What comes to mind when you think of green eyeshadow? Ah, one of those not so flattering makeup trends from the 2000s that everyone followed, just because it was in. It may even be up there with blue eyeshadow in terms of cringe-worthy, and it’s not remembered as being the most flattering beauty trend. While green eyeshadow may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s back, it’s trending, and it’s way better this time around. When done correctly, it adds an instant cool-factor to any look.
Green isn’t thought of as being the most natural-looking shade, but when you find the right shade, you’d be surprised at how much you can get away with. Whether you love it or hate it, green eyeshadow isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – and I’m going to help you find your perfect shade.
Olive Green
There are a few different ways to achieve the green-eye look without applying lime green shadow all over your lid. If your afraid of color, olive green shadow is going to be your best friend because it doesn’t look green on the first glance.
Olive green can work on any skin tone, and it’s especially flattering for brown eyes. It’s also perfect for a smokey eye because it’s dark, but it’s not as harsh as a black shadow or liner. Once you look at olive green as a neutral, like a bronze or gold, it’s way less intimidating.
If eyeshadow isn’t your go-to, try an olive green eyeliner. An olive green cat-eye or smudged liner is super easy and totally wearable. Personally, I love an olive green cat-eye with a coral or nude lip. For my cat-eye, I just spray a liner brush with setting spray and use the green shade in my Urban Decay Born to Run palette, $49. This will work with any shadow!
Revlon $8, Dose of Colors $20, Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Dark Magic $15, Urban Decay Stash Liner, $22, Stila Liquid Eyeshadow $24
Related: The Tea On Lash Extensions, Lifts & Growth Serums
Lime Green
This is probably the most intimidating and infamous shade of green eyeshadows, but trust me, lime green eyeshadow has the potential to be a total power move and not just something reserved for celebrities with a makeup artist. Lime green eyeshadow all over the lid will likely scream early-2000s, so keep it on trend today by wearing it as eyeliner. A lime green cat-eye with a fresh complexion is the best way to wear the trend without going overboard.
NYX Eye Pencil in Teal $4.50, Colourpop Special Delivery Super Shock Shadow $5 Sephora Collection Shadow Liner $14
Emerald Green
We talked about olive green looking flattering on brown eyes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work for all eye colors. However, if you have blue or green eyes and want more of a pop, try a teal or emerald green eyeshadows. Emerald green is all-around super flattering because it’s it works well on a number of different skin tones. Either way, a rich teal or emerald shimmer, or matte shade all over the lid is insanely gorgeous and swoon-worthy.
Avoid going over the top by focusing on the eyes and keeping the rest of your makeup natural.
Colourpop Loose Pigment $6, NYX eye pencil $8, Stila All Day Liner $22, Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions Palette $27
If you’re still not convinced, try trading in your black eyeliner for an olive green one. A lime green cat-eye won’t be my day-to-day look, but I’m really warming up to an olive green cat-eye. It’s less harsh than black, and dare I say it looks better on my eyes because it’s softer.
There’s a shade of green eyeshadow out there for everyone, and when you find your shade, share it with me on Instagram @reeceyberry. For now, I’ll be sticking to my olive green, eyeshadow cat-eyes, wings and a corally, nude lip!