Red Eyeshadow is So Hot Right Now—If You Know How to Use It
Catching red eye may not be such a bad thing.
The next big trend in beauty doesn’t involve the expected grey smudgy eyes or berry stained lips. This year, the of the moment look is all about red eye. No, really.
Kristen Stewart (who models the shade for Chanel), Kylie Jenner, and scores of trend-setting Instagram lovelies are all embracing a wash of red around and under the eye area. From a subtle swath of scarlet to glistening ruby, there isn’t one right way to wear it either.
Applied with a light hand, red eyeshadow takes on a playful look and lends a boost to somewhat tired pink shadows of summer. Blend with copper and you’re moving into rose-gold territory. Brush the teeniest bit on top of your neutral shades, and you’re dipping a toe into the unexpected. Or, add a bit (or a lot) of shimmer for a date night look.
But take heed: Unlike a bold red lip, which looks amazing on nearly anyone, red is extremely tricky when used around your eyes. Apply carefully, or you’ll end up looking more cartoonish than cute. “You’ll want to start with clear skin, as red-hued shadows will definitely bring out the redness in your skin,” says freelance makeup artist Hillary Kline. If you have red spots, she advises investing in a creamy, heavy coverage concealer and applying it “around your eye area, nose area and chin.”
Not everyone is cut out for red eyeshadow though, and it isn’t an age thing. “The challenge with red eye shadow is that it can leave your eyes looking bloodshot if you're not careful,” according to Wendy Lewis, Editor in Chief of Beautyinthebag.com. “It is definitely a bold choice, and can be stunning for an updated fall look. If you are going to use scarlet or a bright red shade, make your eyes take the spotlight and minimize your other makeup, like lips and cheeks.”
Kline says if you choose to wear a really bold shade on your eyes, make sure you keep the rest of your makeup neutral “Putting red on your eyes, lips and cheeks is a definite no-no.”
Still not sure you’re ready to take a puce tinted plunge? Beauty vlogger Sarah Conley of MKUP with Sarah just uploaded a new tutorial to her YouTube Channel. Conley says “You want to make sure you are using transition colors on your eyes with any bright or dark color, especially red. So, start off with a lighter warm neutral tone and build up to red.”
Want to give the trend a go? Try these eyeshadows, which come in varying shades of the red spectrum:
Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil Glitter Eye Shadow Duo in Burgundy
Anastasia's Modern Renaissance Palette
