Style

How To Do An Orange Smoky Eye For A Sultry Copper Look

by Alexa Tucker

While mid-year makeup trends are often fresh, low-key looks inspired by carefree summer days, one of the biggest trends du jour goes in the opposite direction. Bold orange smoky eyes are taking over for the season, and they channel the heat of the summer in a glam but playful way.

There's no shortage of ways to create the sultry orange eye vibe, thanks to an explosion of sunset eyeshadow palettes filled with warm amber and bright copper tones. From Urban Decay's new Naked Heat Palette to Natasha Denona's sold-out version, you don't have to look far for the right shades to create the ultimate fire look (literally).

An orange eyeshadow look is particularly stand-out against dewy summer skin, which is good news if you're a human who sweats in humidity from June to September. Sticky skin adds to the tropical aesthetic of an orange smoky eye, so go ahead and embrace it — just lock in your shadow with a setting spray to be safe, whether you're hitting up a patio or a club.

No matter where you're taking your new favorite shadow look though, there are endless vibes you can channel. Some orange shadow looks are full-on glam complete with glitter and major winged liner, while some are a bit more subtle for a fun, unexpected pop of color on a toned-down look. Here are five tutorials to inspire and guide your orange shadow look, from the boldest to the most minimal.

1. Shimmer And Smoke

This masterful look features perfectly blended darker orange hues, copper shimmer on the lids, and full-on glitter on the inner corners. This is a perfect going-out look for summer if I ever saw one.

2. Festival-Ready Details

The white dots on the outer corners of the eyes and below the brow here take the place of traditional liner for a stand-out look — festival beauty at its finest, IMO. This look also has some pretty pink undertones.

3. Lower Lashline Glitter

The lids in this look are more tangerine-esque, while the lower lashline goes bold with a more red-orange shade and glitter to match.

4. Bright Focal Point

This is one of my favorite versions of the orange eyeshadow trend I've seen so far — paired with simple skin and lashes, this monochromatic orange shadow plays the undisputed starring role. A peachy matte gloss ties the look together.

5. Gold Lids, Orange Creases

This look is a great way to wade into the orange shadow look if you're not entirely convinced. A subtle gold shadow takes the lead on the lids, while a subtle orange hue is blended into the creases.