June is here, which means it’s time to dust off your summer wardrobe staples. But, it also means it’s time to switch out your everyday eyeshadow looks for something more seasonal to match. Trade in dark, smoky palettes for more shimmery and highlighting shades, and check out these perfect summer eyeshadow looks we’ve rounded up to show you step-by-step how to apply eyeshadow to help your lids glow all summer long.
Illuminate Your Eyes With A Crème Shadow
Transition to summer by adding a long-lasting and shimmery crème shadow to your daily routine. Crème shadows are easy to apply and instantly brighten your eyes, making them the perfect product for a quick and luminous eyeshadow look.
How to: “I prime my eyes with the LA Girl HD Pro Concealer in Warm Honey ($5) and then blend it out with my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($4). I set my eyes with the NYX HD Finishing Powder ($10). I used two shadows: a warm mid-tone brown, Coastal Scents Hot Pot in Barista ($2) and a crème shadow, Coastal Scents Hot Pot in Chamois Nude ($2). I put the brown in my crease, outer and inner corners and then placed the crème shade in the center of my lid. I also highlight my inner corner with the crème shade to make my eyes appear brighter. I line my eyes with the NYX Matte Liquid Liner in Black ($5).”– Morgan Daniel, Savannah College of Art & Design class of 2021
Transition Your Smoky Eye to Summer With a Little Shimmer
Just because you’re retiring your darker palettes for the summer doesn’t mean you can’t still create a stunning smoldering effect. By trading in your matte shadows for more shimmery shades, you can upgrade your go-to smoky eye for a softer, brighter look.
How to: “I started with a nude shadow as a base all over my lid. Then I applied ‘Buzz’ from the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette ($54) all over my eyelid. ‘Buzz’ is a metallic-rosy shimmer with some hints of silver glitter. Then, I applied ‘Pistol’ from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette ($54) on top on the crease of my eyelid and blended it outward onto the outer corner smudging it softly to make the smoky blend. ‘Pistol’ is a grayish shimmer type. After, I worked ‘Pistol’ again with a very little bit of black shadow on the bottom eyelid.” – Ybik Gaviria, University of Florida class of 2018
Make Your Eyes Pop With Contrasting Colors
Remember the color wheel we used to learn about in art class? Turns out it’s useful for more than just creating masterpieces with paint and a canvas. Try experimenting with eyeshadow shades opposite on the color wheel from your eye color, to create contrasting looks that are sure to pop.
How to: “I use the Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette ($49), which I’m obsessed with and love playing with the orange colors with my blue eyes. Then I curl my eyelashes with a wand and apply the Lancôme Définicils Lengthening and Defining Mascara ($28), which is hands down the best mascara ever.” – Hannah Fyfe, Columbia College Chicago class of 2019
Repurpose Your Favorite Blush as An Eyeshadow for A Subtle Pink Glow
Revamp your summer eyeshadow look by substituting your go-to eyeshadow palette with your favorite blush, instead. The result: a subtle pink glow perfect for every day, whether you’re at your summer internship or lounging on the beach.
How to: “First, sweep on the gold shade from the Found Instant Glow Highlighting Palette ($16). Follow and blend in the outer part of the lid the Found Baked Illuminating Blush in 70 Pink Glow ($9).” – Katarina Terentieva, The Creative Circus class of 2019
Mix Multiple Colors for a One-of-a-Kind Look
This summer, venture away from your well-loved neutral tones and opt for a brighter, more colorful palette. Play around with the whole spectrum of eyeshadows, and try mixing colors to create a bold and unique look.
How to: “For this look, I used the Urban Decay Alice Through the Looking Glass Collection. It was limited edition, but there is also a dupe for the palette, Okalan Press Pigment Palette Eyeshadow Palette ($44). For the base all the way to the inner corners of my eyelids, I used the orange color, ‘Paradox.’ Working from the middle more outwards, I layered the pink ‘Cake’ on top. For the outer corners and crease, I used the purple shade called ‘Gone Mad.’ Blend, so there aren’t any harsh line and there is a smooth transition from color to color. In the center, I added a touch of the color ‘Duchess,’ which added the perfect amount of more shimmer. Just to top it off, I use a black pencil liner on my top lid, and a deep brown for the outer corners only on my bottom waterline.” — Tajiya Holland, Savannah College of Art & Design class of 2019
Make a Statement With Monochromatic Lids
Who says you need a palette of eyeshadows and a whole set of brushes to achieve an eye-catching look? Keep it simple and ditch the intricate eyeshadow techniques for quick, shimmery monochromatic lids that you can create with just a single product and a few minutes.
How to: “The only thing I used on my eyes was Glossier Lidstar in Lily ($18)! I swiped on some of the eye shimmer directly onto my lid using the wand and then just blended with my fingers. I’m also wearing Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara ($32).” – Diana Oborna, Temple University class of 2018
Play Around With Shades of Purple
Dust off your lilacs, lavenders, and plums and start falling in love with shades of purple for summer. Whether you want a more playful, subtle look with pale shades of lavender or sultry eyes with deep eggplant hues, purple is the perfect versatile pigment for all your summer eyeshadow looks.
How to: “I prime my eyelids with concealer and set them with powder. Then, I went into the crease with a red undertone shadow–I used the MAC Powder Blush in Raizin ($24). I then blend a purple shade to add depth in the crease. I also add this to my lid. I used the MAC Eye Shadow in Sketch ($17). I then added a purple shimmer shade on my inner corners. I then popped on some mascara, and that’s it.” – Samu Sibiya, LISOF Fashion Design School and Retail Education Institute class of 2019
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Opening image by Ellenina Iacobucci.
