Sun-Kissed Summer Eyeshadow Looks Even Beginners Can Recreate

Listen, I know what all the girlies on TikTok are saying — that eyeshadow is out. However, I couldn’t agree less with that. I will forever be an eyeshadow fan, especially when it comes to fun, summer makeup looks. And in case you need some motivation to whip out your ABH and Natasha Denona palettes from the 2010s, I’m here to help. Because I found some of the prettiest summer eyeshadow looks on Instagram.

Red Liner and Sparkly Eye

Let’s start with a beginner-friendly version. As you can tell, this look basically just consists of a sparkly eyeshadow base and a red shadow liner. But what makes it so truly special is its versatility — you can switch up the color of the liner to whatever you want. Maybe red isn’t really your color, but what about purple or brown? What makes this look so effortlessly chic is the fact that the sparkly eyeshadow doesn’t have a base, which means it’s more of a transparent sparkle, which gives it that ethereal, fairy-like look. You can find formulas like that in the Moondust single shadows by Urban Decay, or Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Palette.

Sunset Eyes

Another reddish-pinky shadow, however — this one is reminiscent of a sunset. And what’s more summer-like than a sunset? Anyway, this is definitely a bolder look, so if you aren’t too comfortable with wearing a lot of color on your eyes, this might be something you can skip. However, I genuinely believe that anyone brave enough would be able to rock this look. Particularly you green-eyed beauties out there! As you can tell by the picture, this look is achieved by using different shades of red, orange, pink, and a sparkling purple shadow in the inner corner. The goal here is to create a seamless transition from a burgundy red on the outer corners to a lighter, and more vibrant color near the inner tear duct.

Smokey Fairy Dust

Okay, this one might be my favorite and something that I’ll have to recreate as soon as possible! This eye look will be perfect for almost any occasion (well, except maybe an early-morning grocery run), but it’s especially well suited for a summer night out. Similarly to the first look, we see a combination of shadow liner and a transparent sparkly eyeshadow. However, the colors here are a lot more neutral, and the outer corner of the eye is a lot more smoked out. A neutral color in the crease, a darker brown in the outer corner, and a sparkling champagne on the lid and inner corner — universally flattering and so easy to wear!

Pink Dreams

As you can tell, I have a thing for pink eye looks. However, this one is just so simple and easy to recreate that I had to share it! As you can tell, all you basically need are two eyeshadows — a matte pink, and a pink shimmer. Simply apply the matte pink to your crease and lower lash line, blending it out seamlessly. And for the final touch, and the pink shimmer to your whole eyelid. To put the whole thing together, apply a pair of falsies, and you’ll be ready to take over the world!