Have you heard of the Ombre eyeshadow look? Learn how to do the popular ombre eyeshadow look with this easy tutorial. Blending three different shadows together for a gradient effect is simple with these tips!

Sometimes this eyeshadow look is called "the gradient". If you've never seen this eyeshadow look, then you're in for a treat! This is a type of eyeshadow application technique that is very fun and eye-catching.

While there are many ways to apply eyeshadows, this is a simple and playful way to add something different to your eyeshadow toolkit. It's even easy enough for your everyday makeup routine.

What is Ombre Eyeshadow or The Gradient Eye Look?

Really, there are two different ways of making the Ombre look - 1) Using differing color shades, and 2) Using a monochromatic scheme. Let me explain.

Version 1 of The Ombre eyeshadow look requires 3 main eyeshadow shades: a light, a medium, and a darker color. These eyeshadows will be blended into each other from inner/lighter to outer/darker. They can be different color shades that combine well together, from lightest to dark (gradient).

Version 2 opts for a monochromatic scheme, choosing 3 different shades from lightest to darkest in the same color family (ombre) and blending again from light/inner to darkest/outer.

This application technique is a great way to add a pop of color to your makeup look and play with different eyeshadow finishes.

How to Create The Ombre Eyeshadow Application Technique

So, how exactly do you do an Ombre/Gradient eye look? It’s super easy and very simple to do. You can use all matte eyeshadows or all shimmery eyeshadows. In some cases, a combination of mattes and shimmers works too.

Summarized (deeper follow along below)...

• Step 1 - Prime The Lids and apply a base shade.
• Step 2 - Apply the lightest eyeshadow shade in the inner third of the lid.
• Step 3 - The medium shade is applied in the middle third, blending gently into the lighter shade for a smooth transition.
• Step 4 - The darkest shade is then applied on the outer third of the lid, blending into the medium color.

Lastly, you will want to use a lighter medium matte color that complements the overall eyeshadow look to smooth out the edges. Apply this in the crease, in the folded area above the eyelid, and blend out across the entire crease area.

Then finish the eyes by lining them and adding some coats of mascara. The liner can be anything from simply darkening the lash line to a more dramatic and bold winged liner.

Follow Along: Ombre Eyeshadow Using "Very-Peri"

We have put together an easy step-by-step Ombre Eyeshadow look to demonstrate this application technique. Using Red Apple Lipstick products, we will create a beautiful ombre eye with a pop of color inspired by 2022’s color of the year, Very Peri.

Step 1- Prime the Lids and Base Color

Start the Ombre Eyeshadow by using the Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer to prep the eyelids. Apply a tiny amount all over the eyelid, up to the brow bone. Let that dry for a couple of minutes, then set with a bit of setting powder for smoother blending.

Apply a base color on the lids. Using the Wet/Dry Eye Brush, apply Porcelain eyeshadow all over the lid, up to the brow bone. (If Porcelain is too light, use another eyeshadow closer to your skin tone.)

Step 2 - Inner Third Shade

Using the Wet/Dry Eye Brush, apply Iced Mocha eyeshadow on the inner third of the lid and on the brow bone as a highlighter.

Step 3- Middle Third Shade

Next, apply Violet Vixen eyeshadow on the middle third of the lid, gently blending into Iced Mocha for a seamless transition.

Step 4- Outer Third Shade

Apply Vamp eyeshadow onto the outer third of the lid, blending lightly into Violet Vixen for a smooth color transition.

Step 5- Blending Shade

To smooth out the edges, use the Crease and Blend Brush to apply Yes You Canyon eyeshadow in the crease with windshield-wiping motions, blending across the entire crease area.

Step 6- Bottom Lash Line

For a complete look, apply Yes You Canyon or Vamp eyeshadow to the bottom lash line.

Step 7- Apply Eyeliner

Line the eyes with Black Magic eyeshadow using the Angled Eye Brush. Wing the liner as desired, or simply darken the lash line for a more subtle look.

Step 8- Finish with Mascara

To complete the look, apply 1-4 coats of mascara, such as The Lash Project, depending on the desired effect.

Red Apple Lipstick Products Used for This Look:

Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer - helps color correct and prime the eyelids, eliminating eyeshadow creasing.

Porcelain Eyeshadow - light, matte, off-white eyeshadow for base coverage.

Iced Mocha - soft, frosted taupe eyeshadow.

Violet Vixen - slightly muted lavender purple eyeshadow with a metallic sheen.

Vamp Eyeshadow - deep red color like aged wine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does ombre mean in makeup?

It is the blending of one color to another, usually starting from the lightest to the darkest shade.

What is ombre eyeshadow?

This is an eyeshadow look where shadows are applied and blended together from the lightest to darkest shades.