What eyeshadow colors do I need for a mermaid look?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, You need three shades: a saturated teal or ocean-blue shimmer as the base, a duochrome that shifts blue-to-green or green-to-purple, and a deeper navy or dark teal for the crease. Plus a bright aqua or pearl shimmer for the inner corner.

Can I wear mermaid makeup to a party?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Absolutely. This look is perfect for parties, festivals, or any event where creative makeup is welcome. The shimmer catches light beautifully, and the color palette is striking without being costume-like.

How do I make duochrome eyeshadow more intense?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Use a flat brush, spray it with setting spray, and press the shadow onto the lid rather than sweeping. This maximizes the color-shift effect and prevents fallout. Applying over a color-matched base (like teal liner) also boosts intensity.

Mermaid Core Makeup Tutorial

Intermediate25 min

Mermaid Core Makeup Tutorial

Last updated: April 2026

Mermaid core captures the ethereal beauty of the ocean — iridescent blues and greens on the eyes, dewy glass-like skin, and lips that shimmer like sea glass. This tutorial leans into the fantasy without going full costume: the color is concentrated on the eyes, the skin glows like it's wet, and the overall effect is otherworldly but still wearable for a night out, festival, or creative photoshoot. The key is using duochrome and iridescent products that shift between blue, green, and purple depending on the light — these are what give the look its magical, underwater quality.

Step-by-step

1
Dewy ocean-glass skin
Step 1 of 6
Start with a hydrating primer and a dewy foundation or skin tint. Mix a few drops of a blue-toned or pearl liquid highlighter into your base product for an all-over aquatic luminosity. The skin should look wet and reflective — like you just emerged from the sea.
Tip: Use a blue or green color-correcting primer on the cheekbones for a subtle underwater tint before foundation.
2
Iridescent eye base
Step 2 of 6
Apply an eyeshadow primer, then pack a teal or ocean-blue shimmer across the entire lid using a flat brush. Press the color on rather than sweeping for maximum intensity. The base should be a saturated, shimmering blue-green.
3
Duochrome shift
Step 3 of 6
Layer a duochrome shadow (one that shifts between blue and green, or green and purple) on top of the base. Focus on the center of the lid where light hits for maximum color-shift effect. Blend the edges softly into a deeper teal or navy in the crease.
Tip: Spray your brush with setting spray before picking up the duochrome shadow for an intense, foiled finish.
4
Inner corner and lower lash shimmer
Step 4 of 6
Apply a bright aqua or pearl shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes and sweep a lighter blue-green shimmer along the lower lash line. This opens the eyes and extends the mermaid color story all the way around.
5
Waterproof liner and lashes
Step 5 of 6
Line the upper lash line with a dark teal or navy gel liner, winging slightly at the outer corner. Apply waterproof mascara or wispy false lashes. The liner should be tight against the lashes, not thick — the eyes should look defined, not heavy.
6
Sea-glass lips
Step 6 of 6Almost done!
Apply a nude-pink lip as the base, then top with a clear gloss mixed with a tiny amount of blue or green shimmer. The lips should look glossy and slightly iridescent — like smooth sea glass catching light.

Video tutorial

Find it on your favourite channel:

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Pro tips

Use a blue or teal eyeliner as a base underneath shimmer eyeshadow — it intensifies the ocean color and prevents the shimmer from looking silvery.
Apply face gems or rhinestones along the cheekbone or in the outer corner of the eye for extra mermaid drama.
Mist a pearl-toned setting spray as the final step for an all-over wet, iridescent sheen.

Skin type notes

This look works on all skin types. Oily skin should set the T-zone with translucent powder but keep cheekbones dewy. Dry skin benefits from extra hydrating primer. The iridescent and blue-green color palette is universally flattering across all skin tones.