Choosing eyeshadow shades should be fun! ...but with so many differing opinions out there on so many different media platforms, it can become confusing or overwhelming, and sometimes it can make our brains feel a little swirly. With that in mind, we have sorted through hours of content so you don't have to. We have put this blog post together to provide you with a helpful, simplified take on how to choose the perfect eyeshadow shades for you. We hope this helps you to find the perfect shades for your hair, skin and eye color - no matter what your beauty look is.
When it comes to eyeshadow, there are so many different shades and colours to choose from. But how do you know which ones are right for you?
Here is a guide on how to choose the perfect eyeshadow shades for your hair, skin and eye colour. We have even included carefully selected shades for every combination of hair, skin and eye colour, read on to find yours.
The Hair
If you have brunette hair…
Brunettes can wear almost any eyeshadow shade, but some colours will work better than others. Browns, taupes and greys will all look great, as will subtle shades of purple and pink. Bright colours like yellow and red can look amazing too. Seeing as brunettes have pretty much all colours to choose from, we recommend picking your eyeshadow shades to suit your skin tone and eye colour if you are looking for the most complimentary shades for you.
If you have blonde hair…
Blondes can wear many eyeshadow shades, but lighter shades of tans, taupes and dusty pinks will work best. If you are looking for brighter colours opt for lighter blue, green or purple tones. Unless you're going for a grunge look, avoid dark eyeshadows, as they will make your face look paler than it is.
If you have red hair…
Redheads should stick to warm-toned eyeshadows in golds, oranges and browns. Avoid cool tones like silver and blue, as they will clash with your hair colour.
If you have grey or silver hair…
Grey/Silver-haired ladies should opt for cool-toned eyeshadows in shades of lavender, mauve and plum. Stay away from warm colours like orange and gold, as they will make you look older.
If you have black hair…
Black-haired women can wear any eyeshadow shade, but colours like green and blue will stand out the most. Try to avoid shades that are too bright or too dark – they may make you look harsh or gothic...if the goth look is your style though, smoke out your eyes with black and dark purples, greens and reds.
The Eyes
If you have brown eyes…
Brown-eyed girls can wear any eyeshadow colour, but neutral shades like beige, peach and champagne work the best. Brown eyes also look great with smoky eye makeup looks – try using charcoal grey or deep navy eyeshadows.
If you have blue eyes…
Blue-eyed girls should opt for shades of peach, pink, purple and lilac – these shades will really make your eyes pop. You could also experiment with different types of eyeliner instead of using standard black liner – try brown or navy for a change.
If you have green eyes…
Green-eyed girls should use earthy tones like khaki, olive and taupe to accentuate their eye colour. Golds and bronzes also look great on green eyes, as do shimmery shadows in shades of pink and purple.
If you have hazel eyes…
Hazel eyes look great with many different colours, but we recommend sticking to warm shades like copper, bronze and gold. You could also try using green or purple eyeliner to really make your hazel eyes stand out.
The Skin Tone
If you have fair skin…
Fair-skinned girls should use pastel eyeshadows in shades of pink, lilac and powder blue. Nude eyeshadows are also a great option for those with fair skin, as they help to create a natural look. If you want to experiment with brighter colours, try using them as an eyeliner instead of all over your lid.
If you have medium skin…
Medium-skinned girls can wear most eyeshadow shades, but we recommend sticking to mid-tone colours like mauve, chocolate brown and deep plum. You could also try using a bronzer or contouring powder to give your eyes some definition.
If you have dark skin…
Dark-skinned girls should use metallic eyeshadows in shades of bronze, copper and gold. You could also try using bright colours like purple, green or blue to really make your eyes stand out. Smokey eyes also look great on dark skin, so don't be afraid to experiment with different shades of grey and black.
Find Your Combination Below
Brunette / Fair Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Taupes, Caramels, Light Pinks and Peach tones.
For Night - Dusty Pinks, Terracotta and Chocolate tones.
For Fun - Fuchsia Pink and Lavender
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Brunette / Fair Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Taupes, Tans, and Peachy tones.
For Night - Terracotta, Plum and Rust tones.
