12 Simple Eye Makeup Looks to Try
You can create different eye looks by changing the placement, depth or finish of your eyeshadow. Start with a small amount of product and build gradually. Use products intended for the eye area and follow their directions; not every glitter or pigment is suitable for use around the eyes.
1. A Single-Colour Wash
Choose a shade you like and apply a light layer across the lid. Soften the upper edge with a clean blending brush for a simple, softly defined finish.
2. Soft Nude Matte
Apply a matte shade close to your skin tone, then use a slightly deeper shade near the outer corner. Blend the meeting point so there is no obvious line.
3. Neutral Brown Smoky Eye
Build a medium brown over the lid and concentrate a little deeper colour towards the outer corner. Blend in small stages rather than starting with a heavy layer.
4. A Soft Outer-Corner V
Place a deeper shade at the outer part of the lid and blend it slightly upwards. Keep the colour close to the eye at first and adjust the shape to your preference.
5. A Bright Lid with a Soft Edge
Pat a brighter eyeshadow onto the centre of the lid. Blend a small amount of a softer shade around the upper edge without covering the bright colour completely.
6. A Subtle Shimmer Lid
Apply an eye-area shimmer to the lid according to its instructions. Pair it with a soft matte shade around the edge if you want more definition.
7. A Two-Shade Gradient
Place a lighter shade towards the inner lid and a deeper one towards the outside. Blend only where the colours meet to keep both visible.
8. A Soft Shadow Wing
Use a small angled brush to place eyeshadow near the upper lash line and extend the outer edge slightly. Keep the brush away from the eye itself and soften the shape if needed.
9. A Muted Rose Look
Sweep a muted pink or rose shade over the lid and soften the edges. Add a little neutral brown at the outer corner if you prefer more depth.
10. A Bronze-Inspired Look
Use an eye-area bronze or warm-brown shade on the lid. Add a deeper brown to the outside and blend gently for a warm, dimensional result.
11. A Touch of Purple
Try a soft purple across the lid or just at the outer corner. Use a neutral shade around the edge if you want the colour to feel less intense.
12. A Centre-Lid Highlight
Apply a medium shade across the lid, then pat a lighter eye-area shade onto the centre. Blend the edges of the lighter patch without spreading it over the whole lid.
Choose Tools and Colours for Your Routine
A flat shader brush helps place colour, while a fluffy blending brush softens edges. Brush size and pressure affect placement, so choose tools that let you work comfortably. You do not need every colour or brush to try these ideas.
Browse our eyeshadow palettes and check each listing for its included colours and finishes. Explore the Blending Eyeshadow Brush or eye brushes for your preferred application tools.