How to Wear Blue Eyeshadow
Not everyone can get away with wearing blue eyeshadow, a trend that got its start in the Victorian period when a bluish tinge to the eyelids was considered beautiful (& the sign of a weak & innocent heart). Most women should wear neutral shades, like bone or browns. The brighter the shade the harder it is to get it right. Here are 5 tips on the right ways & the wrong ways to wear blue eyeshadow.
Rule #1: Not everyone can get away with it Blue looks best on women with fair skin & black or platinum haircolor and brown or gray eyes, or on women with very dark skin. If you have blonde hair & blue eyes, you should stay away from blue shadows. Why? Think about it: Would you display sapphires on a blue cloth? According to makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, you never want to match your shadow to your eyes because all anyone will notice is the shadow.
Extra tip: So what looks good on green & blue-eyed girls? Browns & taupes look best on blondes & green eyes look good in cooler colors such as soft mauves & lilacs.
Rule #2: Apply with great restraint. Electric blue shadow may look great on the runway & in the pages of Vogue, but they don't look great on the streets or in the galas of anywhere (including New York).
"Just a hint of color won't look cheap," says makeup artist Laura Mercier. For a softer & modern look, try placing a dark blue close to the lashes with brighter colors further away.
If you do want to add a bit of glamour to your life, you can with blue eyeshadow. A sheer wash of pale, iridescent blue on your lids and a hint of metallic brow powder will liven up your skin & make you look sun-kissed.
Extra tip: Want even more glamour? Try the makeup artist favorite: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Moire, a colored mascara that catches & reflects light beautifully as it catches your lashes.
Rule #3: Stick to the correct shades. Dark shades make eyes recede. Use them on prominent eyes or in areas you want to shade like the socket crease. Don't stray to far from pale blue, silver blue or navy. Leave your brassy blue for Halloween. Extra tip: Are your eyes red? Blue eyeliner will 'erase' those red eyes.
Rule #4: Skip the black eyeliner. It's just too harsh. Instead, try a deeper-hued shade of blue. Navy or indigo works great.
Rule #5: Never match your shadow to your clothes.
