Going bold with your eye makeup by getting back to basics can be a lot of fun. Believe it or not, dramatic looks like this blue cat eye starring NARS Outremer Eyeshadow ($23), my new favorite blue, don’t necessarily need to involve boatloads of products.
This particular cat eye packs an edgy wallop, thanks in large part to Outremer, and only requires a single shadow, a few tools, a positive attitude and a good chunk of time (for me, from 20-30 minutes). I went with bold, blue Outremer here, but you could just as easily use another color you happen to have on hand, like a yellow, orange, pink or green. If you decide to try your hand at a bold look featuring a different eyeshadow single, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. 🙂
Now, I hope you’re ready. Here are the steps I followed this time around…
1. Brushes with greatness
Brushes used, from the left: the MAC 266 Small Angle Brush, MAC 219 Pencil Brush, MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush and the MAC 217 Blending Brush
First things first, I cleared a space to work in at the bathroom counter and gathered the following eye makeup brushes, each of which serves a different purpose in the look.
- A Small-Angle Brush — A great multipurpose brush. I use them for everything from lining my lash and water lines to filling in my brows. In this case I used the MAC 266 ($19.50) to outline the initial shape of the cat eye and to line my water line.
- A Domed Blending Brush — Another awesome multitasking brush. Great for applying powder or cream eyeshadows, blending and for applying concealer. I like the MAC 217 ($17.50) and used it here to apply color to my lids and in the crease. I also used it to blur out the edges of lines and the overall shape of the cat eye.
- An Eye Shader Brush — A solid performer when it comes to applying dense amounts of eyeshadow, and it excels with loose powders and pigments. I used it here (the $24.50 MAC 239) to apply color on my lids and along my lower lash line.
- A Pencil Brush — Great for detailed work. Here I used the pointy tip on the mighty MAC 219 ($24.50) to add dense, concentrated color on my lids and lash lines.
2. Prepare to prime
Next, I prepared my lids for the look by applying a primer. I like the results I get from with NARS Pro-Prime Smudge-Proof Eye Shadow Base ($24). I think it really accentuates colors while extending wear time and preventing creases.
3. Work from an outline
Using the small-angle brush, I drew a faint outline of the cat eye shape on my lids, and down along my lower lash line. Since I didn’t want the line appearing in the final look, I tried to keep it as light as possible.
4. Fill ‘er up
Then, with the domed blending brush, I filled in the outline by patting color onto the lids and sweeping it into the crease. I aimed to put the darkest color along the lash line, and then faded it up as it moved into the crease.
With the eye shader brush, I further darkened my lower lash line with color, and then blurred out the edges (and the outline) with the domed blending brush.
Patience is a virtue at this step. There are lots of ways to build color, but I usually get the best results when I take my time to apply color in sheer layers, slowly building them up until I reach the level of color saturation I want.
5. Pump up the jam
For extra KA-POW! I used the pencil brush to pack even more color onto the lids and lash line. Then, with the small-angle brush, I lined my upper and lower water lines, dialing up the drama another notch.
6. Bringing it all together
Yea! The hard part’s done. 🙂 Just a quick curl of the lashes and one or two layers of mascara, and we’re out!
Now who’s up for clubbing?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Oh, my goodness. You have just answered my beauty blog prayers! I have been dying for a basic single-shadow look for BRIGHT colors so that I can justify buying the new UD 15th Anniversary palette. This is amazing!
And crap. Now I have to buy Outremer too. This is just too good. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jayne!
I like this bold, colourful look on you! And I appreciated how you explained step-by-step how you achieved this eye look along with photos. Very helpful!
Glad you found this helpful, Mary. 🙂
STUNNING! this colour is gorgeous and so is the look you created =).
Thanks, Dani!
That last pic is too cute. I love this – I’m going to try this with something similar!
Thanks, Elle. 🙂
Let me know how this works out… and if you have any questions along the way please ask!
I think I’m gonna try this with NARS Daphne!
That shade would look really pretty, Alex!
