Pastel eyeshadows are making a big comeback in 2024, and they’ve taken over Instagram with their soft, dreamy appeal. From light lavenders to soft pinks and mint greens, pastel colors are perfect for adding a subtle pop of color to your makeup look. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or love experimenting with bold styles, pastels are versatile and flattering for all skin tones. In this article, we’ll dive into how you can master the pastel eyeshadow trend and incorporate it into your makeup routine.
Why Pastel Eyeshadow is Trending
Pastel eyeshadows bring a fresh, playful vibe to any look while still being soft and wearable. Their light, airy appearance makes them perfect for daytime makeup, yet they can easily be elevated for a chic evening look. The beauty of pastels is that they work for all seasons, giving your eyes a delicate wash of color without being overpowering.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Pastel Eyeshadow
- Choose the Right Pastel Shades for Your Skin Tone
- Why it’s important: Different pastel shades complement different skin tones, so it’s essential to choose the right ones to make your eyes pop.
- Fair Skin: Light lavender, baby blue, or pale pink pastels work beautifully for those with fair skin tones.
- Medium Skin: Soft peaches, mint greens, and lilac shades bring out the warmth in medium skin tones.
- Dark Skin: Rich pastels like lavender, bold peach, and teal pastels stand out and create a striking contrast against darker complexions.
- Tip: Use a white or neutral eyeshadow primer to make the pastel colors more vibrant on any skin tone.
- Product Recommendation: The ColourPop Pastel Pop Eyeshadow Palette has a range of soft shades perfect for any skin tone.
- Prep Your Eyelids for Maximum Color Payoff
- Why it’s important: Pastels can sometimes appear sheer, so priming your lids is key to making the colors stand out.
- How to prep: Start with an eyeshadow primer to even out your eyelids and give the eyeshadow something to adhere to. This ensures the pastels are more pigmented and last longer throughout the day.
- Tip: For extra vibrancy, apply a white eyeshadow base before layering the pastel shades.
- Product Recommendation: NYX Eyeshadow Base in White is ideal for making pastel colors pop.
- Build the Pastel Color Gradually
- Why it’s important: Pastel shades are meant to be soft and blendable, so it’s best to build the color gradually rather than packing it on all at once.
- How to apply: Use a fluffy blending brush to apply the pastel shade of your choice to your eyelid. Start with a light layer and gradually build up the intensity by blending more color into the crease and outer corner.
- Tip: Layer different pastel shades for a multi-dimensional look—try combining lavender with pale pink for a whimsical effect.
- Product Recommendation: The Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush is perfect for softly blending pastels.
- Add a Shimmer for a Dreamy Finish
- Why it’s important: Adding a hint of shimmer can elevate your pastel look, making your eyes sparkle and adding dimension.
- How to apply: Apply a shimmery or iridescent eyeshadow to the center of your lid or the inner corners of your eyes to brighten up the look. Stick to complementary shades, like pearly whites, light pinks, or soft golds.
- Tip: For a more dramatic look, add shimmer under the brow bone to highlight your eye shape.
- Product Recommendation: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in “Lightning Dust” works as both a highlighter and an eyeshadow topper.
- Define Your Eyes with a Soft Eyeliner
- Why it’s important: Pastel eyeshadow looks are soft and airy, so using a harsh black liner might overpower the look. Instead, opt for soft browns, grays, or even pastel liners.
- How to apply: Line your upper lash line with a light brown or taupe eyeliner to define your eyes without taking attention away from the pastels. For a more whimsical effect, use a pastel-colored eyeliner in blue or lavender.
- Tip: Smudge the liner slightly for a more blended, romantic look.
- Product Recommendation: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Mushroom” is a great option for a soft, subtle liner.
- Finish with Mascara
- Why it’s important: Mascara adds the finishing touch to your pastel look, making your lashes stand out and framing your eyes.
- How to apply: Apply a few coats of black or brown mascara to your upper and lower lashes to define your eyes. For an even softer look, opt for brown mascara instead of black.
- Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a pastel-colored mascara for an extra pop of color.
- Product Recommendation: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in brown works well with pastel eyeshadow looks, adding definition without overpowering the softness.
Bonus Tips for Rocking Pastel Eyeshadow
- Keep the Rest of Your Makeup Simple: Let your pastel eyes be the star of the show by keeping your face makeup neutral and your lips soft with a nude or pink shade.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix multiple pastel shades for a gradient effect. Start with a lighter shade in the inner corner and blend into a darker pastel on the outer corner.
- Perfect for Day or Night: Pastel eyeshadow works beautifully for both daytime and evening looks. For a daytime look, keep it soft and minimal, while for nighttime, add shimmer and bold liner for extra drama.
Conclusion:
Pastel eyeshadows are a major trend in 2024, offering a soft, feminine look that can be easily customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re going for a subtle wash of color or a playful, bold eye, pastels provide a fun and versatile way to experiment with your makeup. Try these easy techniques and tips to embrace the pastel eyeshadow trend and make it your own.
