Winter is all about warmth, depth, and that irresistible glow—and nothing captures that better than the ‘Liquid Amber’ eyeshadow trend. Inspired by molten gold and rich honey tones, this look is all about multi-dimensional shimmer, soft blends, and a touch of metallic luxury. I’ve been obsessed with playing around with amber-inspired shades, and today, I’m sharing 7 stunning ways to wear this trend, along with the best products, when to rock them, and my top photography tips to make your makeup pop on camera.
1. The Everyday Amber Glow (Soft & Office-Friendly)
I’ve been reaching for this look nonstop on those mornings when I want to feel put-together but don’t have time for a full glam routine. The star of the show? Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes to Mesmerize in “Amber Gold” – this cream shadow is an absolute dream. The texture glides on like melted butter, and that perfect balance of warm amber with golden micro-shimmers gives my lids this “I woke up like this” glow.
For lips, I’m obsessed with how Glossier’s Ultralip in “Cachet” complements the eyeshadow. It’s this gorgeous sheer, warm brown that feels like a lip balm but gives just enough color to make me look polished. And can we talk about Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in “Nearly Neutral”? It gives me the most natural, your-skin-but-better flush – I dab just a tiny amount on my cheeks and blend with my fingers for that perfect office-appropriate glow.
When I Wear It: This has become my go-to for:
- Early morning Zoom meetings when I need to look professional fast
- Weekend brunch dates where I want to look effortless but chic
- Those “I have five minutes before running out the door” workdays
My Secret Photo Trick: Natural light is everything for this look! I’ve found the best shots come when I stand near a window in the late morning – the soft sunlight catches those golden flecks in the eyeshadow without washing me out. Pro tip: Angle your face slightly toward the light and snap a quick video – the way the shimmer moves is even more stunning than still photos!
Personal Note: What I love most about this look is how it makes me feel – it’s that perfect balance between polished and approachable. Even on my most tired mornings, this combo gives me an instant confidence boost. Plus, it layers beautifully – I can amp it up for after-work drinks by adding a touch of highlighter to my inner corners!
2. Smoky Amber Sunset (Date Night Drama)
There’s something about this look that makes me feel like the main character in a moody romance film. When I first tried Natasha Denona’s Bronze Palette, I fell in love with how “Rhodium” builds from a soft amber wash to this intense, smoky molten metal effect. I like to blend it out with my finger for maximum drama (trust me, the warmth melts perfectly with body heat).
I line my eyes with Pat McGrath’s Bronze Astral pencil – it’s like liquid gold in stick form. The real showstopper? Fenty’s Trophy Wife highlighter swept along my cheekbones. It catches candlelight so beautifully that my date actually asked if I had fairy dust on my face (mission accomplished).
When I Wear It:
- Fancy dinner dates where I want to look expensive
- Cocktail parties where first impressions matter
- Whenever I need an instant confidence boost
My Secret Photo Trick: Golden hour is your best friend! I take my photos about 30 minutes before sunset near a west-facing window. The warm light makes the metallic tones glow like actual embers. Bonus points for sipping a cocktail in the shot – the glass reflections add extra dimension.
Personal Note: This look lasts through an entire three-course meal (tested and approved). The secret is using an eyeshadow primer and setting with a single spritz of MAC Fix+ – it makes the shimmer stay put without getting patchy.
3. Frosted Amber (Holiday Party Sparkle)
I created this look for last year’s Christmas party and got stopped by six strangers asking about my eye makeup. The magic comes from layering Huda’s Mercury Retrograde shades – I pat “Supernova” (a frosty gold) over “Libra” (the perfect peachy base) with a damp brush. Then I go wild with Stila’s Kitten Karma glitter – it’s like Christmas lights for your eyelids!
Pair it with MAC Marrakesh (my all-time favorite burnt orange) and suddenly I’m the most festive person at any gathering. Pro tip: Apply the lipstick with a brush first, then blot with your finger for that perfect stained effect.
When I Wear It:
- Ugly sweater parties (make the outfit look intentional)
- NYE countdowns
- Any event where “sparkle” is part of the dress code
My Secret Photo Trick: Turn off all overhead lights and use your phone’s flash in a dark room. The glitter will catch the light like disco balls. For Instagram, I like to take a boomerang of me blinking slowly – it shows off the multidimensional sparkle.
Personal Note: I keep a mini glitter glue in my clutch for touch-ups. Nothing ruins a party like finding glitter on your cheekbones three hours in (though honestly, is that really a bad thing?).
4. Grunge Amber (90s-Inspired Moodiness)
This is my “I woke up like this (but make it fashion)” look. I smudge Urban Decay’s Scorched along my lash line with the brush it comes with, then go over it with a clean finger to get that perfectly imperfect grunge effect. The Maybelline Sky High mascara gives me spider lashes that would make 1997 Kate Moss proud.
The real key? NYX Berlin lip cream blotted just in the center of my lips. It creates that “just finished smoking a cigarette outside a dive bar” vibe (but make it chic).
When I Wear It:
- Concerts (especially indie bands in small venues)
- Late-night diner runs with friends
- Whenever I’m feeling particularly angsty
My Secret Photo Trick: Shoot in a dimly lit bathroom with the flash on – the contrast makes the amber tones look even richer. I like to edit with a slight green tint to really enhance that vintage film look.
