The 10 Best Graphic Eyeshadow Looks to Try Right Now
August 30, 2022When was the last time you took your eye makeup look to the next level? No, we're not talking about a sultry smoky eye or bold winged liner, but graphic eyeshadow. Makeup artists and beauty influencers are taking over our social media feeds with their unique renditions of the buzzy trend, which means there's no shortage of creative inspiration for the rest of us. From color-blocked eyeshadow to negative space designs, there's something for everyone, no matter if you’re a makeup minimalist, maximalist or fall somewhere in between. Ahead, we've rounded up ten of the best graphic eyeshadow looks we saw on Instagram — and we think you should consider trying them out ASAP.
Geometric Glam
If you want to make a bold statement, look to this playful geometric eyeshadow for inspiration. We think the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Brights Palette is the perfect tool to create it.
Triple Wing
Double-wing eyeliner is cool and all, but this triple-wing design is next-level. Take note of this content creator’s itty-bitty eyeliner wing that extends into shimmery teal eyeshadow, topped off with navy blue floating eyeliner. To get a similar look, use the Urban Decay Naked Wild Wild West Eyeshadow Palette and the brand’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD.
Negative Space
This negative space graphic eyeshadow look is subtle yet breathtaking. Recreate the look with ease using the fuchsia color in the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Edit Petite “Brights” Eyeshadow Palette.
Soft Side Eye
This dreamy makeup moment requires just one eyeshadow color and a bold set of falsies. To cop the look, we’re reaching for the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in Macaroon.
Bedazzled Cut Crease
Rowi Singh never holds back with creative eye looks, evidenced by this epic bedazzled cut crease, starring self-adhesive crystals from the MUA’s very own line: Embellish by Rowi.
Amethyst Ombré
We love the idea of combining two gradients in one color family together for an ombré-inspired look, like that of this epically cool amethyst look. We think it will look so good using the two pink shades in the YSL Beauty Couture Clutch Desert Nude Eyeshadow Palette.
Elongated Cat-Eye
If a cat-eye is your signature, why not try to upgrade it by turning it into a graphic eyeshadow look? Get a near-identical look using the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Glow Shots Liquid Shimmery Eyeshadow in Blueberry Baller.
Outlined Wing
Ready for a challenge? Check out this outlined negative space wing featuring pops of turquoise in the inner and outer corners. Be sure you have a good liquid eyeliner on deck (like the Maybelline Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liquid Liner) and a similar-colored eyeshadow à la the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in Macaroon.
Statement Squiggle
As much as we love that double-wing liner, we're laser-focused on the floating, shimmery purple squiggle design on the model's lid. We're obsessed with how it matches her bottom liner. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Eggplant is perfect for recreating this epic glam.
Tailored Teal
Celebrity makeup artist James Molloy is no stranger to a graphic eye. This “tailored teal” design will appease both makeup minimalists and maximalists alike. To get a similar look, we suggest using the teal shade dubbed “Tex” from the Urban Decay Naked Wild West Eyeshadow Palette.