For Fun - Lilac Purple and Cornflower Blue.
Best Metallic Shade - Pale Gold
Brunette / Fair Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Light Peachy Pinks and Pale Greens.
For Night - Burgundy, Plums, Emerald and Jade Greens.
For Fun - Wine Red and Royal Purple.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper
Brunette / Fair Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Taupes, Caramels, Light Peachy Pinks and Pinky-Purple tones.
For Night - Plum, Terracotta, Plum and Rust tones.
For Fun - Burnt Orange and Lilac.
Best Metallic Shade - Rose Gold
Brunette / Medium Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Light Terracotta and Light Browns.
For Night - Deep Terracotta, Rust, Plum and Burgundy Tones
For Fun - Yellow and Turquoise.
Best Metallic Shade - Any shade of Gold.
Brunette / Medium Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Tan, Terracotta, Peach and Sandy Browns.
For Night - Dark Blue, Smokey Brown, Rust and Wine Reds.
For Fun - Orange and Hot Pink.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Brunette / Medium Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Tan and Sandy Browns, Dusty Pinks and Khaki.
For Night - Olive tones, Plums, Wine Reds and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Orange and Bright Yellow Gold
Best Metallic Shade - Copper
Brunette / Medium Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Sandstone, Toffee tones, Olive Greens and Terracotta tones.
For Night - Navy Blue, Deep Plum, Burgundy and Chocolate Brown.
For Fun - Deep Reds and Warm Yellow tones.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Brunette / Dark Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Dark Dusty Pink and Burnt Caramel tones.
For Night - Charcoals and Greys, Navy Blue, Emerald Green and Rust tones.
For Fun - Powder Blues and Neon or Pastel Shades.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper and Rose Gold.
Brunette / Dark Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Rust and Earthy Tones
For Night - Dark Blues and Smokey tones.
For Fun - Bright Blues
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Brunette / Dark Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Rust and Earthy Tones
For Night - Dark Greens and Smokey tones.
For Fun - Turquoise
Best Metallic Shade - Copper
Brunette / Dark Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Rust and Earthy Tones
For Night - Burgundy and Smokey tones.
For Fun - Purples
Best Metallic Shade - Rose Gold
Blonde / Fair Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Deep Beige, Caramels, Taupes and Peachy-Pink Tones.
For Night - Terracotta, Olive tones, Rust tones, Blues and Purples.
For Fun - Watermelon Pink and Periwinkle Blue
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Blonde / Fair Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Blush Pink, Peachy tones, Dusty Pink, Taupes and Caramels.
For Night - Terracotta, Wine Red tones, Rust tones, Blues and Purples.
For Fun - Pastel Pink and Violet.
Best Metallic Shade - Pink Champagne
Blonde / Fair Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Taupes, Deep Beiges, Peachy tones, Dusty Pink and Caramels.
For Night - Terracotta, Burgundy tones, Plum tones and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Bright Greens or Purples.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper or Olive Green.
Blonde / Fair Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Blush Pink, Peachy tones, Dusty Pink, Taupes and Caramels.
For Night - Terracotta, Wine Red tones, Plums, Navy Blue and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Candy Pinks or Bright Greens.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper
Blonde / Medium Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Deep Beiges, Peachy tones, Dusty Pinks and Caramels.
For Night - Smokey Browns, Plum tones, Wine Reds and Navy Blue.
For Fun - Turquoise or Baby Pink.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold
Blonde / Medium Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Peachy tones, Dusty Pinks, Taupes and Caramels.
For Night - Terracotta, Wine Red tones, Rust tones, Blues and Purples.
For Fun - Yellow and Turquoise.
Best Metallic Shade - Rose Gold and Bronze
Blonde / Medium Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Dusty Pinks, Taupes, Caramels and Light Browns.
For Night - Wine Reds, Chocolate Browns, Plum tones and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Vivid Greens.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper and Rose Gold.
Blonde / Medium Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Dusty Pinks, Taupes, Caramels and Light Browns.
For Night - Navy Blue, Wine Reds, Chocolate Browns and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Vivid Greens or Burnt Orange tones
Best Metallic Shade - Copper and Rose Gold.
