16 Black Eyeshadow Looks That Are Actually Wearable

Black makeup looks are the gift that keeps on giving. It’s safe to say black is one of the most timeless shades in the beauty world, and it’s a chic way to add an elegant and sultry spin to your look. Now that black lipstick is considered trendy, it should come as no surprise that black eye makeup is also on the rise. More specifically, black eyeshadow looks have been popping up all over social media, and we’re sure you can see why. 

If you’re ready to add black eyeshadow looks to your makeup repertoire, we’re here to assist. Follow along as we share the 16 black eyeshadow looks that will blow you away.

1. HALO EYE

Love the idea of faking a bigger and brighter gaze? Then the halo eyes trend is perfect for you. Featuring one eyeshadow shade in the middle with a contrasting color surrounding each side to achieve a halo effect, we can’t get enough of a black and champagne color combo.

Need a step-by-step tutorial? Head on over to our article, What Is Halo Eye Makeup? Here’s How to Rock This Buzzy Makeup Trend for all the details.

2. BLACK CREASE

If you’re game to take a minimalist approach to black eyeshadow, you can use this shade to define your crease for a stunning eye makeup look. Here’s how to get the look. 

Step 1. Prime your eyes. Before you create any eye makeup look, you’ll need to set the stage with an eye primer to give your lids the perfect base. If you’re all out of primer, a dab of foundation or concealer will do.

Step 2. Color your lids. Using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eyeshadow in French Biscuit, swipe the second lightest shade all over your lid.

Step 3. Focus on your crease. Apply the second darkest shade in your crease. Deepen the look by adding your black eyeshadow to the outer “V” of your crease.

Step 4. Create a subtle highlight. Complete your eyeshadow by placing the lightest shade on your inner corner for a subtle highlight.

Step 5. Line your lids. Follow up by lining your eyes with the L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof in Black to enhance the shape of your peepers. 

Step 6. Amp up your lashes. Add some dramatic flair to your look with a few coats of a volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume in Extra Noir.

3. FLOATING CREASE

Want to go the extra mile with your black eyeshadow look? Consider it done with the floating crease eyeshadow trend. This look adds gorgeous depth just above your crease to give your makeup look the right amount of mystique. Get the look by keeping your lid bare and swiping black eyeshadow above your crease. Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to diffuse the line, then finish off with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Bold Eye Mascara in Blackest Black. 

4. CUT CREASE

Cut crease eye makeup is one of the most coveted looks in the beauty world. While you can flaunt this trend with just about any color you desire, there is something extra special about using black eyeshadow. Head on over to our article, How to Create a Cut Crease, to master the trend. 

5. BLACK FELINE EYES

A classic cat eye never disappoints, but if you’re interested in taking your black eyeshadow look up a few notches, feline eyes are a great place to start. Typically created using blue eyeshadow, this extra sultry take gives your eyes an intense, eye-catching finish that won’t go unnoticed. Not to mention, this trend can pair well with pretty much any makeup look. Swipe black eyeshadow across your lids and your lash line, then make sure to extend the color outward to create a cat eye shape.

6. SMOKY EYES

If there is one eye makeup look you can bank on to put your black eyeshadow on display in the way it deserves, smoky eyes are where it’s at. Offering a gorgeous blend of matte and shimmery shades, this timeless trend continues to be a top pick for makeup lovers. We also dig that it’s super flattering on all eye shapes. Check out our article, How to Create the Perfect Smoky Eye for Every Eye Shape, to get the look.

7. ALL-OVER BLACK

Ready to go bold? If you want to dive headfirst into the black eyeshadow trend, we recommend giving an all-over black look a try. Simply pack your black eyeshadow of choice onto your lids, then carefully blend the color into your crease using a fluffy eyeshadow brush. That’s it! Since this look is meant to make a statement, we recommend topping it off with your sharpest winged eyeliner and a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara, Lasting Volume in Blackest Black.

8. MATTE BLACK EYES

If you’re looking to make a statement, we highly recommend adding matte black eyeshadow to your makeup bag. Whether you choose to use it for an all-over black look like we mentioned above or for something more dramatic, it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with a matte finish! Need a rec? We love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Noir Cest Noir. This highly pigmented matte black eyeshadow has a cutting-edge gel-to-powder formula that makes application easy.

