It’s time to put those black and brown eyeshadows down. We know it may be hard, but there are other shades in your makeup bag that are worthy of some attention, too. And one of the more underappreciated colors is white eye makeup. You probably use the soft shade as a highlight on your brow bone on a regular basis, but if that’s the only place you’re using it, you’re missing out on some ethereal beauty looks.
White eye makeup can sometimes get a bad rap as being dated or too harsh, but there are countless formulas to choose from so you can find the most flattering shade. You don’t even need to limit yourself to eyeshadow. White eyeliner or even a white mascara are welcome additions to any makeup bag.
While some may say white clothes are a no-no in the winter months (not us!), the rule definitely doesn’t apply to makeup. In fact, white eye makeup is the perfect thing to wear on a snowy winter day for a pretty ice princess look. What are you waiting for? Be inspired by these different white eye makeup ideas to try a softer look.
Images: Imaxtree
18 Ways to Rock White Eye Makeup
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The White Stripe
White eye makeup newbies can test out the look by trying a slash of white eyeliner on the eyelids. If you want to coordinate your manicure with your makeup look, we're all for it.
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Refresh Your Cat Eye
How many times have you defaulted to a black cat eye? Break out of your rut and try using a white liquid liner to create your flick. Try Urban Decay Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Longwear Liquid Eyeliner in Bump ($22) or Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Snow ($22).
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Best of Both
Not quite ready to say goodbye to black eyeshadow? Pair it with white. Use the black on your lids and the white as an accent along your lower lash line. The addition of the white makes your eyes look twice their size.
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You're Cornered
Do you always apply a bit of white on the inner corners of your eyes to make them pop? Dial up the intensity by layering on the white eyeliner to create an opaque effect. Leave the rest of your eyes bare, so the white shadow remains the focus.
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Snowy Lashes
White mascara looks like little snowflakes have landed on your lashes. If you don't have one, you can always use your white eye primer and ditch the black top coat. It may feel weird at first, but give it a chance.
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Whiteout
Are you still not convinced that white shadow can be bold? Choose a heavily pigmented shade and create a graphic shape with it. Even without mascara, the look has as much oomph as a sparkly makeup look.
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Red and White
A white shadow paired with red lipstick is a twist on the classic smoky eye and red lips.
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Bye-Bye Brows
Bleached brows is an edgy runway-inspired beauty trend. If you're not ready to dye your brows, you can create a similar look with white eyeshadow and mascara. Try the combo when you're feeling experimental for a night out.
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Reach the Top
Any eyeshadow that goes up to someone's brows can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. When it comes to your white shadow, choose a sheer formula. And remember that defined brows and a natural pink lip color will nicely balance your frosty eye.
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Mod Girl
White shadow and black lashes always look good together. The best part is that there are multiple ways to create the look. Experiment with concentrating the white in the inner corners of your eyes. Add false lashes to the top and bottom of your eye, but apply the strips on the bottom ever so slightly below where your natural lashes are. Your eyes will look supersized. Promise.
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White Delight
The brilliant thing about white eye makeup is that it looks beautiful on every part of your eye. Leave your lids alone and blend your white shadow along the lower lash line. It's OK if the shadow drops off a bit, you want a softer look compared to a crisp line.
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Flick It
Balance out an ethereal white lid with a flick of blue eyeliner. Resist the urge to run the liner along your entire lash line and focus on the outer corners of your eyes.
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White Up There
Do you struggle to get your eyeliner right next to your upper lash line? Forget about trying to get it perfect and intentionally draw the line slightly higher. It'll give your eyes a new shape.
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Add Some Color
Is it white? Is it green? It's actually both. Apply white eyeshadow to your lid. Then brush a rich jade green into your crease. A purple lipstick adds another unexpected element, but it still works.
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Dab and Go
Not ready to fully commit to white eye makeup? Apply just a dab of white shadow in the center of each eyelid. Keep the rest of your makeup natural, so your understated eye doesn't get lost.
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Line Design
It's time to remember that there are more eyeliner shapes than your regular cat eye. Use a pencil to line the inner corners, but extend the lines out to the center of your eye.
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Frosty Queen
If you want a proper ice princess look, you're going to need some sparkle. Opt for silver glitter over your white eyeshadow. A glossy lip completes the fierce look.
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60s Redux
Black and white may have been the mods' go-to eyeshadow colors, but this look makes a case for rust and white. Use a rust-colored liner to get the precise edges on your crease and your flick. Something tells us that mods would have definitely approved of your makeup.