Blonde / Dark Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Browns, Burnt Orange and Chocolate tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal, Deep Plum and Dark Reds.
For Fun - Magenta or Green.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold and Bronze
Blonde / Dark Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Browns, Burnt Orange and Chocolate tones.
For Night - Dark Blues, Dark Browns, Deep Plum and Dark Reds.
For Fun - Bright Blues or Jade Green.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold and Bronze
Blonde / Dark Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Browns, Burnt Orange and Chocolate tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal, Deep Plum and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Bright Greens or Mustard Yellow.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper and Bronze
Blonde / Dark Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Caramels, Browns, Burnt Orange and Chocolate tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal, Deep Plum and Dark Greens.
For Fun - Bright Greens or Mustard Yellow.
Best Metallic Shade - Copper and Bronze
Red Hair / Fair Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Cream, Beige, Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns, Olive Green and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Frosted Blue
Best Metallic Shade - Your Skin Tone in Metallic Shade.
Red Hair / Fair Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Cream, Beige, Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Deep Blues, Browns and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Moss Green
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Red Hair / Fair Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Cream, Beige, Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Olive Green, Browns and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Slightly Lighter Red than your Hair.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold
Red Hair / Fair Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Cream, Beige, Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Burgundy
Best Metallic Shade - Pale Gold
Red Hair / Medium Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns, Deep Reds and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Navy Blue
Best Metallic Shade - Gold
Red Hair / Medium Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns, Deep Reds, Raisin tones and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Dark Peach
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Red Hair / Medium Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns, Deep Reds, Raisin tones and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Same colour Red as your Hair.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Red Hair / Medium Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Light Peachy Tones and Caramels.
For Night - Browns, Deep Reds, Raisin tones and Charcoal Greys.
For Fun - Same colour Red as your Hair.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold
Red Hair / Dark Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Toffee, Caramels and Coffee tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal and Dark Plum tones.
For Fun - Mauve-Brown
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Red Hair / Dark Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Toffee, Caramels and Coffee tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal and Dark Plum tones.
For Fun - Powder Blue or Dark Peach.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Red Hair / Dark Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Toffee, Caramels and Coffee tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal and Dark Plum tones.
For Fun - Dark Peach.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Red Hair / Dark Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Toffee, Caramels and Coffee tones.
For Night - Dark Browns, Charcoal and Dark Plum tones.
For Fun - Powder Blue or Dark Peach.
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Grey-Silver Hair / Fair Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Baby Pink, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Grey Tones, Smokey Blues and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Pastel Mauve
Best Metallic Shade - Silvery Mauve or Champagne.
Grey-Silver Hair / Fair Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Baby Pink, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Grey Tones, Smokey Blues and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Purples.
Best Metallic Shade - Silvery Mauve or Champagne.
Grey-Silver Hair / Fair Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Baby Pink, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Greys, Cool Olive tones and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Pinks
Best Metallic Shade - Pale Mauve or Champagne.
Grey-Silver Hair / Fair Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Baby Pink, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Greys, Cool Olive tones and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Pinks
Best Metallic Shade - Pale Mauve or Champagne.
Grey-Silver Hair / Medium Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Terracotta, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Grey Tones, Smokey Blues and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Turquoise or Musk Pink
Best Metallic Shade -
Grey-Silver Hair / Medium Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Terracotta, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Grey Tones, Smokey Blues and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Rose Pink
Best Metallic Shade - Pink Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Medium Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Terracotta, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Greys, Cool Olive tones and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun - Silver Turquoise
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Medium Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Taupe, Terracotta, Dark Beige, Dusty Rose.
For Night - Dusty Mauve, Greys, Cool Olive tones and Cool Toned Browns.
For Fun -
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Dark Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Light Greys and Tones two shades deeper than skin tone.
For Night - Charcoal, Olive and Cool toned Dark Browns.
For Fun - Fuchsia
Best Metallic Shade - Silver or Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Dark Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Light Greys and Tones two shades deeper than skin tone.
For Night - Eggplant Purple, Charcoal and Cool toned Dark Browns.
