How To Apply Green Eye Makeup

Green eye makeup can be subtle or dramatic

Green eye makeup isn't just for teens or trendsetting celebrities. If you normally stick to neutral eyeshadows but want to begin adding a little more color to your look, try experimenting with green. Skip the trendy and bold hues that appear intimidating or seem too playful for your taste if you are uncertain about what kind of green to wear. Instead, start with either sheer or dark shades of green that are anything but flashy. Anyone can wear such greens, even at work and in other professional environments.

Things You'll Need

• Eye primer
• Eyeshadow base
• Creamy green eyeliner or green liquid eyeliner
• Small eyeshadow smudge brush or cotton swab
• Mid-tone to dark green eyeshadow
• Black eyeliner
• Eyelash curler
• Black mascara or black mascara with a dark green tint

Instructions

1. Prep your eyes for makeup by smoothing an eye primer on clean lids from lash line to brow-bone. When the primer absorbs, apply an eyeshadow base, also from lash line to brow-bone. This will make the green eye makeup pop against your skin.

2. Decide whether you want to wear green eyeshadow or just green eyeliner. If you want a subtle yet striking eye makeup look, proceed to Step 3 to use eyeliner and no eyeshadow. For more drama, apply eyeshadow as explained in Step 4.

3. Work a creamy green eyeliner into both your top and bottom lash lines. You may use a pencil or a gel eyeliner from a pot. While the line can be as thick as you want, make sure no skin is showing in between the liner and your lashes. Blend the eyeliner with a small eyeshadow smudge brush or a cotton swab for a soft smoky effect. If you prefer a stronger line, use a green liquid eyeliner on your top lids instead (see Resources for liquid eyeliner tips). Prop your elbow on a table or other steady surface for support if you have a shaky hand.

4. Apply a mid-tone to dark green eyeshadow from lash line to just slightly past the crease. Do not go any higher to avoid overwhelming your eyes with green. Rim your lower lash lines with the eyeshadow as well to keep your eye makeup balanced and not top-heavy. Buff away any hard lines in your application for a seamless finish. Bring out the shape of your eyes without pulling attention away from your green eye makeup by working a black eyeliner into your top lash lines.

5. Finish off by curling your eyelashes and applying a plain black mascara to set off the green on your lids. You may also use a black mascara with a dark green tint instead to discreetly intensify your green eye makeup. Dislodge any clumps with the mascara wand.

Tips & Warnings

• For everyday, pair green eye makeup with understated cheeks and lips to make sure your overall look is fresh rather than overwhelming.

• Save the green glitter eyeliners and glitter-infused mascaras for partying and clubbing. Unless you work in a very liberal, artistic and creative environment, do not wear these to the office.

Resources

• Different ways to apply liquid eyeliner
• Video on applying green eyeshadow