It’s one thing to perfect a glowing foundation or sculpting contour, but mastering an eye look can be especially tricky. More specifically, understanding how to choose eyeshadow colors that bring out your eyes and complement your overall complexion. Show
“Whatever color you wear on your eyes—whether it be eyeliner, mascara, or an eyeshadow—can truly make your eye color pop by using a specific color that complements [them],” says pro makeup artist Melissa Hurkman, who says that this philosophy translates to outfits too, as it relates to color theory. “On a color wheel, you can find your specific eye color and directly across from that color will be the complementary shade for your own eye color.” Because of this, some colors will better enhance your natural eye color, resulting in a more illuminated, vibrant look. Although Hurkman, who has worked with brands from Savage X Fenty to Nudestix, believes that the color itself is most important, don’t be afraid to play with shadow textures. “As far as texture goes, using a shimmer, metallic, or glitter will accessorize the look and do more to enhance your eye shape.” Below, the eyeshadow colors to wear based on your eye color and the makeup products to shop. Brown EyesPer Hurkman, warm browns, golden shades, purples, and blues will do your brown eyes justice. So, Huda Beauty’s Brown Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in toffee is a solid option for its assortment of golden caramels and pigmented honey shades. Otherwise, she loves a burgundy mascara, like L’Oréal’s Voluminous formula in deep burgundy, to make the eyes pop. Huda Beauty Brown Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in ToffeeL'Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep BurgundyBlue EyesOrange and other warm shades will complement blue eyes well. For a look, Hurkman reaches for the Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in amber neutrals for its assortment of blendable coppery tones. If you’re sticking to liner, she recommends Makeup By Mario’s pencil in soft brown, or another warm brown, applied to your waterline. Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette in Amber NeutralsMakeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil in Soft BrownHazel EyesAccording to Hurkman, those with hazel eyes should reach for purples, browns, golds, and greens in their makeup. She’d recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Vintage Vamp—a buildable shadow quad consisting of warm purple and red tones. For eyeliner, try Chanel’s Stylo Yeux in prune intense to bring out your eye color. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Vintage VampChanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Prune IntenseGreen EyesGreen eyes will be complemented best by warm oranges, reds, and golds, which makes the Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow Palette a smart buy especially ahead of summer. Like brown or hazel-eyed counterparts, those with green eyes should have a burgundy mascara or liner on hand. Hurkman recommends Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner for its iconic blend of berry and brown. Natasha Denona Bronze Eyeshadow PaletteCharlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk EyelinerGray EyesHurkman notes that warm browns, golds, oranges, “or even a dark charcoal smokey eye” would make gray eyes stand out. For her clients, she is a fan of the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal Eyeshadow Palette filled with radiant jewel and gold tones. “For blue and gray eye colors, I love using a warm brown liner in the waterline,” she says. “You can also smudge this out to use as a cream eyeshadow all over the lid.” For the smokey look, Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner in ash works wonders, though Makeup by Mario’s soft brown Liner is the ultimate warm brown. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal Eyeshadow PaletteVictoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Ash$28 VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY
By Katie Davies Katie is passionate about fashion and has a BA in Fashion Marketing. Read More Learn about our Editorial Policy. BA Fashion Marketing Eye shadow is a daily beauty staple for any makeup lover, but it can be challenging to know which hues will work best for your particular eye color. If done correctly, the right eye shadow will highlight your eyes and make them stand out for all the right reasons. Choose Eye Shadow Using the Color WheelThe best way to discern the most appropriate eye shadow color is to take a look at the color wheel. In short, colors that lie opposite each other on the color wheel tend to be more appealing and make each other "pop." These are called contrasting colors, and they are a powerful tool when it comes to choosing eyeshadow for your eye color. Orange-Toned Shadows for Blue EyesFor blue eyes, the color that primarily pops is orange. Consider these combinations:
Pink-Toned Shadows for Green EyesGreen eyes can attract a lot of attention anyway; but if you use eye shadow, this will enhance them even further. Green is opposite to red on the color wheel, and any eye shadow that has a slight pinkish or reddish undertone will really accentuate green eyes. Try some of these combinations:
Pale or Rich Shadows for Brown EyesBrown eyes are generally quite intense in color, but you can play them up even more by using rich tones and pale neutrals. Try some of these ideas:
Many Options for Hazel EyesPeople with hazel eyes are lucky because they can follow the eye shadow color rules for both green and brown eyes. Try some of these options:
Eye Shadow Styling TipsThere are a few additional things you should take into consideration when choosing an eye shadow:
Putting It All TogetherIt can be difficult to know which eye shadow hues will work best with your eye color. The truth is - you'll never know until you try! Take the time to experiment and play around with different shades, and you'll soon find a winning combination you can wear time and time again. © 2022 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved. What should you match your eyeshadow to?Don't match your eyeshadow to your outfit color. As a rule of thumb, using the same eyeshadow color as your dress or top doesn't generally look great. Try to use neighboring colors on the color wheel.
How do I know what color eye shadow to wear?Make sure you have a combo of a light, medium, and darker shade. Pair colors that are in the same color family or that are similar. If you're wearing a colorful look, always pair a neutral eyeshadow shade to balance out the look. Mix finishes if you're going to wear shimmer, include a matte in your crease.
Does your lipstick have to match your eyeshadow?Matching your lipstick to your eyeshadow or pairing neutral eyes with a neutral lip is a foolproof way to ensure that your makeup always looks cohesive. It's a fail-safe formula but it's very limiting. Playing with color allows you to highlight your features like your skin tone or the color of your eyes.
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