For Fun - Navy Blue
Best Metallic Shade - Silver or Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Dark Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Light Greys and Tones two shades deeper than skin tone.
For Night - Charcoal, Eggplant Purple, Olive and Cool toned Dark Browns.
For Fun - Jade Green
Best Metallic Shade - Silver or Champagne
Grey-Silver Hair / Dark Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Light Greys and Tones two shades deeper than skin tone.
For Night - Charcoal, Eggplant Purple, Olive and Cool toned Dark Browns.
For Fun - Emerald Green
Best Metallic Shade - Silver or Champagne
Black Hair / Fair Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Tone slightly darker than skin tone, Blues, Pinks, Purples and Greens
For Night - Dark Beige or Tan, Plum, Dark Greens and Smokey Browns.
For Fun - Turquoise or Fuchsia
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Black Hair / Fair Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Tone slightly darker than skin tone, Pinks and Blues.
For Night - Dark Beige or Tan, Plum, Dark Reds and Smokey Browns.
For Fun - Magenta
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Black Hair / Fair Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Tone slightly darker than skin tone, Purples and Greens.
For Night - Dark Beige or Tan, Plum, Dark Greens and Smokey Browns.
For Fun - Cherry Red
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Black Hair / Fair Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Tone slightly darker than skin tone, Purples and Greens.
For Night - Dark Beige or Tan, Plum, Dark Reds, Dark Greens and Smokey Browns.
For Fun - Bright Plum
Best Metallic Shade - Champagne
Black Hair / Medium Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Peach, Blush Pinks and Aqua Blues and Greens.
For Night - Magenta, Browns, Dark Blues, Dark Greens and Deep Plum.
For Fun - Bright Aqua or Emerald Green.
Best Metallic Shade - Gold
Black Hair / Medium Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Peach, Blush Pinks, Caramel, Blues and Purples.
For Night - Denim Blue, Darker Blues, Dark Pinks, Rust and Wine Reds.
For Fun - Lavender
Best Metallic Shade - Gold or Pale Copper
Black Hair / Medium Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Peach, Blush Pinks, Caramels and Greens.
For Night - Dark Greens, Browns, Plums, Charcoals, Rust tones.
For Fun - Wine Reds
Best Metallic Shade - Pink Champagne
Black Hair / Medium Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Terracotta, Peach, Blush Pinks, Caramels
For Night - Dark Greens, Browns, Dark Purples, Charcoals, Rust tones
For Fun - Vivid Plum or Magenta.
Best Metallic Shade - Pink Champagne
Black Hair / Dark Skin / Brown Eyes
For Day - Dark Peach, Caramels, Rust tones, Dark Terracotta and Browns.
For Night - Deep Reds, Smokey Black, Dark Greens
For Fun - Neon Blue
Best Metallic Shade - Bronze
Black Hair / Dark Skin / Blue Eyes
For Day - Denim Blue, Caramels, Rust tones, Dark Terracotta and Browns.
For Night - Dark Blues, Violet, Smokey Black, Eggplant, Dark Wine Red.
For Fun - Jade Green or Eucalyptus Green
Best Metallic Shade - Dark Copper or Bronze
Black Hair / Dark Skin / Green Eyes
For Day - Olive, Caramels, Rust tones, Dark Terracotta and Browns.
For Night - Dark Greens, Black Coffee, Smokey Black, Eggplant.
For Fun - Fuchsia or Honey Gold
Best Metallic Shade - Dark Copper or Bronze
Black Hair / Dark Skin / Hazel Eyes
For Day - Khaki, Caramels, Rust tones, Dark Terracotta and Browns.
For Night - Dark Greens, Dark Navy Blue, Charcoal, Black, Espresso.
For Fun - Bright Plum or Mustard Yellow
Best Metallic Shade - Dark Copper or Bronze
Now that you know which shades will suit you the best, it's time to start experimenting! Have fun and don't be afraid to try something new. Who knows, you may just find your new favourite eyeshadow shade in the process.
Do you have any tips for choosing the perfect eyeshadow shades? Let us know in the comments below! And if you're looking for more beauty inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram page. Happy shadowing! :-)