Ombre Eyeshadow: Get That Perfect Gradient In 4 Simple Steps.
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Have you heard of the Ombre eyeshadow look? Learn how to do the popular ombre eyeshadow look with this easy tutorial. Blending three different shadows together for a gradient effect is simple with these tips!
Sometimes this eyeshadow look is called “the gradient”. If you’ve never seen this eyeshadow look then you’re in for a treat! This is a type of eyeshadow application technique that is very fun, and eye-catching.
While there are many ways to apply eyeshadows, this is a simple and playful way to add something different to your eyeshadow tool kit. It’s even easy enough for your everyday makeup routine.
What is Ombre Eyeshadow or The Gradient Eye Look?
Really, there are two different ways of making the Ombre look – 1) Using differing color shades, and 2) Using a monochromatic scheme. let me explain.
Version 1 of The Ombre eyeshadow look requires 3 main eyeshadow shades, a light, a medium, and a darker color. These eyeshadows will be blended into each other from inner/lighter to outer/darker. They can be different color shades that combine well together, from lightest to dark (gradient).
Version 2 opts for a monochromatic scheme, choosing 3 different shades from lightest to darkest in the same color family (ombre). And blended again from lights/inner to darkest/outer.
This application technique is a great way to add a pop of color to your makeup look and/or play with different eyeshadow finishes.
How to Create The Ombre Eyeshadow Application Technique
So, how exactly do you do an Ombre/Gradient eye look? It’s super easy and very simple to do. You can use all matte eyeshadows or all shimmery eyeshadows. In some cases, a combination of mattes and shimmers works too.
Summarized (deeper follow along below)…
- Step 1 – Prime The Lids and apply a base shade.
- Step 2 – Apply the lightest eyeshadow shade in the inner third of the lid.
- Step 3 – The medium shade is applied in the middle third being blended gently into the lighter shade for a smooth transition.
- Step 4 – The darkest shade is then applied on the outer third of the lid, lightly being blended into the medium color.
Lastly, you will want to use a lighter medium matte color that complements the overall eyeshadow look to smooth out the edges. You will want to place this in the crease, in the folded area above the eyelid, and blend out across the entire crease taking it just above, onto the transition area.
Then finish the eyes by lining them and adding some coats of mascara. The liner can be anything from just simply darkening the lash line, to a more dramatic and bold winged liner.
Follow Along: Ombre Eyeshadow Using “Very-Peri”
And of course, we have put together an easy step-by-step Ombre Eyeshadow look to demonstrate how to achieve this application technique. Using Red Apple Lipstick products, we will create a beautiful ombre eye with a pop of color taking inspiration from 2022’s color of the year, Very Peri.
Step 1- Prime the Lids and Base Color
Start the Ombre Eyeshadow by using the Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer to prep the eyelids. Apply a tiny amount all over the eyelid, up to the brow bone. Let that dry for a couple of minutes. Once dried, you may set it with a bit of setting powder to help eyeshadows blend even more smoothly.
Apply a base color on the lids. With the Wet/Dry Eye Brush, apply Porcelain eyeshadow all over the lid, taking it up to the brow bone. (If Porcelain is too light for you, you may use another eyeshadow color that is closer to your skin tone.)
Step 2 – Inner Third Shade
Using the Wet/Dry Eye Brush, apply Iced Mocha eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid. Apply also on the brow bone as a highlighter.
Step 3- Middle Third Shade
Next, apply Violet Vixen eyeshadow on the middle third of the lid. Make sure to gently blend Violet Vixen into Iced Mocha, you want a seamless transition from one shade to the other.
Step 4- Outer Third Shade
Now, apply Vamp eyeshadow onto the outer third of the lid. Again, make sure to lightly blend into Violet Vixen for that smooth transition of colors.
Step 5- Blending Shade
The next step is to smooth out the edges of the eyeshadows. To do this, take the Crease and Blend Brush, or a similar brush, and place Yes You Canyon eyeshadow in the crease using windshield wiping motions to blend out the edges. You want to blend across the entire crease area, taking it just above (onto the transition area).
Step 6- Bottom Lash Line
For a more complete look, apply some eyeshadow onto the bottom lash line. If you want a more subtle look, apply Yes You Canyon eyeshadow. If you want a bit of a pop of color on the lash line instead, apply Vamp eyeshadow.
Step 7- Apply Eyeliner
Line the eyes using Black Magic eyeshadow. Apply Black Magic eyeshadow as liner using the Angled Eye Brush. Wing your liner as much or as little as you want for some added drama. Or you can also just darken the lash line for a more subtle look.
Step 8- Finish with Mascara
To finish this eye look, apply some mascara. For dramatic lashes, apply 3 to 4 coats of mascara such as The Lash Project. If you prefer more natural-looking lashes, apply 1 to 2 coats instead.
Face Makeup
For the rest of the makeup to go with The Ombre Eyeshadow look, apply your base makeup as you would normally do using your products of preference. Then add some warmth back to the complexion by applying Sundrop Bronzer to the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. You can also add some dimension and define the face by applying it to the hollows of the cheeks, the bases of the nose, and the jawline.
This look will pair perfectly with a pink or a mauve shade of blush. M’Lady blush is the perfect shade of mauve for this look. Some other great options for this look are Dolly and Coy blush.
To complete the Ombre Eyeshadow look, pair this with a pinky shade of lipstick. Since the eyes have a pop of color, go with a lip color that is not too bright or bold to keep an overall balanced look. Maven Mauve lipstick was the choice for this look, but Audrey lipstick would also look great.
If you love lip gloss, try S.W.A.K, Dancing Princess, or Honey Badger.
Have you ever tried this eyeshadow look? If not, what are you waiting for? This ombre eyeshadow look is super versatile and can be worn everyday. It’s also really easy to do – all you need are three different shades of eyeshadow that graduate from light to dark. We would love to see your take on this look, so be sure to post a picture of yourself rocking the ombre shadow trend on our social media pages. We can’t wait to see how you make this look your own!
Red Apple Lipstick Products Used for This Look:
Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer– helps color correct and prime the eyelids, eliminating eyeshadow creasing.
Porcelain Eyeshadow– light, matte, off-white, creamy nude eyeshadow with a slightly pinkish, peachy yellow tint to it. Great as an eyeshadow base as it helps to neutralize discoloration on the lids.
Iced Mocha- a soft and delicate, light, frosted taupe eyeshadow with an ever so slight tint of a dusty rose mauve.
Violet Vixen Eyeshadow- a slightly muted lavender purple eyeshadow with a metallic sheen and slight pinkish undertone.
Vamp Eyeshadow– a deep red color, like that of aged red wine.
Yes You Canyon Eyeshadow– a matte, medium reddish brown tan eyeshadow.
Black Magic Eyeshadow– a very dark matte black eyeshadow. Can even be applied as an eyeliner.
Sundrop Bronzer– warm matte bronzer. Buildable and natural-looking, perfect for all skin tones.
M’Lady Blush– a matte muted mauve blush shade.
Maven Mauve Lipstick– the perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ombre mean in makeup?
It is the blending of one color to another. Usually starting from the lightest shade of color to the darkest shade.
What is ombre eyeshadow?
This is an eyeshadow look where eyeshadows are applied and blended together, from the lightest shade to darkest.
Want to see how far Ombre eyeshadow can go?
I really like this article by Ellie at Prettydesigns.com – she shows off some amazing Ombre eye looks.
How To Lipstick Pair with Eye Shadow – Let’s Start With An Easy One – Lipstick Pairings for Smokey Eyes.