Under-Eye Shadow Is the Coolest Makeup Trend to Try This Season

October 18, 2021
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
how-to-apply-under-eye-shadow

From TikTok-makeup hacks to IG filter-inspired makeup looks, it's no surprise that we’re looking at eyeshadow a lot differently these days. One of the ways we’re doing so is by challenging ourselves on where we even put our eyeshadow to begin with. Instead of applying it on the lid and crease, our new favorite method is actually applying it under the eye. Ahead, we’re breaking down a step-by-step guide on how to nail the under-eye shadow trend, whether you’re looking to totally change up your everyday look or rock it on Halloween.

person wearing purple shimmering eyeshadow
  • STEP 1:

    Prime the Eyes

    Start by priming the eye area with a full-coverage concealer or eye primer. We love the NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow and Liner Primer for this. After applying it all over the lid and on the crease, bring it down underneath the eye area. It will not only act as a concealer, but it will also provide a smooth and even canvas for the shadow under the eye.

  • STEP 2:

    Apply Your Base Shade

    Once the eye area is prepped and primed, apply a base shadow shade all over the lid. In the look pictured here, Sanzeda Rahman is wearing Meta Data from the Urban Decay NAKED Cyber Palette. This sparkling champagne shade will add just the right amount of shimmer to illuminate the eye area.

person wearing purple shimmering eyeshadow
  • Step 3:

    Apply Your Under-Eye Shade

    Next, pick a deeper shade to apply all over the crease and up to the brow bone. Williamson used Y3K from the Cyber palette, a gorgeous purple-red with blue sparkles. With a large fluffy brush, bring the color onto the outer corner in a V-shape, and then drag the brush under the eye. You’ll be left with a sparkling, ghoulish finish.


    The key to pulling off this look is to use a light hand when applying the shadow under the lower lash line so that you don’t end up with too much color in the area.

  • STEP 4:

    Define the Lashes

    Complete the look with a coat of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original for definition.

person wearing purple shimmering eyeshadow
Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Director, Creative Production: Alex Friedlander, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Sarah Ferguson, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Dominick Barcelona, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Model: Sanzeda

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