How to Apply Red Eye Shadow

Purple-infused red eyeshadow

Red eye shadow may not be one of the staples in your makeup kit as it is more vibrant than most colors and is anything but natural. However, there is a way to put on red eye shadow without looking like you are made up for Halloween. Even if you typically go for neutral shades of makeup but are open to being more daring with your look, you can apply just a touch of red to your eyelids and not overwhelm the rest of your face. Regardless of your personal style, discover how you can make red eye shadow work for you, even for everyday.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Eye primer
• Eye shadow base
• Small stiff angled brush or small eye shadow brush with a flat head
• Fluffy eye shadow brush
• Creamy black eyeliner
• Cotton swab
• Sheer highlighter

1. Look for a red eye shadow in the exact tone you want to wear. If true red is too vibrant for your tastes, search for brownish or grayish reds instead. Other toned-down red eye shadows contain hints of blue, purple, pink or orange. Consider the eye shadow's finish as well. If you wish to wear light reflective eye makeup for instance, you would choose a shimmery, frosty or metallic red eye shadow. For shine-free eye makeup, use a matte red eye shadow. Matte is especially suitable for eyelids with wrinkles, as a shimmery finish will call attention to wrinkles. In any case, invest in a highly pigmented eye shadow for vibrant color.

2. Prep clean eyelids for red eye shadow by smoothing an eye primer from lash line to brow bone. When the primer has absorbed into your skin, apply an eye shadow base, also from lash line to brow bone. Primer and base help your red eye shadow resist creasing, last longer and appear more vivid throughout the day.

3. Rim your eyes with the red eye shadow. Use a small stiff angled brush for a more precise line or a small eye shadow brush with a flat head for a heavier effect. Apply the color around your lashes and stop there if you want a more subtle look, or have mature skin and don't want to exaggerate any wrinkles on your eye area. For a more striking result, apply the color all the way to the crease on your upper eyelid. In any case, buff away hard edges in your red eye shadow with a fluffy eye shadow brush. This creates a sultry smoky effect.

4. Give some structure to your red eye shadow by working a creamy black eyeliner into the base of your top lash lines. This will define your eyes and keep them from being overwhelmed by the red eye shadow. You aren't drawing on a line so much as making your lashes appear thicker. Smudge some of the eyeliner into your bottom lash lines as well if you are going for a more dramatic look. Start at the outer corners of your lower lash lines, stopping about halfway before you reach the inner corners in order to avoid making your eyes seem smaller. Soften any jagged edges in your liner application with a cotton swab.

5. Add texture and dimension to your eye makeup by blending a sheer highlighter on your brow bones and on the inner corners of your eyes, by the bridge of your nose. This creates a polished look without pulling attention away from your red eye shadow.

Tips & Warnings

• Pair red eye shadow with understated cheeks and lips to keep your look wearable.

Resources

• Some photos of looks using red eye shadow