Wow, you look awesome! So bold and pretty!
Thanks, Vijaya! I hope you give this look a try.
Karen! Thanks so much for the tutorial. I’ve been waiting for this since you first wore this look. The step by step instructions and pics are awesome. I can’t wait to try this myself. Oh and you are too cute in the last pic! 😉
Hi Natalie,
Let me know how it works out. And if you have any application/brush questions please send ’em along… I’m happy to help!
I can’t get over how much i love this blue on you. It’s so striking with your eye color. Oh, and the last picture is adorable!
Thanks, Jessi. I’m so glad I opened up my mind to blue eyeshadow… years ago I was too scared to wear it, but now I love it!
I love this look! And with similar skin tones (I am a bit lighter, though) I would love to try this blue, as well. I may need to dig out my colours and see what I can play around with while I wait on the blue…
Kypris,
I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
makes me want to run to sephora right now 😀 I’m now seriously considering getting it
It should be coming out sometime this month! I hope you love it.
Awesome!!!
Thanks!
I love this! I’ll give it a go. Usually with bold shades I go with at least 2 to tone the colour down a little but clearly, its not needed.
Let me know how it turns out, Paris!
I love how you’ve created a high impact look with just one shadow! And the saturated colour of Outremer is phenomenal.
What are you wearing on your cheeks Karen? Looks so good.
Hi Jen,
I’m wearing the rose side of NARS Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow on my cheeks (also from NARS fall).
Happy Tuesday!
Great tutorial! I’ve got some vivid colors in a few Urban Decay palettes that this method would be perfect for. Now I just have to make sure I have all the right brushes.
Great idea, Heidi! I have a few crazy Urban Decay colors that need some attention… thanks for reminding me to look into my palettes. 🙂
I love strong and saturated looks like this, but being very pale, blonde, and light blue eyed, I end up looking like Barbie. :/ Brunettes clearly have more fun!
Aw, you could totally do this! Perhaps with maybe a heather, taupe, gray or lilac instead of the blue?
I love this look on you! So bold and beautiful!
Thanks, Gio!
I would like to see a comparison with MUFE #159 & NARS ‘Outremer”. I can’t wait when this comes out, even though its more than what I like to spend on eyeshadow, this is too pretty to pass up. And Karen this blue looks great on you.
Hi Rozae,
Let me see what I can do. 🙂
I’m a big time lurker here, but this look has forced me to comment. This looks awesome on you! Beautiful color on you..I will definitely copy this look. Thanks!!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks, hon! Let me know how your look turns out!
I am def. bookmarking this to try it out myself.Thanks for showing how you acheived this. It really looks amazing on you!
So glad to hear you enjoyed this post, Lorraine! 🙂
Oooh I never thought of doing an outline like that! Thank you! Super cute on you, too!
Hi Iris,
I’m a huge fan of outlines w/a small angle brush. They make everything easier.
I can’t leave this post without commenting, Karen this is amazing!
You’re so sweet, Madelon. Have a great Tuesday!
That blue looks so good on you! It’s perfect!
I hope you give it a try, Tracy!
I love the look on ya! The eyes, blush, lips…flawless…stunning. One of my favorite looks on you. Now, you’ve inspired me to get this shadow and try it myself.
Hi Liz,
Thanks, babe! Everything here is pretty much NARS Fall (Pago Pago Lipstick on lips and the rose side of Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow on cheeks) so you can do one-stop shopping for your look once it comes out.
I love bold eyeshadow on you! The last photo is super sexy! <3
Hi Peach,
Aw, thanks. Do you wear bold colors often?
i love this color and it looks great on you 🙂 i really want to get it! 🙂 ….i’m gonna put it on my makeup wishlist 🙂
Thanks, Milagros. I hope you love it!
This colour looks truly gorgeous on you, Karen! Also love the way you’ve applied it 😉
I will probably get this shade, too. Should look nice with my brown eyes.
This color should make your brown eyes pop, Marina!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
I really love this colour and am still waiting for the collection to come out!
