April 23, 2012

How to: Red Eyeshadow

So, as you may know, I adore red eye shadows.  Unfortunately, this color has gotten a bad rep, because it makes some people look "sick".  However, I have found that the only reason for this is using the wrong shade of red, and improper application.  As with many colors, red has a plethora of different hues.  Cherry, copper, and deep brick are just a few examples of the range.   If you are ready to boldly go where you may  not have gone before, here are a few steps/tips, so you can look ravishing in red.

Step 1: Find your skin undertone.  To do this just look at the veins on your wrist.  Blue is cool, green is warm, and if you can't really see them, then you're probably neutral.

 Step 2:  Once you know your undertone, find a red eye shadow accordingly.(This trick also works for red lipstick).  If you are unsure where to start, try asking at a make-up counter and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

  Quick Tip 1:  I've found that people with cooler skin tones look best in darker, more coppery reds.  Where as warmer tones look better in more vibrant reds.  Neutrals can go either way.  The rules are not universal however, choose whichever looks best on you.

Step 3: Once you've found your red eye shadow, its time to experiment! You can come up with your own look, or even try one you found on YouTube or Google.

Quick Tip 2: Red eye shadow can make other redness on your face stand out, so make sure that you try to cancel out as much of the redness as you can. (Look for tips soon!)

Quick Tip 3: It is one of the rules of thumb in makeup that you should not wear red lipstick with red eye- shadow.  I agree with this rule to a degree, I do think that a red lipstick would be a little too much for day wear.  However, a sheer red lip gloss can look quite nice.  I've found NYX supershine lip gloss in "Spicy" looks really good.

How I wear reds.
1. Using the Color Me Glow palette #2, I take the lighter of the two reds and apply it all over my lids.     

2. Next I take the darker red and apply it in my crease, and just a little above it.

3.Then I take a fluffy brush, and fade out the two colors to give it a slightly smokey effect.

4. As a highlight for my inner corner, I use the yellow color in the palette on the inner corner of my eye. It's okay to go slightly over the red.

5. Then I take the yellow color,  put it on the inner half of my lower lashline, and then use the red very lightly on the other half.  

6. Finally, I used the Avon eye brightening stick in Pink Dust on my brow bone, (This is very similar to the Benefits Eye Bright)

7. I occasionally tight line my upper water line, for a slightly darker look.




Note: I apologize for the lack of pictures, my computer is not letting me load any at the moment =(