Go Emerald Green: 7 Green Eye + Beauty Looks to Try Now
Go Green: 7 Emerald Eye & Beauty Looks to Try Now
It’s time to tuck away your tangerine tango products and embrace the new hue in town for 2013: Pantone has declared emerald green is the color of the new year.
Green is a color said to attract prosperity and is a color that is sure to add a bit of luxury to your look. There are so many reasons we love this color: emerald complements roses, pinks, ruby reds, peaches and aubergines so finding a pretty matching lipstick or blush is as easy as 1-2-3 to put together a great look.
Few hues capture the allure of luxury, nature, and timeless elegance quite like emerald green. This jewel-toned shade instantly elevates any makeup look, adding depth, mystery, and a pop of unexpected color. Whether you’re craving a subtle hint of green at the lash line or a full-on emerald smoky eye, these seven creative techniques will show you how to work the trend at every skill level—using clean-beauty products that respect both your skin and the planet.
1. Subtle Lash-Liner Accent
Why it works: A thin line of emerald along the upper or lower lashes refreshes the eyes without overwhelming your entire face.
How to do it: Use a waterproof, cream emerald eyeliner pencil for precision. Tightline the upper lash line or smudge a fine line just beneath the lower lashes. Finish with clear or black mascara on top lashes only to keep the look balanced.
Pro Tip: Press the liner into the roots of the lashes with a small angled brush for a natural, rock-chic finish.
2. All-Over Emerald Wash
Why it works: Saturating the eyelid with a single emerald shade makes a bold statement that’s surprisingly wearable.
How to do it: Prime your lids with a neutral-toned eye primer. Use a synthetic brush to pack on a matte emerald shadow from lash line to crease. Blend the upper edge softly with a small fluffy brush. Highlight the brow bone and inner corner with a champagne shimmer to lift the look.
Pro Tip: For extra intensity, dampen your brush before picking up the shadow—this transforms powder into a richer, cream-like pigment.
3. Emerald Smoky Eye
Why it works: Incorporating darker green or black into an emerald base creates sultry depth perfect for evening events.
How to do it: Apply emerald shadow all over the lid. In the outer “V” and along the crease, sweep a matte black or deep forest green. Smudge both hues along the lower lash line for a cohesive smoky effect. Finish with a volumizing mascara.
Pro Tip: Remove fallout with a fluffy brush or tape method before applying concealer to keep the under-eye area flawless.
4. Two-Tone Green Gradient
Why it works: Pairing emerald with a pastel mint or teal creates a modern, ombré-inspired eye look.
How to do it: Divide the lid into inner and outer halves: pat a light mint shade on the inner third, emerald on the outer two-thirds, then blend where they meet. Intensify the crease with a mid-tone green to unify the gradient.
Pro Tip: Line the waterline with a nude pencil to prevent the look from feeling too heavy and to visually widen the eyes.
5. Emerald Halo Eye
Why it works: The “halo” technique makes your eyes appear larger and adds editorial interest.
How to do it: Sweep emerald across the lid. Then apply a deeper green or black at the center of the lid only, blending its edges into the emerald. Use a light shimmer—perhaps in pale green or silver—right at the center of the lid to amplify the halo effect.
Pro Tip: Use a small, dense brush for pinpoint application, then blend with a clean, fluffy brush to avoid muddying colors.
6. Emerald Brow Pop
Why it works: Toning your brows and temples with a dash of emerald ties the entire look together and introduces color in a controlled way.
How to do it: Mix a drop of emerald cream shadow with your clear brow gel. Brush it lightly through your brows for a hint of color. Extend any excess toward the temples or cheekbones for a soft, editorial wash.
Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your face neutral—think sheer foundation, nude lips, and a touch of bronzer.
7. Emerald Lower-Lash Drama
Why it works: Focusing green on the lower lashes alone offers a bold finish without demanding full-lid application.
How to do it: After your usual upper-lid makeup, use a small brush to press emerald shadow onto the lower lashes from outer to inner corner. For a graphic twist, extend the line outward into a slight wing.
Pro Tip: Balance the look with a petal-pink or peachy nude lip to prevent the look from feeling too heavy.
Clean Beauty Emerald Picks
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Pure Emerald Mineral Eyeshadow: High-pigment powder in a long-wear formula.
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Velvet Cream Liner in “Jade Forest”: Smooth, waterproof pencil for precise liner looks.
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Multi-Use Green Highlighter: Adds a soft, dewy sheen to cheekbones and inner corners.
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Translucent Setting Spray: Locks in color and prevents creasing in humid conditions.
Pro Tips for Lasting Wear
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Always prime: A quality, neutral primer or light concealer base prevents creasing and intensifies color payoff.
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Layer textures: Pair cream shadow under powder to enhance vibrancy and staying power.
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Seal with spray: Finish your look with a fine mist of setting spray to fuse pigments and control fallout.
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Clean brushes: Use synthetic brushes for cream and powder—clean tools ensure true color clarity and smooth blending.
Emerald green is more than just a trend—it’s a timeless color that pairs beautifully with all eye colors and elevates any makeup routine. From subtle lash-liner accents to full-on editorial washes, these seven techniques—and clean-beauty product recommendations—equip you to experiment confidently. Ready to let your eyes reign supreme in emerald? Share your looks with us using #EmeraldReign and join a community embracing bold color in the cleanest way possible.
Which shade of green eyeshadow will look best on you?
