White Eyeshadow Looks That Are More Elegant Than You Think

White eyeshadow can seem scary at first, but did you know that it’s actually simpler to work with than bold, dark shades? While blacks and browns are common neutrals that you might reach for without thinking, consider adding white eyeshadow to your makeup bag to easily brighten up your look. These are some of our favorite makeup ideas for white eye makeup.

This every day, wearable white eyeshadow look requires little more than a swipe across the lids. You’ll look bright-eyed and wide awake in no time! All you’ll need to finish off this eye look is a dark liner or lashes to make sure that the eyes still look defined. If you don’t want to look too done up, apply a nude shade to your lips and keep your skin looking fresh and dewy.

Adding sparkling gems or rhinestones to your white eye makeup creates a dreamy, ethereal finish. You’ll sparkle and shine with every move you make! Pink, silver, or iridescent rhinestones all suit white eyeshadow perfectly. Dot a few strategically around each eye or go as bold as you like. A general rule of thumb, though, is to make sure that both eyes look symmetrical.

Lady Gaga pretty much put white eye makeup on the map when she released her Rain on Me music video with Ariana Grande. Here, she continues to champion the trend with a full cut crease makeup look that’s perfect for evening glam. The white eyeshadow pairs seamlessly and elegantly with her white-blond hair and silver jewelry.

This playful angel wing graphic eye look is perfect for Halloween or costume parties while remaining classy and elegant. You’ll just need to add an angelic outfit to match! A steady hand and an eye for symmetry is required for this particular look, but the payoff is worth it. A liquid eyeshadow formula is likely your best bet for achieving a crisp finish.

If you’re wary of white eyeshadow this is a great way to incorporate it into your makeup look without being too heavy-handed. Pat a creamy white shadow in the inner corners of your eyes and blend it into your darker shades for a sleek ombré gradient effect.

White is a classic winter shade, so why not lean into this with a festive white eyeshadow look? Soft effects like lightly falling snow or snowflakes will add a touch of whimsy to festive events throughout the winter season. Stick to neutral colors and make your white eyeshadow the star of the show – this will ensure that you don’t run the risk of looking tacky.

This white eyeshadow look is perfect for nights out and evening events. Blend your white shadow almost all the way up to the brow bone, then apply a black winged eyeliner to add dramatic definition to the eyes. Finish with black wispy lashes for a 60s mod makeup vibe.

Go big and bold, if you dare! There’s no denying that these editorial white eyeshadow looks are stunning, and the great thing is that you don't need to be too precise with them. Have fun experimenting with different styles – white eyeshadow is very light, so it’s easy to amend mistakes without any fuss. Pair these eye looks with plenty of pink blush and pink lips for a healthy-looking, outdoorsy winter flush.