Sometimes less is more when it comes to makeup. While we can all appreciate an eye look complete with winged liner and a cut crease, sometimes it’s nice to just stick to the basics. A softly defined eye? We dig it. A tiny hint of highlighter below the browbone? We can get on board with that. Because not only are simpler looks a breath of fresh air, they’re also way easier to create than the hours it takes to perfect a complicated cat-eye we’re sure to mess up. Not sure where to start? Ahead, we’ve rounded up six of the best natural eyeshadow looks we could find, and exactly how to recreate them for yourself.
The Soft Smoky Lash Line
Focusing on your lash line adds definition without looking overdone. Open up the eyes by using a deep brown shade along the upper and lower lash lines, and add a taupe shade to the outer edge of the eye to create shape. Keep the lid simple with a wash of the lightest pink you can find. Finish with mascara focused on the outer eye for full, fluttery lashes.
Get this look: Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette ($46), Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara ($32)
The Nude Lid With Voluminous Lashes
Mascara is the crème de la crème when it comes to eye makeup—in my opinion, no look is complete without it. Let your lashes do the talking by pairing a volumizing mascara with a simple shade all over the lid. Add highlight to the inner corner for a fresh touch that will brighten up the look.
Get this look: Tarte Tartlette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette ($46), ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter in shade Lunch Money ($8), Maybelline Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara ($7)
The Simple Wash of Color
The elegant simplicity of sweeping a matte shade across the entire lid proves why “less is more.” Using a light hand, brush the lid shade of your eyeshadow palette upward until it’s blended seamlessly. A subtle highlight to the inner corner and brow bone brightens the eyes and keeps your makeup looking fresh.
Get this look: Anatasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette ($42)
The Subtle Hint of Shimmer
Dusting a shadow with the smallest hint of shine onto the lid is a quick and easy way to spice up softer shades Try adding a highlighter or shimmery shadow to the center of the lid to add even more sparkle to the eyes.
Get this look: Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Reloaded Palette ($44)
The Soft Highlight
Emphasize the natural shadows of your eye shape by using contour powder. Blend it into the crease and the lash line, and then use highlighter on the brow bone and inner corner to lift the eyes up. Finish with one to two swipes of mascara.
Get this look: Black Radiance Pressed Powder ($5), Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Free Style Highlighter ($34), Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara ($6)
The Bronzed Finish
Bronzer is more versatile than you think, and can actually be used in place of your eyeshadow. Use it in the crease of the eye, or rub it all over the lid as your main color. is all it takes to create a natural, you-but-better eye look. Complete the look by blending highlighter into the inner corners of your eye.
Get this look: MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder ($27), MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish in shade Soft and Gentle ($34)
What’s your favorite natural eyeshadow look? Show us your go-to minimal look on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag @cfashionista.
Opening image by @jillruder
This article was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated.
