When you think of pastel eyeshadow, you probably cringe. Memories of middle school, the ’80s and old ladies probably come to mind. Pastel colors get a bad rep mostly because they’re not seen as “everyday” wearable. It’s this fear that keeps people from experimenting with colors like lavender, yellow, peach and sky blue. However, these colors can be super wearable and chic! The fashion industry has certainly picked up on this with yellow, blue and sunset eyeshadow being featured as a trend for Fall 2018. These colors are also great for any alien, mermaid, fairy or other Halloween costume.
Before we get into looks, let’s talk a little bit about prepping your eyes for colorful shadows. Priming the eyelids is a must, but try a color that’s near your skin tone so the color doesn’t pop as much. If you want it to pop, try a white primer or eyeshadow pencil. You can use an eyeshadow primer or your concealer to prime.
Not that you’re prepared to start the process, if you’re feeling adventurous, here are four wearable ways to use pastel eyeshadow:
1. Lower lash line
Putting color on the lower lash line can be a very easy way to wear pastel eyeshadow. Using a smudge brush, just swipe your pastel color on the lower lash line a few times. Do something natural on the eyelid like brown, gold or pink to balance the look.
Shadow used: “Tiki” by Colourpop
2. Middle accent
Placing a pastel color on the middle of your eyelid is another way to incorporate pastel shadow. Do your eye makeup however you like and then place pastel shadow in the middle. A halo eye also works well for this approach.
Shadow used: “Wait for It” by Colourpop
3. Inner corner
Adding pastel shadow to the inner corner of your eyes is a very minimal and simple way to test out new, “scary” colors. Just do your eyes like you normally do and then pop some colorful eyeshadow on the inner corner with a flat eyeshadow or smudge brush.
Shadow used: “Bassline” by Colourpop
4. Light wash
This look uses the largest amount of pastel shadow. It’s simple: just take a blending or crease brush and swipe your color all over your eyelid. If you want, put the same color on your lower lash line. You only need one color for this look, but you can add a shade to your crease or outer corner.
Shadow used: “Howlin’” by Colourpop
The most important thing to remember is that the best way to pull off pastel eyeshadow is to just have confidence in yourself, collegiettes!