The Gilded Lily: Five Easy Neutral Eye Shadow Looks

I’m sure by now it’s no secret that I love using loud, flamboyant colors in very dramatic ways. However, these looks aren’t always appropriate and sometimes a little subtle, neutral shading can make a much stronger impact and better impression than something bright. The key to keeping the looks from being blah or boring is to use rich shadows that flatter the color of your eyes and lots of shading. For ladies who have never worked much with neutrals before, my recommendation is to pick up a varied palette that contains several shades. The one I'll be using for this tutorial is by NYX and is extremely versatile, as you'll soon see.

These following looks are as easy and simple to do as they are lovely. They’ll be perfectly wearable for work, school, or any other time when you want to look polished and chic, but not overdone.

Prep:

Start off with a smooth, even canvas. You don’t want any blemishes or flaws drawing attention away from your pretty eyes, so use a high quality foundation. For these looks, an eye make-up base isn't necessary but employing one wouldn't hurt.

Look#1:

Step 1-

Use a shimmery sepia tone and apply it on your lid, extending it to your brow bone.

Step 2-

Take a shimmery chestnut brown and work it into the crease. You’ll want to make sure that it doesn’t reach the brow bone, so that the sepia can peek out. Follow this by drawing the color to just about half way under your lower lid.

Step 3-

Line your waterline with black and apply black mascara. The final result is elegant, yet tasteful, perfect for any professional setting.

Look#2:

Step 1-

Use a fawn color on your lids. Fade the color upwards, so that it doesn’t actually reach your brow.

Step 2-

Using a taupe shadow and a fluffy blending brush, apply it to the outer corner of your eye, blending inwards.

Step 3-

Line your eyes with a light peachy liner, not black, to keep the final look soft and romantic. Don’t forget mascara!

Look#3:

Step 1-

Dust a shimmery latte over your lids.

Step 2-

Taking a pale gold or champagne color, use a pointy brush to highlight the inner corner of your eye.

Step 3-

Use a rust colored pencil to line your top and bottom lash lines, then use black on your waterline, apply mascara, and done!

Look#4:

Step 1-

Take a light shimmery pinky-beige. Apply it to your lids, extending it into the inner corner, a bit down towards the bottom lids.

Step 2-

Take a dark matte chocolate brown and apply it to your outer corners. Don’t worry if it looks harsh now.

Step 3-

Use a blending brush to soften the brown and slowly form a gradient between it and the lighter shade.

Step 4-

Once again, don’t forget mascara and liner!

Look#5:

Step 1-

Take a matte white and apply it on your lids.

Step 2-

Using a thin angled brush, use black eye shadow to line your bottom lash line. Using an eye shadow (like the one included in the palette) will keep the bottom from contrasting too much. Just make sure it isn’t one with a lot of fall-out.

Step 3-