How to Pull Off the Perfect Rose Gold Eye Makeup, Step-by-Step

Created by IPSY for COMPLEX CULTURE

Applying just the right amount of gold makeup to a look admittedly requires a bit of beauty expertise. Incorporate too little and you might miss out on the color’s “wow factor.” Go overboard and you could end up looking like the world’s most glamorous robot–not the worst, but might not be the look you’re after. 

For a shimmery alternative that still packs a dramatic punch but is generally a bit more wearable, try opting for a rose gold makeup look. Rose gold combines softer, pink undertones into a gold-based shade which is super flattering on a wide range of skin tones.

One of the easiest (and most flattering) ways to incorporate rose gold into your beauty look is via eye makeup. Here we’ll show you how to get the perfect rose gold eye makeup look to wear anywhere and everywhere.

Before you get started, here are a few beauty tools and makeup products you’ll need: 

1. Eyeshadow Brushes: To master this look we’ll be using three eyeshadow brushes from the recently-launched COMPLEX CULTURE brush line: the All Over Shadow brush, which is designed to work flawlessly on all eye shapes; the Precision Eyelid brush, which is crafted with densely packed bristles for precise application without any dreaded fallout, and the Easy Crease Definer brush, a game-changing three-sided brush for mastering those extra fine lines and small corners.
   
   

2. Eyeshadow Primer: Applying primer to an eye makeup look is the key to minimizing fallout, creasing, and smearing throughout the day. If you're in the market for a new eye primer, check out our list of the best eyeshadow primers to see some options we love.
   
   

3. A Base Eyeshadow Color: Your base color will be the most visible part of the look since it will be applied all over the lid. Because you’ll use the most of this color, it’s a good idea to have this be the softest shade in your rose gold eyeshadow palette. As our base color, we’ll be using PHASE ZERO Shimmer Eyeshadow in Nude Newbie, a soft pink nude with a golden shimmer.
   
   

4. A Crease Eyeshadow Color: For your crease color, you can use a matte color like M•A•C COSMETICS Cool Complement or Pleasing to the Eye or a shimmery color like Sanguine from the SO SUSAN Rose Gold Palette. Whichever way you go, opt for an eyeshadow color that’s slightly darker and more pigmented than what you’ve chosen for your base color to add dimension.
   
   

5. A Highlight or Shimmery Eyeshadow Color: Really ramp up the sparkle with your highlight color. This can be applied along the brow line, in the inner corners of the eyes, and even in the center of the lid. We’ll be using a light dusting of IBY BEAUTY Radiant Glow Highlighter in Prosecco for the ultimate rose gold sheen.

Step 1: Apply Your Primer and Base Color

Begin by applying a light coat of primer all over the lid, from the lash line to just below the brow. Use a makeup sponge (or your fingers if you’re in a pinch) to blend in the primer in an upward, outward motion. Give the primer about 30 seconds to dry and soak into the skin. If you move onto the next step too fast it will make it hard to blend in the shadow. 

Once it feels nice and dry, grab the COMPLEX CULTURE All Over Shadow brush, pack on your base color, and apply it lightly all over your lid. One wash of PHASE ZERO Shimmer Eyeshadow in Nude Newbie is relatively light and neutral, but if you’re after a more dramatic version of the look, go ahead and apply a few more layers for an extra boost of color.  

Step 2: Carve Out Your Crease

Now it’s time to start incorporating some definition to the makeup look by applying your crease color. As we mentioned, we’ll be using COMPLEX CULTURE Easy Crease Definer brush for this step. This is an innovative three-sided brush with one side for defining your eye crease, one to highlight inner eye corners, and one for applying shadow to the upper and lower lash line. 

Pack the darker shadow you’ve chosen for your crease color onto the tapered tip of the brush and swipe it along the crease of the eye (right where the bone meets the socket) from the outer corner to the inner corner. 

For a super smooth application, move the brush along the crease in a small, circular motion. Some makeup artists also recommend applying in more of a windshield wiper motion back and forth. Give both techniques a try and figure out which style works best for you. You'll want to blend your crease color until you’ve achieved a smooth gradient between this color and your base. 

Step 3. Get Shimmering

Onto the finishing touches! Pack your eyeshadow highlight color onto the COMPLEX CULTURE Precision Eyelid brush, making sure to tap the brush lightly just above the shadow palette to shake off any excess product before bringing it up to the eye. The Precision Eyelid Brush is ideal for this step because of its densely packed bristles which help to avoid fallout–a particularly pesky problem when you're dealing with super glittery shadows. 

Using the brush’s arrow-shaped tip, lightly brush the highlighter color along the brow line and blend into the rest of the look. This step does wonders to accentuate and lift the eye, making all your hard work look extra noticeable. 

In addition to applying the highlight color along the brow, you can also apply it to the center of your eyelid for a dramatic pop of color and in the inner corner of your eye to make the eyes really pop. For an extra-bold look, wet the brush with a setting spray before dipping it into the shimmery eyeshadow. This will make the shadow color appear extra vibrant on the skin. Round off your masterpiece by applying any eyeliner and mascara of your choice!

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