We’re all about pastel hues for spring, but as soon as it starts to heat up, we can’t get enough of bronze and metallic shades—which is why we’re obsessed with copper eyeshadow. This metallic brown shade adds just enough warmth and definition to your lids without stealing attention from your stunning eye color. You can use copper eyeshadow to create everything from a neutral everyday eye makeup look to a more dramatic look that’s suitable for a night out. If you’ve been searching for a way to switch up your makeup routine now that the temperatures are beginning to rise, it’s time to say hello to copper eyes—with help from one of the six makeup tutorials below.
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #1: GILDED UNDER-EYES
Not much of an eye makeup babe but still want to get in on the copper eye shadow trend? Branch out with this gilded lower lash line look.
What you’ll need:
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Makeup Primer
Eyeliner brush
Small tapered eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Bronze
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Brass Knuckles
L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume
Get the look by following these simple steps:
STEP 1: APPLY EYELINER ON YOUR UPPER LID
Your copper under-eyes should be the focus of your face. So, keep the rest of your makeup simple by using a complementary bronze eyeliner instead of a bolder shade.
STEP 2: PRIME YOUR UNDER-EYE AREA
Before jazzing up your under-eye area, use a little bit of a matte primer to help create a smooth canvas for your metallic shadow. Squeeze a small amount of primer onto an eyeliner brush and carefully apply it to your lower lash line and just below.
STEP 3: COAT YOUR UNDER-EYE AREA IN COPPER EYE SHADOW
Swirl your small tapered eyeshadow brush into the metallic copper eye shadow that defines this look and dust it onto your lower lash line, smudging it just beyond the edges for a lived-in, edgy eye makeup look.
STEP 4: APPLY MASCARA
No eye makeup look is complete without mascara. Reach for a volumizing mascara to help create the appearance of thicker lashes.
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #2: GLOSSY LIDS
What started as a runway makeup look has made its way to the mainstream. And what better way to try a glossy eye makeup look than with a shimmery copper eye shadow? While the final look is positively red carpet-worthy, the technique is as easy as 1-2-3-4.
What you’ll need:
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer
Fluffy eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Amber Rush
Clear lip gloss
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
Get the look by following these simple steps:
STEP 1: PRIME YOUR LIDS
Since you’re going for a glossy eye makeup look, prime your lids with a radiant finish primer. This will help set the base for your copper eye shadow.
STEP 2: APPLY COPPER EYE SHADOW
Swirl your fluffy eyeshadow brush into the copper eye shadow and dust it all over your lids, extending the shadow just beyond your crease and not all the way up to your brows.
STEP 3: ADD LIP GLOSS
Apply a teeny bit of clear lip gloss directly on top of the copper eye shadow to bring your glossy eye makeup look to life—told you it was easy!
STEP 4: FINISH WITH MASCARA
Skip the eyeliner and top off your glossy eyeshadow with a few coats of mascara.
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #3: OMBRÈ EYES
Who says that the ombré trend is only reserved for your strands? Copper eyes are already having a moment, and pairing it with an ombré design will take your look to the next level. Best of all, it’s super easy to create.
What you’ll need:
Primer
Fluffy eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Boudoir Charme
L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Precious Lava
Small tapered eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Blackest Black
Get the look with these simple steps:
STEP #1: PRIME YOUR LIDS
You already know the drill! Prime your lids to set the foundation for your copper eyeshadow look.
STEP #2: COLOR YOUR LIDS
Apply the copper shadow from your eyeshadow palette to the inner corner of your eye with a fluffy brush. Next, follow up with the bronze shade from the same palette on the center of your lid. Finish up with your shimmering liquid copper eyeshadow on the outer corner of your eyes. Be sure to blend between shades for a smooth transition in color.
STEP #3: COVER YOUR LOWER LASH LINE
Using a small tapered eyeshadow brush, apply the same liquid shadow across your lower lash line. Make sure to smudge out the color just a bit for an edgy touch.
STEP #4: APPLY YOUR EYELINER
Pick up the black liquid eyeliner and line your lids. Once you reach the outer edge, gently flick the eyeliner to create a winged look.
STEP #5: SEAL THE DEAL
No makeup look is complete without a few swipes of mascara, and your copper eyes are no exception. Coat your lashes with the blackest black mascara, and your look is complete.
