How to Do Artsy Watercolor Eye Makeup

If you ask any beauty lover, makeup is a form of art. And your face is the perfect canvas! Being the budding artist you are, you’re likely on the hunt for beauty looks that can truly make your face shine. Well, look no further than watercolor makeup! Known as one of the most popular makeup trends, watercolor eyeshadow looks can give your face a fresh, colorful look that truly shows off your creative side. Really, it should come as no surprise that this look has been dominating your social media feeds. Ready to hop on the watercolor beauty trend? Follow along as we share three step-by-step watercolor eyeshadow tutorials that will bring your makeup look to life!

WHAT IS WATERCOLOR EYE MAKEUP?

Before we dive right into our favorite watercolor makeup looks, it’s time to explore exactly what this beauty trend is all about. Watercolor eyeshadow is the art of blending sheer washes of color to emulate those beautiful watercolor paintings you admire in museums. Since there is no rulebook on which eyeshadow shades you should use, this beauty trend allows you to play with color and explore your creative side.

Outside of the shades used, the way watercolor makeup is applied is also unique. The shadows don’t have to be perfectly placed; they’re more free-flowing as if your brush was actually dipped into water, and they were painted on. Think of it as a way to bring colorful dimension to your eyes for a beautiful look. Super pretty, right?

WATERCOLOR EYESHADOW LOOK #1: DOWN BY THE SEASHORE

Want to create a seriously stunning watercolor makeup look? Below, we’re sharing an easy to follow sea-inspired tutorial that will make you a pro in no time!

STEP #1: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME

By now, you likely know the importance of using eye makeup primer before you reach for your eyeshadow. Eyeshadow primer works to give your lids a smooth base for a seamless makeup application. If you don’t have any eye makeup primer on hand, use a dab of foundation or concealer in its place.

STEP #2: BUILD YOUR BASE

It’s time to create your watercolor eyeshadow look! When it comes to colorful makeup, it’s always smart to kick things off with a light base hue that will help you smoothly transition between colors. Start with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Paris Beach, blending it all over your lid.

STEP #3: BRING ON THE DIMENSION

Get ready to play with color! Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Always Pearly Pink and apply it on the inner third of your eyelid and extend it into the crease. Blend it out, but don’t get hung up on creating a totally uniform look. Next, follow up with Endless Sea on the center of your lid, making sure to blend the color out to the sides for a layered look. Then, you’ll want to apply Timeless Blue Spark along the outer edge of your lid and crease. The goal is to give your eyeshadow a radiant look and feel.

STEP #4: COLOR YOUR LOWER LASH LINE

Now that your lids are sporting a watercolor-esque look, you’ll want to focus on your lower lash line. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Gold, and line half of your lash line. Use True Teal on the other half and smudge out the color with an eyeliner brush for a soft, feathered effect.

STEP #5: HIGHLIGHT YOUR INNER CORNERS

Who says you can’t add a subtle touch of sparkle into the mix? Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Amethyst Quartz and place a bit of color around the inner corner of your eye. Use an eyeliner brush to blend the color for the right amount of shimmer.

STEP #6: AMP UP THE VOLUME ON YOUR LASHES

Congratulations, you’re at the finish line! There is no better way to call attention to your eyes than with volumizing mascara. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara, Lasting Volume, and apply a few coats to your lashes for a lifted and elongated look. Now that’s how you seal the deal!

WATERCOLOR EYESHADOW LOOK #2: PRETTY IN PINK

Want to add a playful and flirty touch to your look? Feast your eyes on this sweet pink watercolor eye makeup.

STEP #1: PRIME YOUR LIDS

You already know the drill! Eye makeup primer is an absolute must for a long-lasting watercolor eyeshadow look.

STEP #2: PERFECT YOUR BASE COLOR

Next, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Eye Shadow Palette, which offers a gorgeous array of coral pinks to help you get the right look! Use a flat shadow brush and buff one of the palette’s soft peach shades all over your lid. Be sure to blend lightly and evenly for a sheer effect.

STEP #3: PINK UP YOUR LIDS

Using the same palette, press a medium brown onto the inner corner of the eye, making sure to blend the edges out. Next, apply the bright coral hue to the outer corner of your eye and into your crease.

STEP #4: COLOR YOUR LOWER LASH LINE

Add a muted touch of color to your lower lash line with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude. Use an angled makeup brush to smudge the color gently for a more balanced eye.

STEP #5: SEAL THE DEAL

Tie your look together with a set of stunning eyelashes. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Bold Eye Mascara in Blackest Black for soft and supple lashes.

WATERCOLOR EYESHADOW LOOK #3: RAINBOW BRIGHT

Last but certainly not least, rainbow watercolor makeup is really the epitome of this trend. Whether you use pastel shades or more vivid hues is up to you, but it’s all about playing with all the shades of the rainbow.

STEP #1: PREP AND PRIME

You can practically do this step in your sleep now.

STEP #2: START WITH A WHITE BASE

Use a white shadow as your base to really make the rest of your colors (still to come) pop. Trust us on this one!

STEP #3: USE THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW

Gather eyeshadows in all of the colors in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Once you have all of your shades, start applying them as you see fit. Press each color onto your lids in splotches as if you were creating abstract watercolor art. Don’t be too finicky with it—it should look a little messy!

STEP #4: ADD A WING

When your eyeshadow is more freeform, a crisp wing can create the perfect amount of contrast. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner to get a perfect flick on your first try.

STEP #5: ROCK COLORFUL LASHES, TOO

Maybe your fringe needs a little color as well. Top off your look with a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue.

Next up: Want to expand your makeup skills with another must-try beauty trend? Head on over to our article, 5 Trendy Monochromatic Makeup Looks, to do just that.