This original question came in the comments section of a Friday’s Fabulousness…
I can handle neutrals, but how should color eye shadows be applied so that they look nice? I’ve seen some people who apply and wear colors really well and some people who look like clowns and make me very scared to try color eye shadows! Also, are there certain colors that people of certain complexions should avoid or is it all about blending properly?
Isa
Isa,
So this one required some visuals on my part but it’s a really good question.
First, I should say that color can be a fun but dangerous thing. I pick colors based on my mood or what I feel like, but that’s because I have an eye for color and not everyone does. Choose colors at first based on what is complimentary to your eye color (brown eyes – shades of blue, hazel eyes – shades of green, blue eyes – shades of brown, it’s all based on the color wheel and opposites attracting). Then take it a step further, what colors are in your wardrobe and look complimentary on you?
I have brown eyes and I wear a lot of purples, blues and greens. Those are three colors to get a nice start with wearing color shadows. The top half of the Bobbi Brown palette has a lot of pink, yellow and red which can be a lot more complimentary to folks with fair skin, or if you know how to combine colors for your skin tone. But one of the easiest things i can tell you is, just try it. Pick up some of the more inexpensive shadows (Cover Girl has some great colors that are fairly inexpensive to try) and practice, practice, practice!
So how do I wear my shadows? Click below for a step-by-step if you’re interested!
Step 1
Step One: In order for any eye makeup to look good you must have a great base to your makeup. I start with tinted moisturizer, a soft blush and pressed powder. A nice neutral palette to work with.
Step 2
Step Two: Prime your lids. I applied eye primer and then a neutral brown shadow that is closest to my skin color. It really helps to seal the color so that it will last all day long.
Step 3
Step Three: Pick your color! I picked the 4th green on the palette since I hadn’t tried it before.
Step 4
Step Four: Press the color into your lash line and then build up. Layering more color to get the intensity that you want with the color. I didn’t go too heavy because I was just going out to run errands. But if I was going to a party (see my Obamalicious Lashes post where I use lots of blue!) I would apply more until I got a darker heavier consistency.
Step 5
Step Five: Extend it a bit above the crease on your eyelid to help make the color pop. It’s like you’re applying a wash of color across your entire lid – but not all the way up your eyebrows! That’s a bit clownish. In your brow bone you can apply a bit of shimmer or highlighter to help accentuate a clean arch.
Step 6
Step Five: Finish it off with a great slick of neutral gloss. I chose a Bobbi Brown Chocolate gloss since the green was really the focus of my makeup look.
And that’s how I do a colorful eye. I hope I was helpful!
dwj
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi DWJ!! That was great and very helpful!! Thanks for all the pictures and step by stpe instructions. I think I’ll go out and buy some colors this weekend and give it a shot
.
Yay! I’m glad you found it helpful. Let me know how it goes. And go for something blue or green at first, it’s probably not what you’d go for but will look really good on!
Another option that I like to try for a fun pop of color (that can still be worn professionally) is to wash my eye in a very matte-skin-tone-neutral and then use a bright pencil (my favorite is ballet dancer by tarte) to line the upper lid, winging it out cat-eye style. A little bit of liquid black along the lash line, and I’ve got a great pop that keeps me smiling all day long!
Oh I love a good cat eye! And bright liner is another great way to introduce color. I’m addicted to sapphire blue liner right now…I’m actually wearing it today.