It’s even more beautiful in person, Wendy!
Love it when you do how-to in pictures step by step like this
Thanks!
Glad you liked this post, Tukta. 🙂
Does anyone know of any MAC (or other) dupes for Outremer? It’s sooo pretty but NARS is too expensive!
Hi Emily,
I looked around at MAC last week and couldn’t find anything quite like it. It’s really interesting — it’s mostly matte, but when you build it up you can see a hint of blue sheen and the tiniest bits of shimmer, so it almost looks wet (even when it’s dry).
The closest thing I can think of would be doing something like MAC Deep Truth Eyeshadow or MAC Marine Ultra Pigment (you can see swatches here).
LOVE this look on you
Thanks, Leah! 🙂
What a great way to make this color easily wearable!
Thanks, Crystal! 🙂
Love love love this look! I’d been trying to create something along those lines a few years ago, by using a lime green pencil and dark pencil for the water line. Didn’t work out as well, looks like powder might be the answer!
Hi Advah,
I think I can see what you were going for. I bet if you find a powder that matches your pencil you could probably use it on the lid and then use your pencil to add the extra color punch along the lid and lash lines. 🙂
Oh great idea, thank you!! I’ll look for that!
Karennnnn — that last picture is soooo adorable!
i love the look! and that eyeshadow is one gorgeous baby!
Hi Nina,
Ya know, I was surprised to like this color so much. You’d think it wouldn’t be wearable but it actually really is — even when you do something big and bold like this, it’s still not too crazy, you know?
yep! totally! i love what you did with it – it can go from day to night as well – depending on how heavy your liner is and what youre wearing! goergeous!
Kinda off topic, but I know you’re a foodie and can appreciate what I just ate for lunch, LOL:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-photo/lunch-07-12-11-tuscan-bread-salad/
ZOMG it was so good!
youre making me hungrryyyY! id like to try and make that — i LOVE tomatoes!
It was SO GOOD! I didn’t think I’d be able to finish it but I gobbled it all right up. 😀 I think it helps to have really fresh ingredients — I got some phenomenal heirlooms and basil from TJ’s on Sunday!
Karen, this shadow looks so good on you I can’t even handle it. I want it so bad, but I’m worried it won’t look as good on me because I’m lighter skinned. I love it so much though!
Hi Liz,
I think you can still easily work this look. I’ve seen it on pale skin and it’s amazing. Dramatic, yes, but still very cool.
This is a ‘hire-a-sitter-hubby-and-I-are-hitting-the-town’ look for sure!
Heck yeah! Don’t forget the little black dress and the killer high heels. 😉
Very, very pretty Karen! An amazing color and a helpful how-to, love it!
Thanks, Stef! I wanna see you in a bright blue eye!
This is definitely your go-to, dramatic eye color of the season; it looks so amazing on you! And I know it must take you 10x the amount of time to do the step-by-step photos, but they’re really great. I know I’ll never do a blue dramatic eye but I will definitely follow your instructions if I get up the courage to do another color (orange or pink, perhaps?). It’s so great that you took the time to do this. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Kim,
You’re very welcome! A pink or orange look sounds so refreshing, summery and fun. When you get around to doing it you must send me a picture. 🙂
You look amazing in blue eyeshadow, Karen! I am waiting for the 15th, so I can order this along with Oasis lip gloss.
Hi Chris,
I think you’ll really like this shadow a lot. It’s so punchy and fun! 🙂
Give Rocky and Jazz a belly rub for me.
Yup, belly rubs are in order. 🙂 They are really delighted with being kitty models for EvoRevo!
you look wonderful in that picture, your hair, the highlights. i only look jealous right now =)
this color looks great on you!! But it looks a bit white just beneath your eyes..
Hi Lauwchen,
Thanks! And yeah, I guess it’s a little lighter it might be a mix of the lighting and the powder I used to set the concealer (tried something different).
Have a good Tuesday!
