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Image: Carlo A/Getty ImagesMakeup, especially eyeshadows and lipsticks, offers endless possibilities for experimentation—though there are some steadfast guidelines. Much like a well-curated wardrobe, there are key factors that reliably enhance your features. Skin tone, according to makeup artists, is the main element in determining which eyeshadow shades will work best for you.
“Just like everyone needs a flattering tee and jeans, everyone needs an eyeshadow color that’s ideally several shades lighter than their skin tone for highlighting their brows and lids, along with a deeper shade that can be used for adding drama to (or dressing up) the outer corners of the eye and smudging liners,” says Andrew Sotomayor, a celebrity makeup artist from New York.
If you're in need of some eyeshadow inspiration, we turned to Sotomayor to break down the shades, products, and techniques he uses to create tailored looks for every skin tone.
Eyeshadow Shades for Light/Fair Skin Tones
When applying eyeshadow on fair skin, it's best to keep it subtle. Light pigments can create a significant effect, so stick to soft tones like taupe, champagne, or delicate plum. Avoid dark, pigmented shades as they can appear harsh and overpowering. For contouring, choose a shade only a few tones darker than your skin. Steer clear of reds, pinks (which might make you appear tired or unwell), and gray shades (which may leave a bruised appearance).
“Beige tones, such as latte, are perfect for the eyelid as they can mask redness while brightening the area,” says Sotomayor. “For a fresh, natural look, ivory, bone, and eggshell shades are excellent for defining the brow bone in light and fair skin tones.”
Achieve the Look: For light and fair skin tones, Sotomayor recommends KVD Beauty Dazzle Long-Wear Eyeshadow Stick in Hail Surge. “Apply directly to the lids and blend it out with your finger or a brush. It works beautifully on its own or as a base for layering other shades—and you won’t even need a primer!”
Eyeshadow Shades for Medium/Honey Skin Tones
Consider yourself lucky—Sotomayor explains that medium and honey skin tones can pull off a wide variety of eyeshadow colors without looking too bold. Warm, glowing shades and rich, metallic finishes are your go-to choices. “Rose gold is particularly stunning on the lids as it can be worn casually during the day and dressed up with dark eyeliner or a bolder lip in the evening,” he shares.
There are very few shades to steer clear of, though Sotomayor recommends avoiding matte brown and mauve shades that are too close to your skin tone as they may make the eyes look flat. For contouring, he suggests using a medium bronze (like an aged penny) that’s a few tones deeper than your natural skin color. “Apply it to the outer corners and blend it with black liner for a softer, smoky look.”
Achieve the Look: Try Covergirl’s Clean Color Eyeshadows for easy dimensionality. “This vegan formula typically features two medium shades and two darker ones that are perfect for blending. I especially recommend Golden Toffee for medium skin tones,” says Sotomayor.
Eyeshadow Shades for Deep/Dark Skin Tones
For enhancing deep and dark skin tones, opt for shades that really stand out. “Don’t hesitate to create contrast. Pick eyeshadows that reflect the glow of your skin on your cheekbones in sunlight,” Sotomayor recommends. “I also enjoy using a 24-karat gold or copper shade on the lids and dark shades like espresso, plum, or black for smudging liner and adding intensity.”
Vibrant, cool-toned greens and blues are particularly flattering, but if you prefer neutrals, Sotomayor suggests embracing copper, bronze, and rich autumn-inspired shades. Avoid ashy or white eyeshadows, as they can appear dull or invisible on dark skin.
Achieve the Look: Sotomayor recommends the Mented Everyday Shadow Palette for creating a flawless makeup look on dark skin. “It contains all the essentials, plus some duplicate shades so you won’t run out of your most used colors too quickly.”
