An everyday eyeshadow inspiration guide

Looking for everyday eyeshadow inspiration?

Then you’re in the right place. Just like finding your favourite pair of jeans, discovering your go-to everyday eyeshadow can take some serious trial and error. But luckily, we’re here to cut the confusion…

Why cream eyeshadow is great for everyday wear

Not all eyeshadows are created equal. Our moisture-enriched, cream-based Eye2Eye shades are the ultimate eye enhancers. Rich in pigment, buildable and fuss-free, our creamy hues blend in mere moments, helping to make time-consuming eye looks and chalky powdered eyeshadows a distant memory.

If you’re prone to an eyeshadow accident or two (we’ve all been there), cream-based eyeshadows are much more forgiving than their powdered counterparts. “If you feel you’ve put too much on or you’ve placed your eyeshadow in the wrong place, cream eyeshadows are much easier to clean up than powered ones,” explains Katie, Pro Makeup Artist at Trinny London.

Cream eyeshadows are suitable for everyone, especially if you have dry skin. If you have oilier skin and find eyeshadow doesn’t tend to last long on your eyelids, fear not. Blend a little primer or Face Finish mattifying balm onto your eyelids before you apply your eyeshadow to help manage oiliness and keep your shadow in place.

Does an everyday eye look need to be matte?

Definitely not! “An eyeshadow with a sheen brightens eyes and helps to make them pop,” explains Katie. If sparkling shadows are out of your comfort zone or you’re feeling a little fearful of brighter, bolder shades, opt for a subtle colour such as a shimmering champagne hue or a gently sparkling pink.

If you want to add a little va-va-voom to a matte look, blend a small amount of a brighter shimmering shade into the inner corners of your eyes to bring your look to life.

The go-to eyeshadows to make your eyes pop

Just like that favourite pair of jeans we mentioned earlier, your staple eyeshadow should enhance your look and make you feel great every time you wear it – here’s our favourite eye combinations…

Best for blue eyes…

“Golden hues and colours with tints of red and yellow, like orange, copper and warm brown tones, are perfect for emphasising blue eyes,” explains Katie. Eye2Eye in rich warm tones, such as Empress and Fortune, will help your blue eyes come to life.

Best for green eyes…

“Any shades with red hues, like maroon or amethyst, coral-orange or pinky red will accentuate green eyes,” says Katie. Rose gold hues are also great as the slightly red undertone helps green eyes shimmer. Try Eye2Eye in Desire and Strength to make green eyes pop.

Best for brown eyes…

“Gold eye shades with brown eyes are a winning combination,” says Katie. “Brown eyes tend to have a natural sparkle, so gold eye shades, such as copper, rose gold and bronze, enhance their golden tones”. To accentuate your brown eyes, opt for warm tones such as Eye2Eye in Victory, Empress and Sun to create a fresh, uplifting eye look.

Best for hazel eyes…

Golden or purple tones help make hazel eyes pop. Try Eye2Eye in Joy and Passion to create a softly smoky eye that will bring your whole look to life.

Best for grey eyes…

Neutral brown shades and peachy tones are great for grey eyes. Eye2Eye in Faith and Victory will create a sophisticated look that will make your eyes pop. For a touch of glamour, try Eyetallics in Aurora.

Meet our Eye2Eye collections

All featuring wearable, complementary shades, our Eye2Eye collections reflect different areas that inspire us – from summer nights to the galaxy.

Inner Light

Inspired by positive energy and finding balance, our Inner Light Eye2Eye collection features three uplifting shades that will breathe new life into your look – Joy, Passion and Harmony. These three ethereal hues will elevate your mood and change the course of your day.

New Beginnings

Our New Beginnings Eye2Eye collection is inspired by the joy of change, featuring four wearable hues: Dawn, Vision, Chance and Trust. Drawing on dreamy open landscapes, these soft, shimmering shades echo the start of a new season – think magnolia trees, cherry blossoms and blushing skies.

Warrior Queen

Featuring four powerful, fiery shades, our Warrior Queen Eye2Eye collection is inspired by the warrior queen we all have inside of us. Starring four rich hues inspired by the sunset, Queen, Victory, Virtue and Desire let you channel warm summer nights all year round.

Mother Earth

Our Mother Earth Eye2Eye collection stars four dynamic shades: Hope, Courage, Truth and Fortitude. These rich hues are inspired by the embracing nature of Mother Earth, drawing on fiery sunsets, soft sand dunes and sun-kissed mornings to help remind us of the power of nature.

Rocketman

Starring four galactic-inspired, cool-toned shades, Moon, Mystery, Chalice and Faith, our Rocketman Eye2Eye collection has a little bit of stardust destined for everyone’s makeup bags.

Tips from the expert

Application

Now you’ve got your everyday eyeshadow colours sorted, it’s time to perfect the application. Applying a wash of our cream-based Eye2Eye shades couldn’t be easier, and you can use your fingertips or a brush. “If you want to get a precise, softly blended eyeshadow look, a brush will be your easiest tool,” explains Katie. Try the eyeshadow brush from our T-Kit or our Conceal/Eye Contour T-Brush. “If you’re applying eyeshadow with your fingers, soften the edges with your ring finger to create a soft, seamless blend.”

For a full step-by-step tutorial on how to apply your eyeshadow like a pro, you can read more here.

Finding the rest of your perfect shades

Your eye colour is a great way to find eyeshadow shades that will suit you and help your eyes pop – but what about the rest of your routine? To find all your perfect shades, including your base, lip and most flattering blusher, head over to Match2Me. Our innovative tool helps you find your most complementary shades based on your unique combination of hair, skin and eye colours.