11 Yellow Eyeshadow Looks That Are On-Trend and Wearable

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updated Mar 08, 2021

woman wearing yellow eyeshadow liner — @coufe/Design by Cristina Cianci

Yellow eyeshadow might be something you've never attempted to wear, but this bright and sunny hue has become one of the most popular shades lately. We've been seeing yellow eyeshadow look everywhere, from celebrities on the red carpet to beauty mavens on Instagram. But how exactly should you execute a yellow eyeshadow look?

One of the most common misconceptions about yellow is that it's a hard color to wear. However, yellow is incredibly versatile and suits all skin tones, which is even more of a reason to test it out. There are so many shades to choose from that yellow truly looks fantastic on everyone. If you have fair skin, try a light pastel yellow on the cooler side; for olive skin, golden yellow and marigold tones look stunning, along with honey. For dark skin tones, almost any shade of yellow will do, which is all the more reason to dive deep into your makeup drawer to find the perfect one. From soft to neon, the possibilities are endless.

Keep scrolling for some yellow eyeshadow looks you're sure to love just as much as we do.

01 of 11

Touch of Sunshine

Yellow doesn't need to be bold. Wearing it on the lids in a delicate way is perfect for anyone wanting to try it out or tends to gravitate towards more natural eyeshadow and makeup looks. To recreate this, swipe a long-wearing yellow shadow on the lids, and you're golden.

Flower Beauty Pop Fanatic Eyeshadow in Zing $9

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02 of 11

Sunflower Vibes

Similar to the shade of a sunflower, this eyeshadow look proves that you can be as creative as you like when wearing yellow eyeshadow; there are no rules when it comes to makeup. Neutral and earthy tones on the lids merge with a pop of yellow under the brow bone for a memorable result.

MAC Eyeshadow in Chrome Yellow $17

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03 of 11

Sweet Summer

With lids as beautiful as a golden summer sunset, this yellow eyeshadow look is a great example of how monochromatic lids paired with abstract liner can create something unique. Apply eyeshadow first all over the lids and follow up with liquid yellow eyeliner near the crease to create any abstract detail you wish.

Juvia's Place The Nubian II Eyeshadow Palette $20

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04 of 11

Shimmering Sunlight

Yellow doesn't only have to be worn on the lids, making it a color that becomes more versatile the more you experiment with it. Mixing yellow hues and gold-toned shadows is ideal when recreating his watercolor look.

ColourPop Uh Huh Honey Eyeshadow Palette $12

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05 of 11

Marigold Mix

This look shows how yellow on top and a jewel-toned hue on the bottom can create some serious inspiration for your next yellow eyeshadow look. Lightly blend shadow all the way to the browbone with your eyeshadow brush, adding more color as you go until you're happy with the outcome. Then, apply the shadow or eyeliner color of your choice on the bottom lash line for maximum effect. Be sure to shape your brows and finish with your favorite mascara.

NARS Single Eyeshadow in Duoro $19

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06 of 11

Inner Beauty

Applying yellow eyeshadow in the inner corners of the eyes brightens up your makeup and allows room for other hues in the crease if contrast is what you're looking to create. Blend the shadow in the inner corners using a small eyeshadow brush to ensure it looks even before moving on to your crease color.

Urban Decay Moondust Single Eyeshadow in Fool's Gold $22

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07 of 11

Lemon Pop

Bright, bold yellow looks just as fun on as it is to apply, this shadow look shows how you can wear it all over the eyes without it looking overpowering. Apply shadow to the top and bottom lash line and finish with a few coats of your favorite volumizing mascara to set the look.

Makeup Revolution Viva Neon Eyeshadow Palette $9

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08 of 11

Not So Mellow Yellow

Pack a powerful punch with a bold yellow shadow and shape it out like a wing to make it look even more fierce. Extending the shadow to the outer corners of the eyes really makes an impact and switches things up from the traditional cat-eye look. The yellow eyeshadow against her gorgeous skin tone is all you ever needed to see for yellow to become your next favorite shadow color.

Sugarpill Buttercupcake Pressed Eyeshadow $13

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09 of 11

Dandelion Dreams

Liquid liner and yellow eyeshadow make a dynamic duo for this look; the contrast between them accentuates the eyes in the best way possible. Apply a dandelion-colored shadow generously to the brow bone and finish with a tight liquid liner on the top lash line. If you're feeling adventurous, turn the liquid liner into a cat eye for something a tad more dramatic.

Tarte Cosmetics Double Duty Beauty Easy on the Eyes Clay Liner in Yellow $19

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10 of 11

Lemon Sorbet

Yellow varies on the color scale from deep golden tones to soft, lighter shades like this color (pictured). Reminiscent of a sheer lemon sorbet color, the shadow is perfectly applied to the eyelids. Whether you choose a cream eyeshadow or powder, use a shadow primer before application on the lids to ensure shadow stays in place all day without creasing.

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Sunbeam $29

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11 of 11

Buzzing Bee

Layering yellow eyeshadow on top of eyeliner for a double liner effect shows how you can implement yellow easily for a fun makeup look. Apply your liquid liner (you can also use a gel or pencil) first, and follow up with the yellow on top, following the same line and shape.