Don't miss: Survival Guide

How to: Red Eye Makeup

Jun 11, 2011 / By Michelle Miley

post comment

Pin It

Red eye shadow can create drama when worn well.

Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Red eye shadow has become a staple of runway fashion. When done well, red hues can make your eyes look sexy and dramatic. If done wrong, however, they'll make you look as if you were punched in the face. Try different shades and applications, and take time to learn how to make red work for you. You want to look like you stepped off the runway, not out of a boxing ring.

Conceal imperfections. Red is a vibrant color and will call attention to all of the flaws you normally use makeup to hide. Apply concealer and foundation around your eyes to cover fine lines, and apply moisturizer if your eyes are puffy. Save the red hues for another day if your eyes are even slightly bloodshot or red.

Choose your color carefully. Bright reds look best on pale skin, while those with darker skin tones are most flattered by deep reds and burgundy.

Apply more eyeliner and mascara than you normally do. The heaviness of the eyeliner and mascara will emphasize that your eyes have been made up on purpose and will help prevent red shadows from making your eyes look red and puffy instead of just red.

Experiment with red shadow by using it as eyeliner if you aren't ready to jump in with both feet. Run a line under your eye and a thin line next to your lashes on the eyelid. Wearing red eye shadow as liner tones it down and is a good way to ease yourself into the new look.

When you're ready to go all out, apply red eye shadow along the bottom of your eyelid with a tapered brush, taking the shadow a bit past the corner of your eye and allowing it to fan out slightly there. If desired, first mix red and pink shades to create the color combination that looks best on you.

Go over the eyelid again with a clean blending brush. Use this brush to blend the eye shadow up toward the top of your lid.

1.Red eye shadow

3.Blending brush

2.Tapered eye shadow brush

Add some shimmering eye shadow to the inside corner of your eyes to break things up if your think your eyes are too red or too dark.

Some women have allergic reactions to the dyes used in red makeup. Test yourself by rubbing some red eye shadow on your arm or leg. If you don't have a reaction, it's probably safe to apply to your lids.