Personal Note: This is the only makeup look where the more it fades, the better it looks. By hour four, the smudgy liner and faded lip stain give major “I don’t try this hard” energy.
5. Amber Monochrome (TikTok-Worthy Minimalism)
I swear by this look on days when I want to look like I put in effort without actually spending more than five minutes on my makeup. The Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Powder in “Tiara” is my holy grail – it’s this magical pot of warm amber shimmer that transforms my whole face. I use my ring finger to dab it on my lids, sweep it across my cheekbones, and even pat a little on my lips. The result? Instant monochromatic glow that looks expensive but takes zero skill.
For brows, Benefit Gimme Brow+ gives me that fluffy, brushed-up look in seconds. The best part? This entire routine fits in my tiny crossbody bag for touch-ups.
When I Wear It:
• Early morning school drop-offs when I still want to look human
• Last-minute Zoom meetings (just angle the camera right)
• Grocery runs where I might bump into my ex
My Secret Photo Trick: Film a transition video starting with bare skin, then speed up the application process. The magic happens when you show the final blend – that moment when the monochrome effect comes together always gets the most likes. Add text that says “5-minute glam” and watch the saves roll in.
Personal Note: I’ve gotten more compliments wearing this “lazy girl” makeup than any full glam look. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more. Pro tip: Keep the rest of your makeup matte to let the amber shine be the star.
6. Metallic Amber Liner (Graphic & Modern)
When I want my eyes to do all the talking, this is my go-to. KVD’s Saturnine liner is everything – it glides on like liquid silk and dries down to this intense molten metal finish. I like to do a thick graphic wing first, then go back with a tiny brush to smudge the inner corners for that modern, editorial effect.
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara gives me the perfect feathery lashes to balance the bold liner. And can we talk about Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer? It keeps my lids oil-free so my liner stays sharp all night.
When I Wear It:
• Fashion week events (when you need to stand out in a sea of beauty)
• Girls’ nights where we’re taking Instagram photos all evening
• Whenever I need an instant “I mean business” look
My Secret Photo Trick: Use your phone’s macro mode and get uncomfortably close to the mirror. The way this liner catches light deserves to be seen in HD detail. Try taking the photo while turning your head slightly – it shows off the dimension of the metallic finish.
Personal Note: I’ve mastered the art of doing this liner in moving Ubers. The trick? Rest your elbow on your knee for stability and do short strokes instead of one long line. It’s my party trick!
7. Amber Glossy Lid (Wet-Look Shine)
This is my secret weapon for looking expensive with minimal effort. I start with MAC’s Paint Pot in Groundwork as a base – it cancels out my lid discoloration and makes the gloss pop. Then comes the magic: Fenty’s Fenty Glow patted carefully on the center of my lids. The trick is to use just enough to get that dewy sheen without turning into a sticky mess.
Refy’s brow gel keeps my arches looking polished to balance the wet lid effect. The contrast between structured brows and glossy eyes is chef’s kiss.
When I Wear It:
• Daytime events where full glam would be too much
• Minimalist dinner dates (it catches candlelight beautifully)
• Whenever I want to look like I drink eight glasses of water daily
My Secret Photo Trick: Diffused lighting is key – I either shoot near a window with sheer curtains or use a ring light with a diffuser. Avoid direct light that creates unflattering glare. Try capturing the look while blinking slowly – the way the gloss moves is hypnotic.
The ‘Liquid Amber’ trend isn’t just another passing fad—it’s a celebration of warmth, dimension, and that irresistible winter radiance. Whether you’re going for soft daytime elegance or full-on metallic drama, these amber-infused looks prove that a little shimmer can go a long way. The best part? This trend is incredibly versatile, working for every skin tone and occasion.
So, which look will you try first? The sultry smoky sunset? The effortless monochrome glow? Or maybe the editorial metallic liner? Whichever you choose, don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see how you make these looks your own! ✨
Where to Shop These Amber Beauty Must-Haves (For My US & EU Beauties!)
If you’re ready to dive into the amber trend (and trust me, you should!), here are my top-rated platforms to snag these products:
1. Cult Beauty (UK/EU) – Best for Luxury Finds
- Why I Love It: Free shipping over €40, frequent discounts, and an amazing edit of high-end brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath.
- Must-Buy: Natasha Denona Bronze Palette (worth every penny for that smoky amber eye).
2. Sephora (US/Canada) – Best for Variety & Rewards
- Why I Love It: The Sephora Favorites kits let you try minis before committing, plus points mean freebies!
- Pro Tip: Check the “Clean at Sephora” section for eco-conscious picks like KVD’s vegan liners.
3. Beauty Bay (International) – Best for Indie Brands
- Why I Love It: They stock Danessa Myricks and Huda Beauty at great prices, plus frequent 20% off sales.
4. Lookfantastic (EU) – Best for Skincare/Makeup Bundles
- Why I Love It: Their beauty boxes are perfect for discovering new amber-toned gems.
5. Revolve (US) – Best for Trend-Forward Launches
- Why I Love It: They carry cool-girl brands like Rare Beauty and Glossier before anyone else.
Budget Tip: For drugstore alternatives, check Ulta (US) or Boots (UK) for dupes like ColourPop’s Super Shock Shadows in amber tones.
