5 Unexpected Yellow Eyeshadow Looks You Have to Try ASAP
When you’re creating a bright, colorful eye makeup look, yellow might not be the first shade that comes to mind. While the bold, sunny color is certainly less common than red eye makeup or blue eyeshadow, it’s actually more versatile than you think (AKA it’s not just reserved for models and professional makeup artists). You can use this amazing shade to boost warmth, make a statement, or create an unexpected pop of color—the possibilities are endless.
Like all colorful makeup looks, it's always a good idea to select a shade of yellow that flatters your skin tone. Makeup artist Angela Boswell says, "For cool fair skin, try pale yellow shades. On warmer fair skin, a dark yellow with gold tones will best complement the skin. On medium to olive skin, vibrant or fiery yellows will be flattering. For dark skin, the brighter the better! Most shades will look gorgeous!” Boswell adds that darker skin tones may want to steer clear of anything too chalky or pale as it may wash them out.
About the Expert:
Angela Boswell is a beauty professional who does hair and makeup for television, film, weddings, editorial photoshoots, and more.
The best part about yellow eye makeup looks? They can be as bold or subtle as you want them to be. Ready to fully commit to a yellow eyeshadow? Go ahead and swipe it all over your lid. Just want to dabble in the shade? Boswell says, “Yellow eyeliner tucked into the lash line gives a hint of playful color without overwhelming the entire eye. Try extending a wing to add more drama, or smudge out the liner with a small angled brush if the line feels too bright.”
If you're looking for some inspo on how to wear yellow eye makeup, you've come to the right place. We've highlighted 5 different yellow eye makeup looks below, all of which feature different skin tones and fun ways to apply this bold, beautiful shade. Bonus: Read on for a few of our favorite yellow-hued beauty products and quick makeup tips.
5 of the Best Yellow Eyeshadow Looks
1. The Bright Side
Fair-skinned folks, there's no need to fear yellow shadow. A saturated, bright yellow like wash of color Margot Robbie is wearing will stand out beautifully against your complexion. Swipe a color like the "Helden" shade from the NOMAD COSMETICS Berlin Underground Palette Intense Eyeshadow Palette all over the lid, then use a lighter, almost-golden tone as your highlight to add a touch of warmth. You can also try a pastel yellow here to soften up the lid color. But whatever you do, don't forget to dab that bold yellow onto the inner corners of your eyes to instantly illuminate them.
Tip: With this look, let your shadow shine and top things off with just a touch of pencil eyeliner and your favorite mascara.
2. Glowing in Gold
Zendaya shows us exactly how to master a fully glam yellow eyeshadow look. For deeper complexions like hers, yellow-gold is an ideal pick for a colorful makeup look that doesn't look too over the top. Instead, the shade masterfully glows against her gorgeous complexion.
Tip: For a fully glam look, use a yellow-gold with a lot of shimmer, like one of the shades from THE BEAUTY CROP Sungazing Eyeshadow Palette. Round it all out with cat eye eyeliner using a gel or liquid eyeliner, and finish with false lashes if you're feeling it.
3. Sunny Superhero
Here's proof that sometimes less is more: Elle Fanning's eyes are absolutely glowing thanks to just a bit of a highly pigmented yellow on her upper and lower lash lines. The superhero-esque makeup look is oh-so-striking, but if you're interested in a pared-down version, there is an extremely easy adjustment you can opt for. To make this look more subtle, try only applying a thin line of yellow along your upper lash line and leaving the bottom bare.
Tip: You can use a highly pigmented yellow eyeshadow with a liner brush to achieve this look, but a colored eyeliner or eye crayon will help with precise and seamless application and high color payoff.
4. Bronze Bliss
Just starting to dabble in the world of colorful eyeshadow? Make your debut in the realm of yellow with a super wearable shade of gold (yes, gold still counts as yellow). A glittery, slightly smokey eye like Emily Ratajkowski’s will look flattering on literally everyone–whether you have brown eyes, green eyes, medium skin, pale skin, or anything in between. What’s more is it’s simply to recreate at home—just apply a shimmery gold all over your lid, making sure to also dab it along the lower lash line.
Pro tip: To avoid fallout for super sparkly shades like this, make sure to always prime your lids using concealer or an eyeshadow primer. Then, apply either a matte nude or a lighter gold from your cut crease to your brow bone and blend until you've created a seamless ombré effect. Finish with just a touch of eyeliner and use a curling mascara to keep those lashes sky-high.
5. Colorful and Complementary
Yellow makeup is wildly striking on its own, but believe it or not, it also plays well with other colors. Yellow pairs beautifully with orange eyeshadow, pink eyeshadow, and purple eyeshadow. While purple may seem like an unexpected choice, yellow and purple are complementary colors, meaning they sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors are known for how perfectly they look side-by-side.
To recreate this look you'll need a few different colors: a sparkly champagne shade for the lid, a bold, shimmery purple for the crease and outer V, and a shimmery, pigmented yellow for the inner corners of the eye. After you've blended the champagne and purple from the lid to the brow bone (and along the lower lash line), dab just a bit of yellow into the inner corners of both eyes for a vibrant, unexpected pop of color. Then, complete the look with eyeliner and mascara.
Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup neutral to really let those statement eyes shine.
Want in on all the IPSY Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
