How to Pull Off Shimmer Eyeshadow

Matte, neutral eyeshadow looks are a long-standing favorite, but don’t forget that you have another option: shimmer eyeshadow. Next time you’re looking to have some fun with your eye makeup, why not add a little glitz to your lids? And no, this makeup trend isn’t reserved for a certain age group! With the right tips and tricks, we’re confident anyone can pull off shimmery eyeshadow. Ready to embrace a dash of shimmer and shine? Read on for all of those tips and tricks, plus an easy shimmer eyeshadow tutorial. 

SHIMMER EYESHADOW TIP #1: DO YOUR EYES FIRST

Used to applying your face makeup as the first step in your routine? Think again! When it comes to using shimmer eyeshadows, you have to be prepared for fallout. If you do your face makeup first, you’ll end up having to remove some of your foundation and under-eye concealer in the process of cleaning up your under-eye area—and who wants that? Instead, apply your eye makeup at the start of your routine and use micellar water to easily wipe away any sparkly specks that end up under your eyes or on your cheeks.

SHIMMER EYESHADOW TIP #2: CREATE BALANCE

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to balance out the finishes you use in your eye makeup. If you plan to wear a shimmery shade on your lid, opt for a matte eye shadow in your crease, and vice versa.

SHIMMER EYESHADOW TIP #3: LESS IS MORE

With any bold makeup look, you can count on the fact that less is more. Rather than go overboard with your shimmery shadow, start by packing the eye shadow onto the center of your lid. This will create a highlighted effect that makes eyes look bigger, and you can always easily amp up the shimmer if you decide you want to add more.

SHIMMER EYESHADOW TIP #4: OPT FOR A NEUTRAL LIP

When it comes to your lip makeup, your best bet is to keep things simple. While you can totally get away with a red lip and a nude shimmer eyeshadow look, you’re more likely to make a statement by letting your eyes be the center of your look. After all, you wouldn’t want all that hard work perfecting your eye shadow to go unnoticed, now would you?

SHIMMER EYESHADOW TIP #5: LOAD UP ON MASCARA

A shimmery eyeshadow look’s best friend? Voluminous lashes! This statement eye calls for a mascara that’s equally as attention-grabbing. Load up on a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara for an instant lash lift effect.

HOW TO CREATE A SHIMMER EYESHADOW LOOK

Give this shimmer eyeshadow look a try, keeping the above tips in mind.

STEP #1: PRIME YOUR LIDS

Before you reach for your shimmery shade, you’ll want to apply an eye shadow primer. This will help keep your look in place all day and night!

STEP #2: GRAB YOUR SHIMMER EYESHADOW

Use a flat eye shadow brush to pack a shimmery eye shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Golden Emerald or any shade of the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup, onto your lid.

Editor’s tip: Remember how we mentioned fall out can be an issue? Another way to avoid it becoming a problem is to stick with cream or liquid shimmer eyeshadow formulas, like the Brilliant Eyes shadows.

STEP #3: DEFINE YOUR CREASE

Like we mentioned above, when defining your crease, you’ll want to switch up the finish of your shadow. Reach for a light brown, matte eye shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte It Up, to do just that. Deepen your crease by applying Cafe Au Lait to the outer “V.”

STEP #4: LINE YOUR EYES

Give your eyes an added wow-factor with the help of liquid eyeliner. Create your sharpest wing with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

STEP #5: COAT YOUR LASHES

Finish your look with a few coats of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume. To really take your look up a notch, consider applying some falsies, too. (Here are 10 Hacks to Make Applying False Lashes Easier.)

Next: 7 Glitter Eyeshadow and Eye Makeup Ideas