9. SHIMMER EYESHADOW

Not a matte girl? It just so happens that black shimmer eyeshadow is another must for your makeup bag. Ideal for a night out, it can be used to recreate any of the black eyeshadow looks on our list. To start using one in your makeup routine, grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Black and sweep the shade all over your lids for a seamless look. 

10. RED AND BLACK EYESHADOW

Hoping to add some contrast to your eye makeup look? Prepare to turn heads with red and black eyeshadow. While there is a myriad of ways you can make this look your own, we’re sharing a simple tutorial that has become one of our favorites.

Step 1. Prime, prime, prime. You already know the drill! Smooth a thin layer of eye makeup primer over your lids to prep.

Step 2. Color your lids. Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, sweep a black eyeshadow across the inner half of your lid and onto your crease. Next, apply the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Radiant Ruby on the outer half of your lid and blend the color until even. 

Step 3. Coat your lashes. Sweep your lashes with a lengthening mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara to complete your look. 

11. BLACK AND GOLD EYESHADOW

With gorgeous color combinations on your mind, it’s only right we put black and gold eyeshadow on your radar. Equal parts sophisticated and chic, this classic look will have all eyes on you.

Step 1. Prime your eyes. Apply a thin layer of eye makeup primer to your lids, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2. Paint your lids black. Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to dust black eyeshadow across your lid. Follow up with a small angled brush to apply the shade on your lower lash line.

Step 3. Bring on the gold. Reach for a gold eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Gold Velvet, and line your lids. If you’re feeling a bit dramatic, flick the ends of your line for a gorgeous winged effect.

Step 4. Pump up your lashes. Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to show your lashes some love. Coat your lashes with the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Blackest Black to turn up the volume.  

12. BLACK AND WHITE EYESHADOW

Another color combo you won’t stop swooning over? Black and white. This pairing is as classic as it gets, and whether you want to try your hand at a smoky eye rendition or white inner corners with matte black lids, this look will surely become one of your favorites in no time.

13. BLACK EYESHADOW WITH NAVY DOTTED CAT EYE

Seeing as pairing black and blue together has become a must-have hair color trend, it should come as no surprise that the two shades have made a splash in the makeup world, too. The true epitome of a fun twist, this combination will add a fresh and playful touch to your look.

Step 1. Prime your eyes. Add a small amount of eye makeup primer to your lids to get the ball rolling.

Step 2. Pick up your black eyeshadow. Apply a sheer wash of black shadow all over your lid.

Step 3. Line your lash line. It’s time to explore your creativity. Using a navy eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in Navy, leave the classic line behind and dot your lids to create a dotted cat eye.

Step 4. Finish up with mascara. Top off your look with a few dramatic layers of mascara, using the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mystic Black to seal the deal.

14. BLACK AND PURPLE EYESHADOW

In case you haven’t noticed, black eyeshadow goes with every color. If you’re in the mood to flaunt a super pretty black and purple eye makeup look, we have the perfect option for you. Color your lids with black shadow and use a purple shade along your lower lash line to really jazz up your eyes.

15. GLOSSY LIDS

Interested in giving your eyes a high-shine finish? We have a feeling that black glossy eyes will rise to the occasion. Worn by A-listers and beauty gurus alike, this trend gives your lids a wet, glossy look that will complement a shiny pout perfectly. Ready to try the look? Head on over to our article, How to Rock a Glossy Eyeshadow look, to get some pointers.

16. BLACK AND GREEN EYESHADOW

Prepare to leave your BFFs green with envy! Just as black and purple pair beautifully together, adding green eyeshadow into the mix can help upgrade your beauty look. Here’s how to get the look.

Step 1. Prime your lids. You know what to do!

Step 2. Paint your lids. Dust the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Green Promenade all over your lid. Next, apply black eyeshadow in your crease to add some depth to your look.

Step 3. Line it up. Leave your classic liner style behind and use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black to create a ruler-straight eyeliner look. Simply create a straight line starting at the outer edge of your lower lash line and extend the line, so it lines up with the tail of your brows. 

Next: 9 Lavender Eyeshadow Look for the Summer