How to Do Natural Eye Makeup for Every Skin Tone

While we love a bright pop of colorful eyeshadow or glittery foiled lids, there is always a time and a place for natural eye makeup and it never goes out of style. If you think neutral eyeshadow is boring, think again because with shades of gray, taupe, gold, brown, olive, bronze and nude, you can create a number of different eye makeup looks that are anything but.

In fact, these neutral shades allow you to embrace natural makeup while staying on trend. So, if you’re ready to rock a daytime appropriate, au naturel eye makeup look, here’s a natural eye makeup tutorial for every skin tone. 

How Do You Make Your Eyeshadow Look Natural?

If you want your eyeshadow to look natural, use softer shades and a light hand. Natural eyeshadow looks appear natural because they stick with neutral shades like brown, tan and beige, typically in matte or slightly shimmery finishes. They also usually include a natural lash, light eyeliner on the top and bottom lashes and a small wing to define the eye shape. Ultimately, natural eyeshadow is meant to enhance your features without looking over the top, so everything about it is supposed to be kept subtle and toned down. 

How to Apply Eyeshadow for a Natural Eye Makeup Look

Your natural eye makeup look will differ slightly depending on your skin tone. Check out our makeup tutorials for natural eyeshadow and eye makeup, according to your skin tone, below.

Natural Eye Makeup Tutorial for Light Skin

If your skin is on the fair to light side, this eye makeup tutorial creates natural-looking eye makeup with light brown eyeshadows and brown eyeliner.

Step 1. Prime Your Lids With Concealer

Before you reach for eyeshadow, apply a dab of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage onto your lids to create an even canvas for your eyeshadow application. If you have oily eyelids, stick to an eye primer made specifically for this step.

Step 2. Apply Tan Eyeshadow

Grab the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette and blend the light beige shade all over your lid with an eyeshadow brush.  To add the faintest wash of color, swipe the medium brown shade in your crease, blending slightly outward. Since this is supposed to add just enough natural-looking color, don’t extend the shadow beyond the upper edge of your crease. 

Step 3. Add Shimmer for Bright Eyes

One of the easiest ways to create the appearance of wide-open eyes is to apply a light shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lid, directly over your pupil. To get the look, swirl your index finger into the light shimmery shade and lightly dab it onto the middle of your lid. 

Step 4. Define Your Eyes With Brown Eyeliner

Instead of black eyeliner, which can sometimes look harsh, especially on fair skin, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim to line your eyes. To keep the eyeliner natural-looking, apply it as close as you can to your upper lash line and leave your lower lash line bare.

Step 5. Finish With Brown Mascara

To complement your brown eyeliner, use brown mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara in Black Brown for a set of lashes that look naturally full.

Natural Eye Makeup Tutorial for Medium and Olive Skin

If you have medium or olive skin, follow this natural eye makeup tutorial to learn how to apply eyeshadow that complements your bronze skin tone.

Step 1. Start With Eye Primer

With your eye primer or concealer of choice, prime your eyelids before reaching for your eyeshadow. This step helps to create an even canvas, which helps your makeup wear longer.

Step 2. Apply Bronze Eyeshadow

Reach for a bronze eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Bronze Taupe. Apply it all over the lids with a fluffy eyeshadow brush for a more natural-looking fade.

Step 3. Line Your Upper and Lower Lashes With Bronze Eyeliner

A thin line of bronze eyeliner on the top and bottom lash line can really make your eyes pop. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Bronze to get the look.

Step 4. Finish With Mascara

Since you have slightly darker skin, you can get away with black mascara and still look natural. Pick up a tube of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Black and swipe on one layer for natural-looking definition.

Natural Eye Makeup Tutorial for Dark to Deep Skin

If you have dark or deep skin, try this natural-looking eye makeup tutorial which uses rich shades of chocolate and mahogany to create a stunning look.

Step 1. Prime Your Eyelids

Prime your lids with a waterproof gel liner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim. Fill in your lid with the liner and use the built-in smudger to smudge the pigment, creating a waterproof shadow base.

Step 2. Apply a Tawny Brown Eyeshadow and Shimmer

As we mentioned, dark skin tones look stunning with rich shades, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte-ison Avenue or Acro-Matte. Apply the eyeshadow of your choice to your lids, blending outwards to create a natural smoky effect. Next, take the L’Oréal Paris Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Bronze Light, and use your finger to lightly dab it onto your lid. The red-brown shimmer will add some brightness to your base shadows, creating a stunning natural glow.

Step 3. Draw a Small Wing

After your eyeshadow is complete, grab a liquid eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner to create a small wing. Keep the line thin to maintain your natural look. 

Step 4.  Finish With Mascara

Reach for your darkest mascara to emphasize your lashes and top off your natural-looking eye makeup look. A few swipes of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Blackest Black will do the trick.

Next: Should You Use a Brush or Powder Puff to Set Your Makeup?

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Mirna Jose, Hair Assistant: Keila Rivera, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Zlata Semenko