How to Wear Pink Eye Shadow

Last Updated: February 19, 2023 References

Pink eye shadow can be a fun, cute way to add some color to your regular look. Pink eye shadow ranges from light, business-appropriate shades to vibrant colors. Select a color you like, and one that matches your skin tone and eyes. Apply the eye shadow to your eyelids, alongside some eyeliner and mascara, and you'll have a fun new look. As pink eyes are associated with sickness, be careful of how you apply pink eyeliner. Do not apply it to the bottom lash line and do not opt for a shade that's too red.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Selecting the Right Shade of Pink

1
Consider your skin tone. Different shades of pink are more or less flattering depending on your skin tone. Before selecting a pink eye shadow, think about what shades would look best on you.
- If you have darker skin, a lighter shade will create a dramatic look, while a bolder shade will provide a subtle effect. For example, pale pink will stand out on your skin, but dark pinks like fuchsia or berry will look very flattering.
- For lighter skin, pale pinks are better than bolder shades. Shades that are too bright may be overpowering on lighter skin. Try a petal pink if you have cool undertones or a peach if your undertones are warm.
2
Think about your eye color. Different colors go better with different eye colors. Before choosing a pink, think about what shades of pink would potentially go well with your eyes.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you have brown or hazel eyes, you're lucky as a wide variety of colors will go well with your eyes. You will be able to choose from a variety of shades of pink, from very light to very dark colors. Select a pink that contrasts the undertones in your hair color. For example if you have gold blonde hair try a cool rosy pink.
- If you have blue eyes, look for softer pink shades in a mauve or rose gold color.^{[2]
  X
  Research source
  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- If you have green eyes, choose cool pinks with violet undertones, such as a pinkish plum or grayish pink shade.
Advertisement
3
Expect to experiment some. Even considering your skin tone and eye color, finding the right shade takes work. The colors of the whites of your eyes, as well as any dark spots or dislocations or blemishes on your face, can also affect how well a shade will look on you. It's a good idea to select a variety of pink shades at a department store and play around until you find something that's flattering on you.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- To save money, see if you can find small, sample sizes of eye shadow.
- You can also buy cheaper eye shadow when you're experimenting. When you find an eye shadow you like, you can buy this color in a more expensive, higher quality eye shadow.
4
Stay away from shades that are too red. When choosing a shade for yourself, you want to avoid something that's too red. A reddish shade of pink can make you look sickly. Look for a shade that appears more pink than red.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Applying the Eye Shadow

1
Add primer to your eyelids. With any eye shadow regimen, you should always start with primer. This can help hold your eye shadow in place and make it stand out, and it will also help even out the skin tone on your eyelids.^{[5]
X
Research source
Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}Use your ring finger to apply a very thin layer of primer to your eyelids. Make sure to use primer sparingly. Too much primer may not dry completely before you apply eye shadow, making your eye shadow look smeared.
- To avoid changing the color of your eye makeup, opt for a sheer, matte eye primer.^{[6]
  X
  Research source
  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- If you plan on applying eye shadow near your eyebrows or under your eyelids, apply a light layer of primer here too.
2
Apply pink eyeshadow to your upper lash lines. To start, add your chosen pink eye shadow to your upper lash line. Use a corner brush, which is a think, pointed brush, to run a line of eye shadow all your upper lash line.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You're going for roughly the same line you would draw when applying eye liner.
- Once the line is in place, use another brush to blend it upward slightly. You want a strong line of pink near the lash line. The color should then move upward, fading slightly as it reaches the brow bone.
- As you move the brush, use a motion like a windshield wiper to distribute your eye shadow.
3
Add eye shadow to the crease. Your crease is the area between your upper eyelid and your brow bone. Once your lids are covered, you can apply a layer of your chosen eye shadow to your crease. You should use an eye shadow brush to apply. Choose a slightly smaller brush that can comfortably fit in your crease.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Start in the center of the eyelid. Dab some eye shadow here, and then blend it out in either direction.
- You want the eye shadow to be brightest at the center of your crease and then to fade out towards either corner of your eyes.
- Use small, circular motions to apply the eye shadow across the crease.
4
Finish up with eyeliner and mascara. Brown or black eyeliner works well with pink eye shadow. Apply a small line of eye shadow running along your lash line. Then, add a couple of layers of mascara to finish off your look.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Using Pink as an Accent Color

