Inspired by model faces of the era, such as Jean Shrimpton and Brigitte Bardot, the season's hottest look is all about a dark eye with a pale lip.

DRAMA is in the air, especially with the Swinging '60s having such a big influence. Rather than the harsh stripes that we've seen before, lines are softer this time round - strong but severe epitomises the look, as seen on Angelina Jolie (right).

No matter how intense the colour, a smoky eye will always be soft and velvety. The key to the perfect smoky eye is to blend incredibly well. What you're aiming for is a controlled smudge.

Start by lining the sockets with eyeliner. Black is a universal shade, but fairer skins may prefer charcoal grey or brown. Try Stila Kajal eyeliner pencil in Onyx (black) or Smoky Quartz (charcoal), Clinique Kohl Shaper For Eyes in Black Kohl with built-in sharpener, Max Factor Colour Perfection eyeliner pencil or Dior Style Liner Intense black liquid liner. For an immediate smudge, apply Bobbi Brown Shimmer Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, with the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. Gently smudge the liner to create a deeper socket line for a doe-eyed finish. For a glamorous eye, take the liner to the outer corner of the eye and upwards for a winged effect.

Smoky eyes doesn't necessarily mean black. Darker colours work best and you need at least two shades. Try greys, browns, dusty mauve, deep greens, navy blue, or charcoal.

The darkest shade goes closest to your lashes, while the colour gets lighter as you move away from them. Clarins' Deep Shimmer Intense Eye Colour in Urban Grey, looks great with a slick of Dior Powder Mono Eyeshadow in silver at the edge.

You can't be a '60s siren without coating on the mascara. Add volume with L'Oreal Paris Volume Shocking black mascara and Bourjois Coup De Theatre mascara. Consisting of a lengthening brush at one end and a thickening brush on the other, both will give you volume.

Or stick with the tried and tested - Maybelline XXL Volume and Length mascara, Max Factor Lash Lift mascara, DiorShow mascara, Stila Fiber Optics mascara and Barbara Daly's Double Dimension mascara,

Stila Kajal eyeliner pencils, £13.

L'Oreal Paris Volume Shocking black mascara, £9.99.

Clarins Deep Shimmer Intense Eye Colour in Urban Grey, £11.50

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, £13.50.