How to Apply Eyeshadow: 17 New Looks You Haven't Tried Yet

Images: Imaxtree

Makeup ruts happen to even the most creative, makeup-obsessed beauty junkies (though we prefer to call it a signature look). While there’s definitely something to be said about having a routine that works, you know it’s time to shake things up when your makeup bag is filled with 28 variations of nude eyeshadow and you can apply a smoky eye in your sleep.

Don’t go dumping your favorite makeup just yet because a total overhaul isn’t necessary. Experimenting with new ways to apply eyeshadow can make all the difference. Think beyond the classic cat eye and play around with interesting new makeup techniques like halo eyes and underliner. What’s more, you only need a few shadows or a really good eyeshadow palette to create a whole new look. (Of course, if you want to add a bold blue eyeshadow or some sparkle, go for it.)

Need some inspiration for how to apply eyeshadow when you’re bored of the same old look? The Spring 2018 shows had a variety of graphic eye looks worth testing out, from jewel-toned shadow being extended up to the brows at Marni to extra-long black smudges at Giorgio Armani. Whether you copy the entire look or just the shape, the result will be new to you.

Pick up your makeup brushes and get inspired by these new eyeshadow looks, borrowed straight from the runways.

[ Next: Still Going Strong: 20 Runway-Inspired Ways to Reinvent the Cat Eye ]

17 New Eyeshadow Looks You Haven't Tried Yet

Sunset Shadow

Channel your obsession with ombre hair into an ombre shadow look. Instead of having the color go from dark on the lids to light on the brows, apply complementary eyeshadow colors horizontally, from the inner corner of the eye towards the temple.
Smoky Flick

Get a fierce smoky eye and a feline flick in one look using nothing but eyeshadow. Smudge the dark shadow across the entire lid, then create a cut-out effect at the outer eye using a skinny eyeshadow brush dipped in makeup remover. Layer on a metallic shadow from the middle of the lid towards the inner eye to create some dimension.
Seeing Green

When choosing a strong color, don't be afraid to apply eyeshadow in big, bold strokes. You can always temper the saturated hue with a few dabs of black, as seen at the Marni Spring 2018 show.
Double Feature

Looking for a next-level way to wear blush and eyeshadow? Try combining the two together. Blend shadow on the eye area and down cheekbones for a harmonious finish. This pumpkin spice shade is a pretty option.
Pastel Peepers

Sometimes it's not about what's applied, it's about what is left off. See this striking look from the Mary Katrantzou Fall 2017 show. Leave lids bare and apply swirls of lilac shadow above the creases and on the outer corners.
Longer Lengths

Ignore the rule that shadow has to end at the outer corners of the eyes. Instead, bring it way back to the hairline, thoroughly diffusing it into skin. For a highlighted look, add white shadow underneath the black tails.
Red Eyes

Add some fire to black eyeshadow with a dab of bright red on the center of the lids. It's OK to smudge the perimeter of the black eyeshadow, but don't blend the red.
Next-Level Neutral

Ever applied neutral eyeshadow like this? Dust the shadow over the entire eye area. And we mean the whole thing, including the lower lash line, brows and right back to the hairline.
Go Graphic

Put down that smudge eyeshadow brush and embrace a makeup look with sharp edges. Choose an opaque liquid shadow for maximum impact.
Dot, Dot, Dot

Here's proof that a literal dot of shadow can be as impactful as a smoky eye. Dab eyeshadow on the lower lash line, about half an inch from the outer corner of the eye. Don't worry if the dots aren't perfectly round. Some smudging is part of the appeal.
Dark Corners

Pick two contrasting shades from that much-used neutral eyeshadow palette. Use the lighter shadow across the lid. Accent the corner of the eye with the darker shade.
Double Dose

Reinvigorate a neutral shadow by applying it above the crease in a rounded shape. Take things to the next level with a jolt of shimmering blue on the lower lash line.
Bold Blue

This is not the dated blue eyeshadow from the 80s. Choose a thick pigment and paint it on to create flicks at the corners. Add some eyeliner into the mix by sketching rough strokes on the lower lash line.
Neon Highlight

Inject some color into peepers with a shot of electric coral dotted on the inner corners. For more impact, rim the lower lash line with a deep pink shadow.
Glittery Gaze

There are many ways to get creative with a smoky eye. Bring new life to sooty gray shadow by taking it up to eyebrows. Complete the look by dabbing glitter around the eyes.
Purple Peepers

Here's how to apply eyeshadow to make eyes look wider. Add a thick stripe of eyeshadow from the inner corner of the eye across the lid to the outer corner. Smudge the outer edge slightly for an undone finish.
On the Other Side

Focus the attention somewhere besides the lid. Get inspired by the underliner trend and draw a bold flick on the lower lash line using a cream eyeshadow and a fine-tipped shadow brush.