How to Create a Rainbow Eyeshadow Look

Colorful eye looks often may be something you admire from afar but feel intimidated about wearing. We get it, neutrals and softer, smokey eye makeup looks are perfect for every day — but we’re here to convince you to take a ride on the colorful side. Adding some color to your eye makeup is easily the perfect way to amp up your entire look. 

A great way to embrace color is with a gradient rainbow eyeshadow look and it’s one of the prettiest ways to wear color on your lids. Whether you’re in a festive mood or gearing up for the Halloween season, there is no doubt that rainbow eyeshadow can brighten your entire appearance with a vivid and colorful touch. So, grab your eyeshadow brushes and get ready to start experimenting with color as we offer a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a stunning rainbow eyeshadow look.

How to Get a Rainbow Eyeshadow Look

To give your go-to eyeshadow look a rainbow upgrade, you’re going to need a few different, vivid shades of eyeshadow. The secret to a rainbow eyeshadow is to blend, blend and blend. You want each color to seamlessly transition into the next, creating a prism of colors. Follow the steps of our tutorial below to get the look with ease.

1. Prime Your Lids

Start by prepping your lids with an eyeshadow primer or concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of concealer onto your ring finger and then dab it gently onto your eyelids until it has blended out smoothly. Those with oily eyelids can prime with a waterproof eyeliner pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, instead. 

2. Start in the Inner Corner

Grab a large fluffy eyeshadow brush and apply both pink eyeshadow shades from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Avenue Des Roses into the inner corner of your eyes and upper crease. Keep packing on the pink shades until you get the color intensity you desire. Lightly blend your eyeshadow around the edges to diffuse any harsh lines.

3. Apply Eyeshadow onto the Center Lid 

Using a clean, fluffy eyeshadow brush, layer the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Purple Priority right next to the pink hue and extend it onto the center lid. Then tap some of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Endless Sea towards the outer corners and blend out any harsh lines with a clean brush.

Editor’s tip: You can always opt for different colors if you’re going for a pastel rainbow or want to create your own color scheme. 

4. Blend Eyeshadow onto the Outer Corner

Pick up a flat eyeshadow brush and carefully blend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Golden Emerald right next to the blue hue. Be sure to apply this green hue into a wing-like shape at the outer corner of your eyes and drag the color down onto the outer corners of the lower lid. Make sure to blend out all of your colors well.

Editor’s tip: To add a pop of shimmer to your rainbow eye look, try using the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Amethyst Quartz, Blush Jewel or Radiant Ruby.  

5. Line the Lower Lash Line 

Grab a small pointed eyeshadow brush and apply a yellow shadow like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine along the lower lash line. If you prefer to line the lower lash with a pencil eyeliner, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Gold.

6. Draw Winged Eyeliner

Finish your rainbow eyeshadow with the perfect winged eyeliner by using the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner. Then, curl your lashes and swipe on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable in Blackest Black to add intense volume and lengthen. 

7. Highlight the Inner Corner

Using powder highlighter like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette,  take a small shadow brush and lightly blend the powder onto the inner corner of your eyes and the brow bone. This little bit of highlighter will brighten your entire rainbow eye look — think of it as the cherry on top.

Next: 6 Makeup Tips For Hooded Eyes

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Yeidelin, IG @/glowybyyei_, Design by: Sarah Duvivier