1
Incorporate pink into your smokey eye look. Pink can add a special pop to your smokey eye if you use it in place of 1 or more of your lighter shades. For example, you can apply a light shade of pink to your eyelid, moving up your brow line. Then apply a darker shade of pink or gray to your lid. Add a darker shade like dark gray, charcoal, or dark brown on the outer half of each eyelid, blending with your darker shade of pink.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You can use all matte shades, or enhance your look with sparkle.
- If you'd like, you can use additional shades of pink or your neutral color to make the look more dramatic.
2
Blend your pink with an orange shade for a warm, subtle look. Apply the orange shade to the base of your eyelid first, covering your lid and the lower part of the brow just above the crease. Swipe a warm pink across the lower part of your lid, blending with the orange shade.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Look for a brownish-orange shade, like caramel, toffee, or apricot.
- Choose a warm shade of pink, like a rose or peach.
3
Combine shades to minimize the impact of dramatic shades. Bright pinks, shades that are very pale, or glitter shadows will look better when used as an accent. You can pair these shades with neutrals like brown or gray, or you can pair them with other shades of pink. Apply the neutral or subtle shade of pink as a base color, blending along your brow bone. Then apply the dramatic shade along the bottom of your eyelid or along the outer corners of your eyelid.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Pairing Your Pink Eye Shadow

1
Choose a pink blush in a similar shade for a playful look. You can use the same shade of pink on your cheeks, or select a shade with the same undertones. If you used a cool shade on your eyes, choose a cool pink for your cheeks. If you've chosen a warm shade for your eyelid, apply a warm shade to your cheeks.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Your application should be subtle, so don't pile on the blush.
- If your blush looks too dark, go over it lightly with a damp makeup brush or beauty blender. This will help blend it so that it looks natural.^{[14]
  X
  Research source
  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
2
Wear a lipstick in a pink or nude shade. Keep your lip color subtle to avoid overwhelming your face. If you want to wear pink, choose a shade that has the same undertones as your eye shadow. If you want to play it safe, you can try a nude color instead.^{[15]
X
Research source}
3
Choose an outfit that looks flattering with pink. Avoid piling on pink clothing, which could overwhelm your look. Instead, you could choose neutrals like gray, black, or brown. If you want a more splashy look, colors like green and burgundy also look beautiful with pink eye shadow.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Avoiding Pitfalls

1
Do not apply pink eye shadow to your waterline. This may make it look like you have pink eye or an eye infection. Avoid applying pink eye shadow below your waterline or on your waterline.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- If you want to add a bit of pink circling your eye, add a layer of eye liner above your water line. Then, apply the pink below the eyeliner. This will create a slight barrier between your eyeshadow and waterline, preventing a sickly look.
2
Apply eyedrops first if your eyes are red. If you have bloodshot eyes in the morning, pink eyeliner can bring out the red. This will not be flattering. If you notice bloodshot eyes, use eyedrops before applying pink eye shadow.
3
Mix pink with other colors if necessary. You do not have to wear pink eye shadow on its own. If you like a particular shade of pink but it clashes with your eye color or skin tone, you can try blending it with different colors.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Eyeliner works well as a blending medium. If your choice of pink clashes with your eye color, create a barrier by drawing a stronger, thicker line of eyeliner on your lash line in brown or black. The pink will match well with the brown or black liner, which will match with your eyes.
- You can also use a more neutral eye shadow, like brown or black, near your lash line and the corners of your eyes and use pink eyeshadow on the crease.
- Pale pink works well as a base color for browns and metallics.

Expert Q&A

Question

What shade of pink eyeshadow would you recommend for someone with blue eyes?

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist
Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week.

Devorah Kuperland

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

For blue eyes, stick with colors in the softer pink side, like mauve or rose gold. You can even use some cream or white colors with a little bit of a pink tinge.
Question

How do I wear rose or magenta eye shadow?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

It's the same as pink shadow, use the tips in the article. Just be careful with what shade you use, because you could very easily look sickly with the wrong shade.