Get In on the Multichrome Eyeshadow Trend With These Eye-Catching Picks

It’s a moment to remember. You’re admiring a pigmented eyeshadow when the color shifts—and shifts again. Maybe it moves from green to yellow to rose gold or purple to blue to green. No matter the color, the pigment takes on a chrome-like effect that’s simply mesmerizing. So, what is this magical makeup called? Meet multichrome eyeshadow. Unlike a textured or two-tones eyeshadow, multichrome eyeshadow shifts between three and four colors as you move it. And it’s seriously cool.

Makeup lovers credit indie brands including Devinah Cosmetics, JD Glow, and Notoriously Morbid for pushing multichrome eyeshadow into the mainstream. These colorful hues come in single, loose pigments or loose multichromes, pressed eyeshadow singles, eyeshadow palettes, and even liquid eyeshadow. Now, dozens of brands are creating their versions of multichrome eyeshadows in matte and shimmer shades.

Multichrome vs. Duochrome Eyeshadow

You’ve probably seen eyeshadows that shift from one color to another (like silver to black). These are definitely chromatic eyeshadows, but because they only shift between two colors, they’re called duochrome. They can be just as cool to incorporate into your makeup routine and maybe even easier if you’re new to a chromatic look. A multicolored-lid look can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered (read on below).

Wearing Multichrome Eyeshadow IRL

Wearing a few eyeshadow colors at once can seem daunting enough, but when you throw in a shade that color shifts you’re talking a whole different game. Good news, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Multichrome eyeshadows are super versatile. Use multichrome eyeshadow alone for a multicolor look by applying it to the lids just above the lashes, and then blending it into the crease. This will allow each color shift to stand out.

You can also apply your usual eye makeup and add a chromatic topper to the middle of each eyelid for a pop of multichrome color. Just be sure to choose a complimentary hue that won’t clash with your other eyeshadow. We also love applying neutral matte shades with a colorful chromatic shade on top.

Ready to dive into multichrome eyeshadows? Here are some of our favorite formulas to get you started.