Are you stuck in a makeup rut? Are you scared of colourful eyeshadow yet there is a part of you that would like to try a fun, creative, colourful look? Or perhaps you think using colourful eyeshadow would not suit you? Or maybe you think that a colourful look is too hard to orchestrate and you don’t know how?
If your answer is yes in any of these cases, using colour is attainable if you:
1. have or buy an eyeshadow palette with some pops of colour
2. are willing to practice a few times
3. recognize that colours suit everybody and every age
A trend I am loving is to use colours in a creative way that is flattering and not over the top. The two most popular applications is to wear:
1. neutral colours on your eyelid and a pop of colour(s) on the bottom lash line; or
2. colourful shades on your eyelid and a different colour(s) on the bottom lash line.
These looks are fun and is an inexpensive way to play, change your look and push you out of your comfort zone. Spring and summer is the perfect time where you will feel more comfortable wearing a colourful look. And the great thing is, it’s just makeup, it washes off if the first trials do not work out as well as you would like.
The reason I started experimenting with these makeup looks is I think from being restricted to spending more time at home. This inspired my desire for a change, to try something new and gave me the opportunity to spend more time to up my makeup game. So I have been researching, learning and practicing. If you have never tried using colour, I am hoping this post will inspire you to give it a go. Why not? A small change to your makeup application can brighten your day, inspire creativity and give you a bit of a confidence booster. Plus honestly, it is really fun to experiment. I am pretty confident in saying that if you try either of these looks, you will like it, and will give you the confidence to experiment more.
What you will need to start – an eyeshadow palette:
I have mentioned in another post that there are benefits to eyeshadow palettes. The benefit is that the brand has selected colours and tones that work well together for you. This takes the guess work out of you trying to figure out what colours work together cohesively and they all do in a palette.
Colourpop is one of my favourite affordable brands. Of course there are many higher end brands at Sephora, Nordstrom etc. Where you purchase a palette depends on your personal preferences and budget. In my experience, Colourpop eyeshadows are just as pigmented and long lasting as higher end brands and makes it easier for you to experiment without breaking the bank.
You can also achieve the same look if you have a collection of single shadows, however, this is a bit more tricky as unless you are experienced, it will be a little more challenging to determine what shades and tones work together.
What else you will need:
- Eyeliner brush (there are great affordable brushes at the drugstore: Real Techniques, Eco Tools, Quo, Elf and Colourpop
- A pencil eyeshadow brush
- Any other small more precise eyeshadow brush
- A gel eyeliner or creamy eyeliner that is pigmented and formulated for the waterline. Using a colour on your upper or lower waterline is an option, not a necessity, but can pull together the look and make your eyes pop. Again Colourpop has a great gel eyeliner formula and for higher end brands that are good, I recommend Marc Jacobs or Urban Decay.
How to: neutral eyelid with a colourful lower lash line
1. As you normally would, place neutral colours on eyelid and get that nailed down (you can use mattes, shimmers or both)
2. Then choose 1 or 2 colourful shades from your palette that you will apply to your bottom lash line in of 3 ways:
- Choose 1 shade and with a pencil brush apply 1 colour from outer eye toward your inner eye on the lower lash line
- Choose 1 shade an apply colour with a skinny eyeliner brush close to your entire lash line and then take a 2nd different colour with the pencil brush and buff lightly over that 1st colour and blend together
- Choose 2 shades and with a pencil brush and apply 1 colour from the outer corner to about 3/4 of the way toward your inner eye; then take the 2nd colour and bring that from 1/4 way inward toward your inner eye and slightly layer over the other so the colours blend in the transition.
Then you can use an eyeliner and place on your upper and/or lower waterline to complete the look. I typically choose green, blue or purple on the waterline, however, any colour will work. It is your choice and the possibilities are endless.
Honestly, the best way to learn is to watch YouTube videos. I have provided two videos below from two of my fav beauty YouTubers. These videos will give you ideas and inspiration for this look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj5ykoMpIpQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_SzCHh2hFY&t=1049s
How to: colourful eyelid and colourful lower lash line
As it is hard to write out a ‘how to’ for a total colourful eye look I have inserted another example below. The way I learned and the best way to help guide you is to study IG photos or watch YouTube videos.
This is another example of a gorgeous, flattering, colourful eye look. You don’t have to re-create these looks exactly, you can put your own spin on it. However, hopefully it will help guide you how to use colours to create an achievable look for every day or for whenever you like!
Final Thoughts
There are endless colour possibilities. One main takeaway is not to ignore the colourful shades in your palette and believe that those colours are there for other people to use and not for you. I know you think this because I used to think this. I always would use the same colours on the top eyelid and bottom lash line, which is nice too, however, I was missing out on all the fun ! The colourful shades in your palette are there because they are meant to be used in conjunction with the neutrals to create amazing looks. Using colour will add interest and can really make your eyes stand out. Once you try it once, you will see that there is nothing to be afraid of. You can do this! You do not have to be a makeup artist I promise you.
I hope this post inspires you to try something new and give yourself a little lift during these challenging times. When it turns out, you will feel very proud of yourself! If you do try a colourful look and are enjoying it, let me know! I would love to hear from you.
All the best and until next time…