Fab as always! a Q: what foundation are you wearing? Is this the MAC NC42 again? My beloved foundation is being discontinued and I need to find something new. I’m thinking about MAC Sculpt. I have always used a cream foundation with luminous full coverage, and added a bit of high SPF (55+) sunscreen to it to max my protection. I don’t want to give up this part of my routine, so I need to find a creamy/gel-like foundation that actually gives coverage after being diluted. The one I’ve been using for years (La Mer the Treatment Creme foundation in #6) does a fantastic job of this. I usually apply it as a light coverage foundation, and build. For events, I add less sunscreen and have a heavier coverage. This trick also lets me adjust the color of my foundation for different times of the year. If anyone has thoughts on a foundation with good color range that might work for this, lmk! (Laura Mercier was a total fail.)
Hi R,
Yup, it’s MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC42 w/a mix of the Careblends Pressed Powders:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/a-manic-mango-thursday-and-my-new-foundation-routine/
I didn’t wear MAC foundations for years (too heavy, broke me out), but this one was a game changer for me. It’s light, covers everything and photographs really well.
I’ve heard GREAT things about the La Mer foundation; I just haven’t gotten around to trying it yet.
Thanks for replying above! My Blackberry won’t let me reply to your response. This thing is getting so stone-age in the world of androids and iphones!
Thanks for the tips. I am scared of MAC foundations because of breakouts – which is what happened with Laura Mercier.
La Mer changed my life. I’m a total devotee. They discontinued the cream foundation, though, and I’m not feeling the color choices in the liquid. If you try it, the 6 is a smidge dark, 4 is way too light, 4.5 is oompa loompa orange.) Sad, considering the miracles the line performs for my skin!
Have a kick-butt hump day, all!
I LOVE this on you! Just gorgeous! I also love some of the new things you’ve been doing on some of your posts, like listing the other makeup ur wearing. I hope we see more step by steps like this one. They are super helpful! I know they probably take up a lot of your time so THANK YOU! 🙂
Thanks for the feedback, Sylvia! 🙂
What this does for your dark brown eyes is amazing! Keeping everything else neutral really makes it work. Love it!
I hope you try this look, Lara!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have never been able to use just one eyeshadow for a look, I am definitely trying this out 🙂
Let me know how it turns out, Polly!
That is such a gorgeous look, and I love that you achieved it with just one shadow!
Thanks, Bestos!
Karen this look rocks, you’ve got the blues in a good way! I wish it came out last week I would rock it at the Britney / Nicki Minja concert!! But at least I scored PINK FRIDAY…. any eye shadow suggestions with the Pink Friday for the concert this week… PS Urban Decay broke my poor little heart today but already selling out on their eye shadow 15 Year eye shadow collection 🙁 🙁 What to do what to do???
When the UD 15 Shadow Palette comes on Sephora, maybe you’ll be able to snag it….! I know that’s what I’m waiting for!
Thanks Marina! I’ll be waiting too!!!
Hi Paigest,
I’d definitely go with a big, bold look, maybe with some lashes? You could do a green shimmery eye:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/a-sexy-insert-profession-here-halloween-makeup-look/
Or maybe a gray smokey eye:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-smokey-eye-tutorial-halloween-flashback/
Both would look really pretty with that lipstick.
Thanks Marina! I’ll be waiting too!!!
Thanks Karen I’ll be “ATTEMPTING” one of your looks to attached!:)
Man with all our positive feedback on your eyes I think Nars should be giving you a call soon for a blogger creation for them! It also makes me feel I should be waiting at the counter to buy my eye shadow!! lol
Outremer looks very nice on you. I like the bright cobalt blue with your skin tone.
Thanks, Amy.
Awesome!!! This looks stunning on you! I love the color and the tutorial =)
Glad you enjoyed this post, Melissa!
I forgot to say your last picture is so cute! You know who you remind me of aliya jasmine do you know her, I heart her she’s fun!
I had to google her… wow, she’s beautiful! I’m so flattered, Paigest. 🙂
Really stunning look for you, Karen. You have me determined to buy this shadow now when I wasn’t interested at all before. I also love that you are using the Nars primer. I switched to that this year from Too Faced and I have never looked back. It’s amazing.
