It may be time to give your brightly colored eyeshadows a (temporary) rest. While it can be hard to stray from what you know, there are other shades in your makeup collection that deserve some love, too. White eyeshadow, we’re looking at you.
While you may think white eyeshadow is too harsh or perhaps not exciting enough to be the star of your beauty look, that isn’t the case. There are actually a number of ways you can coat your lids in white for an eye-catching result. If you’re game to give your eye makeup looks a stunning upgrade, consider one of the following 11 white eyeshadow looks.
1. SHIMMERING, FROSTY SHADOW
For those who don’t mind looking like a pretty snow princess, shimmering, frosty shadow is just what you need. This look offers a touch of glam and a playful vibe that will have all eyes on you. To get the look, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Snooze Addict and apply the lightest neutral shade all over your lid. Follow up with the white shade, blending into your crease and over your lid. Finish up with the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String of Pearls for a shimmery finish.
2. FELINE EYES
Are you digging the classic cat eye? Take things a step further with feline eyes. Instead of using eyeliner to create a thin line and a small flick, this look uses eyeshadow (white, in this case) for a more dramatic winged shape. Bring this look to life with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Black Pump. Using a precise makeup brush, apply your white eyeshadow on your lids and lash line, then extend the color outward to create a dramatic cat eye.
3. UNEXPECTED CREASE COLOR
Typically, trends dictate that you apply a darker eyeshadow in your crease to create depth, but we love breaking beauty rules and establishing new trends. That’s why there’s no reason not to apply a white shadow in your crease. The unexpected pop of color (or lack thereof) is the perfect understated but not overly subtle look. Finish off your lower lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Grey for a touch of edge.
4. BLOCKY WHITE EYESHADOW
When it comes to runway trends, blocky white eyeshadow is having a major moment. This trend, which doesn’t involve heavy blending, comes in handy for those who are not (yet) skilled in the makeup application department. Grab your go-to white eyeshadow and apply the color on your lids, then extend it upward and outward to cover your entire eye area. Pair it with winged black eyeliner, and you’re good to go!
5. SMOKY EYES
Who says you can’t use white eyeshadow to create a smoky eye? All you need is a mix of matte and shimmery shades to get the job done. What’s not to love? Start by applying a white matte shade to the inner half of your lid and a deep gray eyeshadow to the outer half. Make sure to blend both colors for a seamless transition. Add a touch of sparkle with a liquid eyeshadow at the inner corner of your lids and voila!
6. GLOSSY LIDS
Boasting an ultra-shiny, wet appearance, this makeup look will give your eyes a stylish pop. And if you ask us, white shadow and eye gloss are practically meant to be. Head on over to our article, How to Rock a Glossy Eye Makeup Look, to learn how to you can bring this look to life.
7. WHITE OMBRÉ
While a white ombré hair color isn’t likely to be next on your list of must-try trends, white ombré shadow can totally elevate your eye makeup game. With a gorgeous blend of white and silver shades, this look effortlessly adds depth to your eyes for a gorgeous finish. Once your eyes are prepped with an eyeshadow primer, apply a white shimmery shade on the inner corner of your lid and a light grey shimmer shade in the middle. Top it off with a darker grey shade on the outer corner and blend evenly where each shade meets.
8. CUT CREASE
The cut crease eyeshadow trend has been picking up major steam, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. The unique technique defines the crease of your eye by cutting it with a darker eyeshadow for a stunning makeup look. It also looks super flattering on almost every eye shape! Grab your white shadow, and follow our tutorial, How to Create a Cut Crease, to get the look.
9. WHITE EYESHADOW WITH WHITE AND BLACK LINER
It’s time to switch things up with a white on white eyeshadow look. That may sound like too much, but it actually looks gorgeous when done right. Kick things off by dusting the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Petite Perle all over your lid, building the color until you reach your desired level of pigment. Apply black eyeliner along your upper lash line, finishing it off with a flick, then top things off with a line of white eyeliner layered on top.
10. GEOMETRIC EYES
Geometric eye makeup first made its rounds years ago, but it’s still a staple for makeup lovers. The reason being, it’s easy to create, undeniably stylish, and quite the crowd-pleaser. Instead of creating intricate shapes, you can keep the look simple with the help of white eyeshadow and eyeliner. Color your lids with the eyeshadow, then use white eyeliner to line straight across your upper lash line. For your geometric touch, line only the outer corner and inner corner of your lower lash line.
11. MATTE EYES
You can’t go wrong with matte eyeshadow. It’s bold and fierce, pretty much everything a risk-taker would love. If your makeup tastes are a match, it may be time to give this eyeshadow look a go. Reach for a matte white eyeshadow and apply it on your lids and in your crease for a standout look. It’s as simple as that!
Now, are you ready to add more makeup trends to your must-try list? Next, check out our article on 20 ‘90s Inspired Makeup Trends to Try Now.