Eyeshadow can be one of the most fun parts of a makeup routine, but let’s be honest: it can also feel a little intimidating. Getting the right blend, knowing where to place each shade, and figuring out what actually flatters your eye shape takes practice. But once you nail it, the payoff is worth it. The right eyeshadow can make your eye color pop, give your whole face a lift, and even completely transform your vibe. Whether you’re going for soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, eyeshadow is one of those little details that can make a big difference.
Just like fashion, eyeshadow shades come in and out of style. What was considered trendy five or ten years ago might now make your look feel a little stuck in the past. Using outdated eyeshadow shades can age your makeup or take away from an otherwise fresh and modern face. With a few updates and swaps, you can keep your eyeshadow game current. Here are six eyeshadow shades that might be outdates, plus some suggestions for what to wear instead.
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1. Avoid: Frosty White
Frosty white eyeshadow used to be the go-to shade for highlighting the brow bone or inner corner of the eye, especially in the early 2000s. But its icy shimmer can come off as harsh and chalky, especially against warmer skin tones. Instead of brightening the eyes, it can create an unflattering contrast that looks dated and overly severe. A softer and more luminous highlight can give the same brightening effect but with a more subtle and flattering finish.
2. Avoid: Neon
Neon eyeshadow has its place in editorial looks or for fun and bold looks, but wearing it as an everyday statement can easily tip into outdated territory. Bright electric greens, yellows, or hot pinks can feel more costume than chic, especially when they’re not blended or paired with modern techniques.
3. Avoid: Red
Red eyeshadow had a moment a few years ago, but it is a tricky color to pull off because it walks a fine line between edgy and exhausted. When done right, it can look striking, but more often than not it ends up making the eyes look tired or irritated. Flat or matte reds in particular can be hard to blend and overwhelming on their own, which is part of why this trend has started to fade.
4. Avoid: Blue Glitter
Blue glitter had a moment, both during the 1980s and the early 2010s festival makeup craze, but it hasn’t aged well. The combination of chunky glitter and bright blue can read as overly theatrical and immature, especially when not paired with a balanced, polished look. It tends to emphasize texture on the lids and can clash with most outfits or complexions.
5. Avoid: Flat Taupe
Taupe once reigned supreme as the universal neutral, but overly cool, flat taupe shadows can now make the eyes appear dull or washed out. On their own, they lack the depth or warmth that brings life to the face, and they can even make you look a little tired. Modern neutrals lean warmer or more dimensional, with shades of rose, beige, or caramel proving popular.
6. Avoid: Metallic Black
Metallic black eyeshadow can feel heavy and unforgiving, especially when used all over the lid or in an intense smoky eye. This shade had a heyday during the height of dramatic night-out looks, but today's approach to smoky eyes is more blended and soft.
7. Try: Smoky Plum
Smoky plum is a rich, sophisticated alternative to black or gray that brings a soft intensity to the eyes without being overpowering. Its subtle mix of purple and brown tones flatters a wide range of skin tones and eye colors, especially green and hazel. For older women, smoky plum offers depth and definition without the harshness that darker shades can sometimes bring.
8. Try: Soft Periwinkle
Soft periwinkle is a refreshing way to wear color without venturing into super bold or trendy territory. This pastel-toned blue with a touch of lavender adds brightness to the eyes and works particularly well on aging skin because it brings a youthful lift without being loud. It has a light, airy feel that softens the overall look.
9. Try: Champagne
Champagne eyeshadow is a timeless go-to that always feels current. Its luminous shimmer brightens the eyes and adds a healthy glow without drawing attention to texture or fine lines. Unlike stark frosty whites, champagne melts into the skin with a natural radiance that flatters all ages. For older women, it’s especially flattering as an inner-corner highlight or lid color because it opens up the eyes and gives them a more awake, refreshed appearance.
