From a classic smokey eye to a sharp winged liner, black eyeshadow can be used to create all sorts of eye makeup looks. But between the impossible task of cleaning up eyeshadow fallout and the risk of raccoon eyes, you might prefer to avoid black shadow altogether.
Though this dark shade can be intimidating to wear (especially if you’re used to more natural makeup looks), black eyeshadow is surprisingly versatile. It’s flattering on any skin tone, eye color, and eye shape. Moreover, you can make it as light or as pigmented as you want; it can be used as a base color for layering lighter shades or to add depth and intensity.
Whether you want to go bold or subtle, there’s really nothing you can’t do with a good black eyeshadow. Need some inspiration to get you started? Here are 13 black eyeshadow looks that prove black is totally wearable.
Everyday Eyeshadow
Black eyeshadow is often associated with statement eye makeup and smoky eyes, but that’s not to say those are its only applications. Contrary to popular belief, black shadow can be used for everyday makeup. The key is to work lightly. Sweep a charcoal shade onto your lids and blend it out with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. Use the leftover shadow on your brush to intensify the lower lash line. Take a black pencil liner and define the top lash line and lower waterline, then finish it off with a few coats of mascara. Pair this subtle black shadow with a nude lip for an office-appropriate makeup look that you can wear from day to night.
Smoky Winged Liner
It’s no secret that you can use eyeshadow as eyeliner, but what sets it apart from gel or liquid liner is that you can blend it out to create a hazy effect. This soft smoky wing is a delicate alternative to a bold cat eye. Use an angled liner brush to draw a line from the outer corner of your eye and build the wing. Once you’re happy with the shape, lightly buff the top edge of the wing to create a smokey effect. Sweep the same shade on your lower lash line and apply a few coats of mascara to complete the look.
Gunmetal Gray Lids
An easy way to rock black eyeshadow is to use it as an all-over lid color. Though simple, this black eyeshadow look gives off the impression that you spent a lot of time doing your makeup when in fact, it probably took no more than ten minutes to do!
Apply black eyeshadow over the entire lid, then blend it out. You want to keep most of the pigment on the eyelid, so be careful not to drag the shadow too far past the crease when blending. Tightline the upper and lower waterline with black eyeliner to intensify your gaze.
For this look, go for liquid eyeshadow. It will give you intense pigmentation with zero fallout. Opt for one with an iridescent finish for a gorgeous multidimensional look.
Smoky Copper
There are tons of ways to do a smoky eye, but this black and copper combo is arguably one of the most wearable. Warm metallic shades add a dose of color and sparkle to your eyes, creating a dimension that is neither too bold nor subtle. To achieve this look, blend a dark shadow onto the crease and outer corner of your eye. Then, use a flat brush to press a copper shadow on the center of your lid.
Swept Up
Chic is the only way to describe this subtle black eyeshadow look, and you can wear it to any occasion! Hold your eyeshadow brush at an angle so that the bristles are diagonal to the outer corner, then swipe up toward the tip of your brow. Once you’ve created a faint line, build up the pigment on the outer edge of your upper lid. Lightly blend the leftover pigment on your brush along the crease and lower lash line. This look is best paired with fluffy brows, nude lips, and a few coats of your favorite mascara.
Glossy Lids
Gloss has the ability to give any color of eyeshadow an editorial vibe. Though this look is typically done with vibrant shades, black glossy lids are shiny, sexy, and surprisingly wearable. Applying gloss over a classic smoky eye is an easy way to rock an edgy black eyeshadow look. Just be sure to avoid putting gloss close to the lash line, as this may cause your mascara to smudge.
Halo Charcoal Smoke
The halo eyeshadow look is achieved by contouring the inner and outer edges of the eyes with a dark shade, then highlighting the center of your lids with a lighter shade. But because black eyeshadow is so dark, there’s enough contrast between your shadow and skin to create this ethereal effect with just one shade, as proven by celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff.
Blend black shadow on the inner and outer edge of your eye, creating a “V” shape on either side. Then, use a windshield wiper motion to connect the shadow along the crease. Mimic the eyeshadow placement on the bottom lash line and apply your favorite mascara to complete the look.
Winged Smokey Eye
With roots in grunge culture, the smoky eye from the 90s used smudged eyeliner and roughly blended shadow to create an intentionally disheveled and unkempt look. Though chic, there is a way to make a smoky eye a little more suitable for a formal setting. Case in point: this winged smoky eye shadow look. Blending your shadow toward the tip of the brow creates a winged effect that looks dramatic yet sophisticated.
To get the look, start by applying an eye primer all over the eye area. Then, sweep lighter shades of grey and charcoal on the crease, lower lash line, and outer “V” of your eye. Go in with a matte black eyeshadow to intensify the wing. If you want to polish the look, use a brush and a bit of concealer to clean up the edges. Don’t forget to highlight the inner corners for a little sparkle.
Black and Burgundy
Incorporate a pop of color to your black eyeshadow look by pairing it with an equally bold shade like burgundy. Create a gradient by blending burgundy and neutral shades. Apply black eyeliner on your upper and lower lash line, then lightly smudge it out. Sweep black eyeshadow over the liner to set.
Cut Crease
This cut-crease-meets-graphic-eyeliner look is a sophisticated way to rock black eyeshadow. Though it’s definitely one of the more advanced eye makeup looks on this list, the right tools can help you achieve this with ease. First, draw the outline of your cut crease with a black pencil eyeliner. Then, use the edge of a thin eyeshadow brush to smudge the liner and set it with black eyeshadow. Clean up the “negative space” of the cut crease with a concealer brush before switching to an angled brush to line the upper lash line and create a winged liner.
Silver Smoky Cat Eye
Black eyeshadow is dark, dramatic, and intense, but this silver smokey cat eye proves that it can also be fun. To get the look, blend a charcoal shadow onto the outer corners and crease. Sweep the pigment toward the tip of the brow to create the shape of your cat eye. Then, use an angled brush to create a smoky wing before pressing a silver shadow onto the inner half of your upper lid.
Dramatic Smoky Eye
A smoky eye can be as subtle or as intense as you want it to be. If you want to go for something more dramatic, then this all-over black eyeshadow look is for you. Smudge black liner all over your top and bottom lid, then use your finger to apply matte black shadow over it. Don’t worry if you make a few mistakes because this is one makeup look where imperfections such as patchy shadow and mascara smudges can add more character. You can use a bit of concealer to brighten the under-eye area but opt for a light coverage foundation.
Reverse Cat Eye
Put a playful twist on the classic cat eye by turning it upside down — literally! The reverse cat eye puts an emphasis on the inner corner and bottom lash line that really intensifies your gaze. Start by lining the lower lash line with a kohl or gel pencil liner, then draw a line that goes up toward the tip of your brow to create a wing. Use the edge of a flat eyeshadow brush to extend the wing and set the liner. You can use gel or liquid eyeliner to define your upper lashes and draw a line that connects to your wing. Use a cotton swab and a bit of makeup remover to clean up any mistakes.
source https://degreesofvanity.com/black-eyeshadow-looks/
No comments:
Post a Comment