Blue, Green, Brown & Hazel: How to Make Your Eyes Stand Out!
Many women want to highlight the color of their eyes and just don't know how to do it. The truth is that many times finding the right shade of makeup can make all of the difference. Brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes, or hazel eyes, they all have makeup styles that can make those eyes really "pop" out.
Blue Eyes
If you have blue eyes there are several shadow shades that will work for you. Shades in the brown, rose and violet families work best generally. They will contrast with the cool tone of your blue eyes and make them stand out. It is also important to use shades that are darker in tone than that of your natural eye color. Try rich browns, golds, warm taupes, soft peaches, lavender, lilac and fuchsia. A common mistake is using blue shadow that is the same or very close to the natural eye color. This can make your eyes appear dull. To get a smoky effect mix your darker shadow with a little bit of black.
For eyeliner, go with a brown shade. Traditional black eyeliner will take away from your eyes. A dark or medium brown eyeliner will work better for blue eyes. Also, you might choose to use a darker shade of eye shadow as your liner instead of a liquid or pencil liner. This will give you a more "smudged" look. For mascara, use brown or brown/black mascara. The brown shade will open and brighten your eyes without drawing attention away from your beautiful color. If you can get away with black mascara, use it sparingly.
Green Eyes
Violet and plum eye shadow shades are best for green eyes. Warmer colors like deep purples, mauves, lilacs, and medium pinks are good choices. Browns will also look nice with green eyes. Try bronzes, golds, coppers, deep greens, peaches and apricots. Avoid cooler colors like silvers, blues, whites and pastels. These can give you a washed out look. Use lighter colors to highlight the brow bone (peach, taupe, and apricot). Darker shades should go on the crease of the eye (deep brown, deep purple, deep green) and medium shades are to be applied to the eyelid (copper, lilac, mauve). Softly blend the colors together to create a finished and smoky look.
For eyeliner, try a dark brown shade. Black eyeliner will be too harsh. For special occasions you could get a little fancy with gold or bronze liner. Your mascara should be brownish black also. Use black mascara sparingly.
Brown/Dark Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are the easiest to compliment! This eye color can get away with all of those bright colors without look tacky. You can go with greens, golds, browns, pinks, blues, grays and purples. Earthy colors look great with brown eyes. Any shade of blue is going to look best with brown eyes. Cooler tones contrast well and make the eyes stand out. Choose a shade lighter than your eye color for a more natural and clean look. If you choose a shade dark you will appear more dramatic and sexy.
Black eyeliner will work nicely with brown eyes. It will give you a dramatic look and really make the eyes pop. Choose a darker liner in a shade that matches your eye shadow for a more subtle look. For example, a navy liner will compliment blue eye shadows. To make the eyes really stand out you can use a white liner on the inside of your bottom lid and a darker shade on the top lid. This can give you an "ethereal" look. This trick will also make small eyes appear bigger. Use some black mascara to open and brighten the eyes while highlighting their warm and rich tone.
Hazel
Shades of pale pink, light purple and sheer blush look great with hazel eyes. Pair pink with purple shades and show off your girly side. Apply a deep, dark shade to your crease. Use a slightly upward and outward motion. Use some shimmer on your lids for an "everyday" appearance. This will make your whole look glow. Hazel eyes stand out with deep greens, lavenders and shades with soft yellow undertones. To bring out the gold in your eyes, choose golden based eye shadows. To bring out the green specks in your eyes choose a brighter green shade like emerald and apply in three different intensities. To bring out the blue specks in your eyes go with purple in three different shades. To highlight the brown base of your hazel eyes stick with natural shades of brown. This will give you that "doe-like" appearance.
For a stunning look pair all of these eye shadow choices with black eyeliner and mascara. To bring out the green and blue specks with a more natural look, go with soft natural shades paired with dark green or blue liner and black mascara.
General Tips
For blush and lip color choose neutral shades. This will keep the focus on your eyes. With the more natural look you will also look clean and beautiful.
Choose shadow colors that work with your skin tone.
Before applying any eye makeup, make sure your eyes are feeling and looking their best. Apply a cooling treatment and/or some eye drops to reduce redness if needed. Then give your eyes a little break before "glamming it up." To reduce puffiness try slices of cucumber, a lavender mask, or cotton balls soaked in cold water.
Avoid using colors that are the same as your eye color for the most part.
The best eye shadow combination will be two or three shades that blend well together.
For a dramatic look, smudge your eyeliner the first time you apply and then put on another layer.
Apply moisturizer to your eyelids before putting on any shadow. This will prevent any caking in the creases after hours of wear.
The "smoky eye" works with any eye color.
Apply a dab or foundation to your eyelid and brow area. This will keep the eye makeup intact longer.
Remember, some colors that are supposed to look great on you may not. You need to experiment to find what works for you. These tips are just a little push in the right direction.