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #4: SMOKY EYE
Next, we have the smoky eye—one of the most classic makeup looks there is. While this updated take on the smoky eye uses the same technique you’re likely used to, this time, we’re using copper eye shadow for a pretty summer makeup look.
What you’ll need:
Primer
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine
Fluffy eyeshadow brush
Crease brush
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Noir Cest Noir
L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof
L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara
Get the look by following these simple steps:
STEP 1: PRIME YOUR LIDS
Apply a small amount of eye shadow primer to your lids to help create a smooth canvas for your copper eye shadow application.
STEP 2: APPLY COPPER EYE SHADOW
Next, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply the metallic shadow from your lash line to just past your crease. By extending a little beyond your crease, you’ll give your next eye shadow shade something to blend with, which can help prevent things from getting muddy.
STEP 3: CREATE YOUR SMOKY EYE
Use a crease brush to dust the darker eyeshadow into your crease. Work in small circular motions to blend the black hue with your previously applied copper eye shadow, creating a gradual ombré effect that’s free of harsh lines.
STEP 4: DRAW WING TIPS
Smoky eyes go perfectly with razor-sharp winged eyeliner. So, pop the cap off your black liquid eyeliner and wing it, starting at your inner corner and working your way out.
STEP 5: FINISH WITH MASCARA
One, two, or three coats—you choose!
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #5: HALO EYES
The ultimate goal is to make copper eyeshadow the star of the show. And there is no better way to get the ball rolling than with copper halo eyes! This trend is all about brightening up the center of your lids for a beautiful, wide-awake look.
What you’ll need:
Primer
Fluffy eyeshadow brush
Copper eyeshadow
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude in Nude Intense
Small angled eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara in Blackest Black
Get the look by following these simple steps:
STEP #1: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME
Help lock your copper eyes in place with eyeshadow primer.
STEP #2: ADD YOUR COLOR
Pick up your fluffy eyeshadow brush, dip it into your metallic copper shadow, and coat the center of your lids.
STEP #3: APPLY YOUR CONTRASTING SHADE
Using the same fluffy eyeshadow brush, pick up a taupe brown shadow from your palette, and apply it around the inner and outer corners of your eye and through the crease.
STEP #4: SHADE IN YOUR LOWER LASH LINE
Next, swipe your small angled brush into the taupe shadow and color in your lower lash line. Slightly smudge the color to create a lived-in effect.
STEP #5: GRAB YOUR MASCARA
Coat your lashes with black primer, then before it dries, apply the fiber-rich mascara right on top.
COPPER EYE SHADOW IDEA #6: COMPLEMENTARY UNDER EYES
Last but not least, consider playing with color in addition to your copper eyeshadow. Incorporating a teal shade into your copper look is simply stunning.
What you’ll need:
Primer
Liquid copper eyeshadow
Fluffy eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Endless Sea
Small tapered eyeshadow brush
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara
Get the look by following these simple steps:
STEP 1: PRIME YOUR EYES
You know what to do—apply a small amount of primer on your lids to prep for the rest of your eye makeup look.
STEP 2: COAT YOUR LIDS
Use the doe-foot applicator of your copper eye shadow to apply the liquid formula to your lids. Then use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend and spread the color seamlessly into your crease.
STEP 3: COLOR YOUR LOWER LASH LINE
Take a bit of teal eyeshadow on a small tapered eyeshadow brush, and drag the brush along your lower lash line, gently smudging as you go for a softer look.
STEP 4: LINE YOUR EYES
Grab a black liquid eyeliner and create a sharp, precise wing along your upper lash line to add a bit of cattitude to the look.
STEP 5: APPLY MASCARA
We’re sure you’ve got this step down pat. Swipe on a few coats of mascara, and your copper eye shadow look is complete!
WHAT LIPSTICK GOES WITH COPPER EYESHADOW?
With so much attention on your eyes, you may be wondering what lipstick color goes best with your copper eyeshadow. If you want to flaunt copper eyes as part of a daytime makeup look, try swiping on a mauve lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Les Macarons Scented Liquid Lipstick in Mon Caramel. Wearing copper eyeshadow for a night out? Pop on a vibrant red shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in Empowered.
If you love the look of copper eyes, you’ll likely love metallic makeup in general. To learn more about wearing shimmering metal-inspired shades, check out our article on How to Rock Metallic Makeup.