Confession time: never have we ever stumbled across a copper eyeshadow we could pass up. Is there an occasion that doesn't call for a copper eye? We haven't found one. With so many hues and finishes, copper instantly brightens the eyes and elevates your lids in one swipe. And, we're not the only ones to think so. "Copper looks gorgeous, both alone and accompanied by neutrals like rich browns and warm rosy tones," says makeup artist Dahlia Warner.
How do we put our stockpile of coppery eyeshadows to use, you ask? We're sharing some of our favorite copper eyeshadow looks (along with expert tips from Warner) below.
Meet the Expert
- Dahlia Warner is a professional makeup artist and groomer working in both New York and Los Angeles.
Keep scrolling for 27 copper eyeshadow looks that make the most out of this eye-catching shade.
Mixed Finishes
Copper plays well with others, as seen in this multi-color eyeshadow look that features a bold swipe of copper across the lid. We also love the divine contrast between the copper and the deep blue winged liner. "Copper is a very versatile color, and I love to use [it in] both metallic and non-metallic tones," Warner says. As you can see, metallic finishes are stunning on the lids.
Full Copper Saturation
One swipe of a sparkling, shimmering copper shade on the lids is all it takes to elevate your makeup look. "Layering copper eyeshadow for dimension and depth of variation of undertone is paramount" when creating a more intense copper shadow look, says Warner. The more you layer, the more intense the color—and the better the shadow stands out.
Peach Sheen
Even the most subtle copper shadow makes a statement, like this sheeny peach shade brushed from the inner corners across the eyelid. To get this exact look, MUA David Razzano used Makeup By Mario's Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette.
Natural Blend
Since copper comes in many finishes, it's possible to wear a natural version of this color for everyday makeup looks. Blended lightly across the lids, this light copper tone plays well with highlighted skin, shaped brows, and sculpted cheekbones.
Sultry Copper Tones
Layering copper tones is an excellent way to create a dramatic eye. "Choose a copper with an undertone complimentary to your skin tone and eye color," Warner recommends. "I love layering a deeper tone to create depth and dimension and then finishing with a wash of shimmer, bringing it down to the lower lash line a little to tie it together." Finish with a few coats of volumizing mascara.
Pop of Pink
Copper is known to play well with others—think hot pink, cobalt blue, and bright lavender. Here, the metallic takes center stage on the lid while a dreamy fuchsia plays a supporting role on the lower lash line.
Green With Engy
Pink not your color? This vibrant green waterline took our breath away. "One of my favorite statement combos is a soft copper eye with a turquoise or emerald green accent liner," says Waner.
Molten Copper
Copper looks even better when worn boldly, and the metallic finish on this bright copper shadow turns heads in the best way. For a look this vibrant, opt for a liquid- or gel- to powder formula.
Two-Tone Metallics
We firmly believe that the old rule of only wearing one metal at a time deserves to be thrown out the window—and this makeup proves our point. This two-tone, copper and silver, glossy eyeshadow look is so cool and grungy that it belongs on the face of a rockstar (like you).
Copper Smokeshow
This dramatic look features metallic copper shadow applied in the center of the lids, blended in the crease with black to create a smoky effect. "Metallics can sometimes be intimidating, but I like to think of how they show up in nature and how they can be layered to add something special," says Warner. Gen See Beauty's Mixed Media Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow in 01 Copper is an excellent product to place in the center of the lids.
Copper Sparkle
Copper shadow can be wonderfully glamorous, as pictured in this sparkly, smoky look with intense black liner and lashes. To replicate, apply the shadow until you've reached your desired pigmentation, then use a creamy, waterproof liner to line the top and bottom of the lash line and waterline to add more drama. Make Up For Ever's Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner in Graphite applies easily and has a long-wear finish.
Byrdie Tip
Top off the look with a pair of false lashes to really make your eyes pop.
Copper Full-Face
Who said copper is only for the eyes? Keep the theme going by continuing the color palette on your cheeks with a rosy blush and copper highlight. This glowing eyeshadow look, which blends pinks and purples in the crease with a pop of copper on the mid-lid, reminds us of a late-summer sunset.
Sophisticated Smoke
Another example of why copper is an excellent choice when creating a smoky eye, this look is pinned on our event inspiration board. To get the look, blend copper shadow on the top and bottom of the eyes. Then, apply black liquid liner at the center of the lid, extending it outward for definition. Roen Beauty's Gold Lust Palette has a lovely mix of copper shades for creating dimension.
Copper Flame
How do you set a copper eye look ablaze? Pair it with an orange eyeshadow and watch the spark ignite. New York-based makeup artist Sophia Vallejos mixes Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Mattes and shades Carrot Top and Real Love for the perfect complement to the copper base.
Lovely Layering
Light copper tones layered on the lids with deeper hues in the crease bring this multi-dimensional copper eyeshadow look together. A shadow palette with a few copper shades is ideal when recreating this one; Charlotte Tilbury's Copper Charge Luxury Palette fits the bill.
Golden Copper Glam
Mixing soft gold and copper for a shimmering shadow look is the right move, as seen here. Stila's Glisten & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Oasis provides a sparkling finish and long-lasting wear for any occasion.
Soft Definition
Soft copper paired with rosy tones is another way to create a natural copper shadow moment. This take is elevated by the black liner applied to the inside and outer lash lines.
Matte Copper
Who said copper has to mean shiny? This single shade, matte copper wash on the eyelid makes the model's brown eyes stand out. Use white eyeliner on the waterline, as seen above, to make your eyes appear bigger and brighter.
Allover Copper
The copper in this shadow is softer but appears more dramatic because it's blended up to the brow. Start at the base of the lid and blend in a circular motion for a smooth application.
Copper Glaze
Mattes and metallic get a lot of hype when it comes to finishes. But a wet-look glossy eye might possibly reign supreme in our books.
Copper Glow
Copper shadow looks exquisite with glowing, highlighted, and sculpted skin. "Copper has a very unique energy to it that separates it from more basic browns and neutrals as well as its siblings, silver and gold," says Warner.
Brown Liner
Pairing copper shadow shades with brown eyeliner will yield a more natural look than black eyeliner. To enhance your eyes even more, apply a white or nude pencil liner on the inner rim of the bottom lashline, as pictured here.
Copper Blowout
Get your blending brushes ready, people! This diffused copper eye is as seamless as it is captivating.
Copper to Bronze Gradient
While some may use the two interchangeably, copper and bronze have distinctively different appearances. Despite their differences though, they do play well together as is evident in this seriously spectacular copper to bronze ombre look.
Highlighter Pop
Light copper shadow with just the right amount of highlight applied to the inner corners of the eyes (and again on the cheek) creates an ethereal glow that anyone would want to wear. Make a statement by adding a matte, red lip and bold black liner on the lids for more of a red-carpet glam moment.
Copper Confetti
Shimmer is fun, but sometimes an occasion calls for all-out glitter. That's right, we said it. This is not your glistening metallic, it's full-on, fine copper confetti on the eyes.
Copper Lash Line
Why should eyelids get all the glory? Drag all that coppery definition across the lower lash line for a soft smoke that won't go unnoticed.