Hi Shontay,
That primer is THE BEST. I haven’t found anything that seems to top it!
OMG Karen… I think you posted this in direct response to my request for a tutorial on how you did this look!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait to go try this out, I have a similar intense blue shadow so I’m going to be brave enought practice this look.
Fingers crossed x
Yes! So glad that you found it helpful. 🙂
One thing I like to do when I play with new looks is to try them on before I wash my face at night. Since I’m gonna wash my face anyway, I might as well get my practice on, you know?
That colour is not only phenomenal, but it looks absolutely stunning on you.
Love it.
PS – thank you for the recent bright shadows – I’ve noticed a lot more variety as of late and I really appreciate it. *massive thumbs up*
Thanks for the feedback, Chelle. I’ll try to do more bright looks!
love Love LOVE!
Thanks, DanaJae!
Hope you’re having a good day. 🙂
this look is stunning, and it’s stunning on you 😉
Hi Chiara,
Thanks. 🙂 Do you think you might try it?
I love it! Thanks for showing it step by step like that it really helped!
You’re welcome, Amanda!
how does this compare to MAC Atlantic Blue? Good dupe?
Karen, your dark circles are invisible ! How did you do that ?!! Are you sleeping more than 8 hours or did you use a different concealer ?
Wow, delurking again to say that this looks a-mazing on you! And the step-by-step was so clear and easy to follow. Now to get brave enough to try it!!! 😉
Hi Karen, I was wondering if the NARS base covers darker pigment on the actual eyelid? I have some faint redness so i use Smashbox Photofinish b/c it has a nude tint that blocks it out. Your thoughts on NARS?
Thanks 🙂
Someone asked for a dupe for this color and I thought I’d let people know that the Kat Von D palette that came out for the holidays, the one that looks like a book…. there is a matte blue purple shade that when layered looks a lot like this shade.
You’re driving me crazy here, I’m literally counting down the days til I can get my hands on this!
(Crazy in a good way, that is =P)
I LOVE THIS ON YOU!!! OMG, the perfect summer look, you’re beautiful!
PERFECT! OMG your instructions are so simple and clear! Will have the confidence to take this on when I get ready to go out. Love your photos, too! Too fierce! Thanks, Karen! xo
You have amazing cheekbones and make-up skills 😀
Love that!! It’s so simple but so gorgeous!! I reaaally love your idea of tracing the outline too, I’ve never thought of that!! Gonna cop that!
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial, I’m definitely gonna try this with purple against green eyes. Then I’ll have to think of somewhere appropriate to go to rock it!
LOVELY!!!!! must try this!
Intense 🙂 the blue
I followed your tut step by step & it worked 😀
I LOVE IT! amazing job… I’m going to try this…
So simple, but stunning! I love this look. I live in Spain, and we always have to wait more time to get the new collections, but I’d Probably purchase this shadow by internet. Thanks for the review and the look!
stunning look on you Karen!! Going to try this one tomorrow night!! x
Thanks, Mairead! Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
As I said – bold eye shadows look great on you! 🙂
OH OH OH ! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just fell in love with this little beauty. Karen it looks so gorgeous on you….
oh my god this actually made me want to cry… i have been in love with the really strongly pigmented nars eyeshadows since forever, but never ever knew how to handle them RIGHT. i mean i could use a tap and blend them into the corners, or use the slanted brush to do a bright shot of eyeliner, but i never could figure out how to make them take center stage but not look like a clown. this is a HUGE help, thank you so much!! i’m going to take an hour tonight and have a go.
That blue is stunning on you!!!!!
Beautiful!!
I can’t wait for my order to arrive =)
I think you’ll love this color. It’s amazing!
This look is AMAZING, could you do something bright like this with orange? I recently bought Mac’s RULE and Chrome Yellow and I need something to do with them! I’m gonna try this with the orange but if you have better ideas, show us!
Awesome work, love the blue and the pics!