How To Enhance Your Eye Colour With Make-Up
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Blue Eyes
To make blue eyes pop, make brown your go-to shade. Don’t go for just any old brown though – look for warm shades with plenty of red or orange undertones, like rich cocoa, deep espresso or even molten copper. If you want to adhere more strictly to the colour wheel principle (and you’re feeling bold) then orange is the ultimate friend to blue eyes. Chanel’s Les 4 Rouges Yeux Et Joues Exclusive Creation is a pretty palette of warm orange shadows that range from a fiery terracotta to a soft apricot. Combine a couple of them, and smoke them out over your lids or build up layers of one shade for a cleaner, opaquer look. If your eyes veer more towards a softer grey-blue, go for peachy-toned shadows, which will bring out the hints of purple in your eyes. We love NARS’s Quad Eyeshadow in ‘Orgasm’. The great thing about using warm-toned shadows is that they’ll not only make your eyes pop but warm up your complexion too, which is great if you’re fair-skinned and prone to looking pallid. To add extra warmth, apply the same principles to your bronzer or blush. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Beauty Blush Wand has some nice shade options: ‘Pillow Talk Peach Pop’ is an orange-based coral while ‘Pillow Talk Dream Pop’ is a vibrant bluish red.
Brown Eyes
The most common eye colour in the UK, those with brown eyes should be happy to know that you can’t really go wrong with any shade. Depending on what aspect of your brown eyes you want to play up – whether it’s making them look deeper or brighter or bringing out flecks of green or amber – there’s a shadow to suit. Golden hues will highlight any lighter tones in your eyes, but purple is also a hot tip as it contrasts perfectly with brown to really accentuate its depth. For shade and texture options, it doesn’t get better than the Natasha Denona Retro Palette. Better still, the bluish undertones in purple shadows will help make the whites of your eyes brighter. “If your eyes are a little bloodshot, use a flesh-coloured pencil on the waterline to instantly brighten your eyes,” adds Chanel UK make-up artist Anna Payne. If your brown eyes are especially warm and rich, play around with a contrasting cool-toned silver shadow to add instant sparkle. If you don’t want to commit to a full-on metallic look, liner is an easy option. Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner in ‘Sea Grey’ is a highly pigmented bright silver with an ultra-creamy texture that means it won’t drag across the lid.
Hazel Eyes
If your eyes have a hazel tint to them, the trick to making them stand out is to play up either the brown or green tones. If you want to add richness and depth, stick to purples and browns like Lisa Eldridge’s Cinnabar Eyeshadow Palette, while gold and green hues will accentuate any lighter tones. Eyeshadows with red undertones can also be incredibly flattering on hazel eyes. When it comes to textures, as with every eye colour, the choice is yours. “Anything goes with texture,” says Anna, “but using metallics and shimmer in the right place will draw attention to your eyes and enhance the shape. I add shimmer to the centre of the eye, directly over the pupil and use matte shades in the socket line to elongate the eye. For sparkling green tones, try Viseart’s Petit Fours Pigment Palette in ‘Peridot’ from the newly launched Sephora UK. “Don’t forget to brush up your brows,” says Anna. “It can make a huge difference to your face and the shape of your eyes. Brushing them up elongates the eye and creates more space, allowing your eyes to stand out.”
Green Eyes
It pays to be bold if you have emerald eyes – because when it comes to the shade that will make them dazzle, it’s all about red. While an all-out raspberry or brick red looks stunning on green eyes, those feeling more reserved could opt for red-based purples and browns like maroon. If you’re a fan of metallics, you can still give it a go, as even a red-toned rose gold like Violette Fr Yeux Paint in ‘Cuivre de l’Aube’ will have the same effect. It’s not just about the shadow play though. “A red mascara will really make green eyes pop,” says Anna. For a subtler statement, try sweeping Chanel’s Noir Allure Rouge Grenat through your lashes and keep your lids bare. If you’re still not convinced, all is not lost: “Colour theory works with everything from make-up to clothes,” says Anna, “so if you don’t feel brave enough to wear a bright red eye, you can have the same effect wearing a red lip.” Gucci Beauty’s Rouge à Lèvres Mat lipstick in ‘Eadie Scarlet’ is a classic pillar-box red. But whether you go for red shadow or lipstick, one detail is non-negotiable: “Don’t forget to curl your eyelashes,” says Anna. “It takes no time and makes the biggest difference. I once heard it described as opening the curtains on your face.”
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