Cute Ways to Do Eye Shadow

Try a more colorful take on the traditional smoky eye.

Photo: Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

You love your go-to eye shadow duo, but sometimes you want to try something a little bit out of the ordinary. Freshen up your look and make those peepers pop with a new shadow color or style. Variety is the spice of life, and these sexy shadow looks are sure to turn heads and make you stand out from the crowd.

Beautifully Burnished

As "InStyle" magazine points out, red-based shadows are hard to wear. They can make you look like you just jumped off a red-eye flight, not like you're fresh-faced and ready to party. To wear red without looking like you have a bad case of pink eye, use a rich brown with red undertones instead of a true red. Rim your lower lash lines with it, and use a neutral cream shadow on your lids. Finish with a couple coats of dark brown mascara to give off a vibe that's both timeless and earthy.

Cute in Coral

Want to really shimmer? Layer coral and bronze shadows like Mila Kunis did at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. Begin with your powdered coral shadow first, then swirl a bit of shimmery bronze on top using your eye shadow blending brush. A bit of eyeliner keeps the goddess feel of your makeup while adding in a touch of dark drama. Line your lower lash beds with a black pencil liner, and use the same liner to draw black lines along your upper lids too, close to the lash line. Finish with a couple swipes of dark black mascara.

Color Without Chaos

You want to sweep on some color, but it's a bit tough to do it without looking like Bozo the Clown. Follow Carey Mulligan's lead to look chic and romantic while still going bright. Apply a sweep of translucent blue shadow along your upper lids, close to the lash line. Next, pick up a gold, powder-based shadow and dust it across your lower lash line. Finish by coating your lashes with black mascara. Transforming the traditional smoky eye is another way to inject some color into your look. Instead of dark grays and blacks, why not try greens, blues, purples or rich browns? Starting with your darkest shadow, draw lines across your upper and lower lashes with a dampened brush. Before the shadow dries, "Cosmopolitan" magazine suggests that you look up and blink -- the wet shadow will mark your crease for you. Fill in up to the mark with your medium shadow, then use the lightest shadow from your crease up to your brow bone. Trace on a second layer of the dark shadow at the lash line and use a cotton swab to smudge.

Channel Old Hollywood

A shimmery white shadow on your lids looks Old Hollywood glam. Using your eye shadow brush, buff some on up to the crease. Apply some black mascara to your lashes and you're almost done. To get that ultra-defined 1940s look, take a soft eyebrow pencil to your brows to emphasize their shape. A matte red lip color wears well with this stylish throwback look.

Related Videos

 

Add to this Article

 

advertisement

Just for you

What type are you?

Choose your Eye Shape
or Register
Beauty School iPad App

advertisement

How would you like to register?

Register with Facebook
  • It's fast, easy and hassle-free
  • One-click log-in and commenting
Register with typeF.com
  • Use your email to create your account
Register