Why Yellow Eyeshadow Should Be Your Summer Obsession

Just as the long, hot days of summer call for lighter and brighter clothes, the season change is an impetus for adding a retina-burning dose of color above the neck. If you so dare, consider having a go at yellow eyeshadow, a bold and invigorating statement that’s easier to pull off than you think.

For one, due to its likeness to sunshine, yellow is hailed as the most energizing shade among the warm colors according to color theorists. After weathering a long winter lockdown, who couldn’t use the extra boost?

What’s more, it’s also an unexpected favorite among pro makeup artists such as Emily Cheng, who recently gave client Yara Shahidi a set of lemony-lime lids to match her draped knit top of the same shade. “Come spring, with the weather getting warmer and feeling fresh, it’s fun to start introducing colors,” explains Cheng of the joy of reaching for the citrusy shade right now. “One of the easiest ways is to pop on a shadow or eyeliner. It takes just a few seconds and you’re spring-summer ready.”

So too agrees fellow pro Erin Parsons, Gigi Hadid’s longtime makeup artist who broke out a pot of yellow pigment for a spring photoshoot with Maybelline. “The change of season inspires you to try new makeup looks,” says Parsons. “Yellow shadow feels like sunshine!”

So, how best to pull off an exuberant wash of vivid daffodil eyeshadow or dashes of rich marigold eyeliner? Start by paring back the rest of your makeup look, keeping it “soft and subtle,” says Cheng, who advises steering clear of a strong contour and focusing on a glowing, even-toned complexion. Before adding pigment to the lids, layer on a matte concealer or eye primer, which is key to get the color to pop. “Don’t blend and fuss with the shadow too much as you want the pigment to stand out,” she explains. “Press the color on versus swiping and blending.” To frame your eyes, both Cheng and Parsons agree that a coat or two of mascara offers maximum impact. “Add a super-lengthening mascara, like Maybelline Sky High, to add definition without overpowering a bright tone like yellow,” says Parsons. “It really frames the pop of color.”

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Just embrace the joy it can yield. “With mask-wearing being the norm, the eyes are the only part you get to see, so keep some bright shades in your bag or car and change it up in a pinch,” says Cheng. “As you update and change your wardrobe, I think it’s just as much fun to do so with your makeup routine.”

NARS Douro Eyeshadow

$19.00, NARS

Anastasia Beverly Hills NORVINA Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 3

$60.00, ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS

Flower Beauty Pop Fanatic Eyeshadow

$9.00, FLOWER BEAUTY

MAC Pigment in Rock-It Yellow

$23.00, MAC

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Shadow in Buttercup

$17.00, MAKE UP FOR EVER

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner in Yellow Gold

$27.00, MARC JACOBS BEAUTY

KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner

$20.00, KVD BEAUTY

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Easy On the Eyes Clay Liner in Yellow

$19.00, TARTE

Haus Labs Eye-Dentify Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Royale

$18.00, HAUS LABS

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife

$36.00, FENTY BEAUTY

Glossier Skywash in Lawn

$18.00, GLOSSIER

Originally Appeared on Vogue