13 Gorgeous Eye Makeup Looks That Only Take 5 Minutes

As much as we love intricate, over-the-top eye makeup, there’s a lot to be said for something you can achieve in a few short minutes. Even the most accomplished makeup artists have a few quick and easy eye makeup looks at the ready for their clients, and we thought it high time we share some of the tricks of the trade with you. Best of all, you don’t need to be a makeup artist, beauty blogger, or even particularly adept with an eye shadow brush to do them at home. (Trust us—they will still end up just as Instagram-worthy.) Thanks to some of our favorite influencers and celebs, there’s no shortage of inspiration to get you started on your journey to eye makeup mastery.

We’ll keep it real: There might be a couple of cat eyes involved. Don’t be scared—they’re easier than they seem and can be transformed into about a zillion different variations. Once you master the technique, you’ll be doing them constantly (promise). That said, there are plenty of other stunning ideas—from subtle shimmer to graphic pops of color—for the cat-eye averse.

Read on for 13 of the prettiest, easiest eye makeup ideas that can be done in just five minutes or less. Whether your skill set is advanced or you’re looking for a new everyday look or sultry date-night inspiration, you’ll leave here with at least one idea. Plus, we’ve shopped out the must-have products that will help get you started.

Wash of Pink

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(Image credit: @kimseidensticker )

Wearing a bold shadow gives the impression that you put effort into your look, even if you, well, didn’t.

Pink Eye Shadow

Lashes for Days

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(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

Lashes are basically camouflage for tired eyes. If you want to wake up with major length, a lash lift or lash extensions are worth the investment (or simply apply a few coats of your favorite mascara).

Lengthening Mascara

Smudgy Liner

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(Image credit: @lilyaldridge)

More often than not, a ring of rocker-like black liner does the trick, as Lily Aldridge shows here.

Black Eye Kohl

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

If you can apply eyeliner, you can re-create this simple yet statement-making look.

Green Eye Pencil

Touch of Tawny 

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(Image credit: @allisonmcnamara)

Applying this universally flattering color all around the top and bottom lids give you a day-to-night smoky eye that may be too intense with other, darker shades.

Cream Eye Shadow

Technicolor Two-Tone Eyes

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(Image credit: @halsey)

Applying two contrasting but complementary colors to the inner and outer corners of your eye couldn’t be easier, but as Halsey demonstrates, the look screams "party.”

Bright Eye Palette

Glossy Lids

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(Image credit: @itsheymorgan)

A touch of gloss on your lids catches the light, bringing attention to your eyes with hardly any effort at all.

Eye Gloss

Classic Cat-Eye Wings

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(Image credit: @thestylecat)

Nothing says "I tried” quite like winged eyeliner‚ even if you skip makeup on the rest of your face altogether.

Flash of Silver

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(Image credit: @sivanayla)

Once you’ve perfected your cat-eye look, you’re ready to graduate to new colors like sleek silver.

Silver Liquid Liner

Monochrome Moment

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

You don’t have to be Zoë Kravitz to pull off brown shadow—the neutral flatters every skin tone. To complete the look in the easiest way possible, match your eye makeup to your lipstick for a ’90s vibe.

Go-To Browns

Spring-y Shadow

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Soft green is gorgeous and unexpected if you’re looking to wear color but don’t want something overly vibrant.

Sheer Green

Strategic Shimmer

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(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Applying a pale, shimmery shadow to the inner corners of the eyes gives a wide-awake look in a flash.

Eye Shadow Stick

Bronze Goddess

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(Image credit: @shaymitchell)

A layer of metallic shadow adds just the right amount of dressed-up glamour to just about anything—even a terry robe (right, Shay Mitchell?).

Cream Eye Shadow

Next: 10 Indispensable Tips I’ve Learned Sitting Next to Who What Wear Beauty Editors

This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Freelance Contributor

Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's originally from Atlanta, but she's sorry to report she doesn't have an accent. However, she does still have her taste for carbohydrates, love of losing sports teams, and fear of driving during rush hour. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. Most recently, she was the women's editor at Express. These days, in addition to Who What Wear, you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment. When she's not writing about the best and brightest beauty finds, she can usually be found hunting for vintage and secondhand treasures, attempting to find zen at a yoga class, bingeing Bon Appétit YouTube videos, or napping under her weighted blanket.