ever noticed how her eyes always look elongated? This step creates that effect.
Step 2: Sculpt the Crease With Depth
Build Structure
I add a deeper gray-brown into the crease to carve dimension.
Tips
- Keep the shape elongated
- Blend outward, not upward
- Use small circular motions
This technique prevents the smoky eye from looking like a blob of color (we’ve all been there).
Step 3: Smoke the Lash Line
Adriana’s Signature Trick
Her lash line always looks diffused and smoldering.
I use a soft black pencil to draw along the top lash line, then smudge it with a small brush.
Why This Works
The smudging creates depth without harsh lines.
My Personal Experience
When I skip this, the look never feels “supermodel enough.”
This one step adds like… 50% of the energy.

Adriana Lima’s Iconic Wingless Smoky Wing
She doesn’t wear a classic wing.
Instead, she wears a smoky, elongated outer corner that lifts the entire eye.
Step 4: Deepen Only the Outer Third
How to Create That Lift
I pack a darker shade—usually charcoal or black-brown—on the outer third of my lid.
Important
You keep the deepest tones low on the lid and blend them outward, not up.
This gives the eye that sultry, elongated shape Adriana is famous for.
Step 5: Add Soft Lower-Lash Definition
The Key
She always defines her lower lash line—but softly.
What I Do
I take a mix of the crease shades and smudge them along the lower lash line.
Then I add the tiniest bit of black pencil on the outer edge only.
Ever wondered why her eyes always look wider and more mysterious? This trick is the reason.
Bring the Glam: Lids, Shimmer, and Light
This part gives the look its signature glow.
Step 6: Highlight the Inner Corner
Why It Matters
This opens the eyes and prevents the smoky look from feeling too heavy.
Best Shades for the Adriana Effect
- Pearl shimmer
- Champagne
- Soft gold
- Light beige shimmer
I avoid glitter here because Adriana’s look usually stays refined, not sparkly.
Step 7: Add Lid Shimmer (But Keep It Soft)
Her Style
She tends to wear subtle sheen, not chunky metallics.
My Favorites
Cream shadows that look wet but not glittery.
They photograph beautifully without overpowering the smoke.
FYI
Too much shimmer ruins the supermodel vibe, so keep it minimal.
The Finishing Touch: Lashes, Lashes, Lashes
Adriana’s lashes deserve their own award category.
They’re always dramatic, fluttery, and perfectly separated.
Step 8: Curl the Lashes Like You Mean It
A Good Curl Creates Magic
Ever noticed how Adriana’s lashes always point up toward the heavens?
Yeah, that starts with a strong curl.
Step 9: Build Volume Without Clumps
My Go-To Formula
I use a volumizing mascara, then add lengthening mascara on top.
What This Achieves
- Boldness
- Lift
- Separation
Step 10: Add Natural-Looking False Lashes (Optional but Ideal)
Adriana’s Vibe
She usually wears lashes that flare slightly at the ends.
Best Styles
- Wispy
- Light volume
- Cat-eye shape
Avoid heavy strip lashes that block the lid makeup.
They take away from that sculpted crease you worked so hard on.

Shade Guide: What Colors Recreate Her Signature Look Best
You don’t need the exact makeup artists’ palettes to recreate her glam.
You just need the right tones.
Neutral Shades Adriana Always Wears
- Taupe
- Charcoal gray
- Black-brown
- Matte black
- Cool beige
Shimmers That Work Best
- Champagne
- Pearl
- Soft gold
Ever used warm orange shades for a smoky eye and wondered why you didn’t get Adriana results? Cool tones are the secret sauce.
Product Recommendations (Tested, Loved, and Supermodel-Approved IMO)
You know I love sharing the products that actually work.
These always deliver that Adriana Lima eye makeup vibe.
Best Eyeshadow Palettes
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Palette – the ultimate cool-tone dream
- Huda Beauty Smokey Obsessions – compact and powerful
- Natasha Denona Glam Palette – luxury, but worth every blend
Best Eyeliners
- Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Perversion
- Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl in Bedroom Black
- NYX Epic Smoke Liner (budget gem)
Best Shimmers
- MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
- Hourglass Scattered Light Shadows
- ColourPop Super Shock Shimmers (affordable and gorgeous)
Best Mascaras
- Lancôme Hypnôse Drama
- Benefit BADgal Bang
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise 🙂
These options all survive long nights, bright lights, and the occasional “oops I rubbed my eye” moment.
Troubleshooting: Fix Common Adriana-Style Glam Problems
Don’t worry—we’ve all messed up smoky eyes before.
If Your Eyes Look Too Dark
Add more inner corner highlight.
It restores balance instantly.
If Your Eyes Look Droopy
Place the deepest shade slightly higher and outward, not downward.
If the Smoke Looks Messy
Use a clean brush to blend the edges.
Clean brushes save lives—well, makeup lives.
If the Liner Smudges Too Much
Switch to a waterproof pencil.
Life gets easier immediately.
Conclusion
Adriana Lima’s eye makeup isn’t magic—although it feels like it.
It’s a strategic combination of cool-tone sculpting, soft smoky definition, lifting techniques, and clean shimmer placement. When you layer these elements with intention, you create that unmistakable supermodel glam that turns heads everywhere.
So go ahead—grab your brushes, play with those taupes and charcoals, and recreate your favorite Adriana look. And if someone asks why you suddenly look like you walked off a runway? Just smile and say, “Oh, nothing… just trying something new.” 😉