How do I Select Eye Shadow Colors?

I am often asked how to select eye shadow to compliment a person’s eye color. While there are no “laws” about how to do make-up, there are some simple things that you can do to make your eyes “pop.”

Selecting color is made easier by referring to the color wheel. The color wheel has been around for centuries. It is credited to Sir Isaac Newton in 1706. Even though women did not wear eye shadow in Newton’s day, the tool was used for Scientific and Artistic purposes.

Colors that are directly opposite each other are called complimentary colors. Colors that are next to each other, or located close to each other, are called analogous colors. Complimentary colors accentuate each other and cause each color to really stand out and look brighter. Analogous colors are harmonious when placed next to each other or blended.

Accenting the natural color of our eyes can be done many ways. I am a firm believer in experimenting, so these are just a few suggestions. There is no wrong way – experiment!

Here are a few tricks:

• Find your eye color on the color wheel. (Brown is in the orange area.)

• Use complimentary colors to create a look that brightens the color of your eyes. For example, for green eyes, you might choose bronze or a purple. For brown eyes, you might choose a blue hue. For blue eyes, you might choose a brown or rust color. If you are blending 2 or 3 colors on your lids, choose colors that are analogous to the complimentary color you just selected. Blend, placing darker colors closer to your lashes and lighter colors near your brows or in the inner corners of your eyes.

• Go wild with liners! Try using a color that is different from your eye shadow. For example blue liners look nice with purples. Taupes look nice with pink shadows. Experiment!

• Consider variations on the smoky look. By simply combining dark liners and shadows near the upper and lower lashes, then smudging, you can create a nice smoky look. Blend light shades with dark colors on your lids until you get the look you want.

• Blend! This is one of the most important elements to having a polished look.

• Have fun and don’t be afraid to try something new!

For a free color consultation, contact me!