How to Create a Rainbow Eyeshadow Look

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you may be brainstorming the best makeup look to celebrate the Irish holiday. And while green eye makeup may seem like the obvious route to go, we’re here to inform you that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one makeup hue. In fact, why not include a whole bunch of them? Rainbow eye shadow is the perfect way to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, and below we’re breaking down how to create a rainbow eyeshadow look. Who knows, you may just find a pot of gold at the end of it.

What you’ll need:

Eye makeup primer

White eye shadow

Red eye shadow

Orange eye shadow

Yellow eye shadow

Green eye shadow

Blue eye shadow

Indigo Eye Shadow

Violet Eye Shadow

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue

L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara

Get the look:

Step #1: Prime your eyes

Before you grab your eye shadow, you’ll want to apply an eye makeup primer to your lids. This will prep your eyes for the shadow that’s to come by creating a smooth, even surface, allowing your eye makeup to last longer, and helping your rainbow eyeshadow appear its brightest. Don’t have an eye makeup primer on hand? A bit of concealer or foundation will do in a pinch.

Step #2: Grab your eye shadow

It’s time for the fun part—applying your rainbow eyeshadow! You’ll want to use all the shades of the rainbow for this look, so make sure you have red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet hues on-hand.

Step #3: Apply your base

To begin your rainbow eyeshadow look, apply a white shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Petite Perle, to your lid. This white base will create a blank canvas for you to apply your other colors, allowing their vibrant hues to really pop.

Step #4: Create your rainbow

Begin your rainbow by applying your yellow eye shadow to the inner corner of your eye. Then, apply a green shadow next to your yellow, making sure to blend the two colors together for a seamless gradient effect. Next, apply your blue eye shadow followed by indigo in your outer corner. Deepen your outer corner by applying purple to the outer V. To complete your rainbow, use a fluffy brush to apply a bit of orange shadow to the inner half of your crease, then a red eye shadow to the outer half of your crease. Make sure to blend all of your colors well!

Step #5: Color your lower lash line

Once you have your rainbow on your upper lid, you’ll want to carry a bit of color down to your lower lash line. Apply the following colors along your lower lash line, from your inner to outer corner, to complete your rainbow: yellow, red, blue, indigo, purple.

Step #6: Line your eyes

Continue to define your eyes and amp up the rainbow vibes by lining your waterline with the color of your choice. We love a cobalt blue waterline for this rainbow eyeshadow look.

Step #7: Coat your lashes

Of course, what eye makeup look is complete without a few coats of mascara? With an eye shadow look this bold, you’ll want to give your fringe the ultimate boost to tie together the look. Apply a lash lifting mascara to do just that.

Bonus step: Define your brows

While this step is totally optional, we highly recommend it. Defining your eyebrows can really pull together a statement eye makeup look! Grab the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to fill in and shape your brows. First, use the doe foot applicator to fill in any sparse areas. Then, use the angled brush to define and sharpen your eyebrow shape. Finish your brows off by combing through them to blend the product.

Wondering how else you can introduce rainbow hues into your beauty look? Here’s How to Find the Best Rainbow Hair Color for You.