eye shadow

American  

Or eyeshadow

noun

1. a cosmetic coloring material applied to the eyelids.

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eye shadow British  

noun

1. a coloured cosmetic put around the eyes so as to enhance their colour or shape

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Etymology

Origin of eye shadow

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

“We started to see a lot more intensive makeup looks, with contouring and heavy eye shadow application.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

Sephora gave shoppers free rein to schmear on lipstick and play with eye shadow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

For me, it was where I met friends after school, tried on eye shadow for the first time, and listened to DJs pumping out dance music.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

They’ve even found their way into makeup; Hailey Bieber’s brand Rhode released a popular peptide-packed lip tint last year, and you can find them in mascara, eye shadow, blush … the list goes on.

From Slate • May 4, 2025

The barmaid—in her fifties, with turquoise eye shadow and lots of turquoise rings to match—looked us over, our suits and ties.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt