Makeup Tips For Green Eyes: How To Make Them Bolder & Brighter!
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Only 2% of the population was born with green eyes, which means that if you’re rocking those emerald jewels you’re definitely in the (v enviable) minority. However, given the fact that you’re such a rare breed, you might not have been able to find much literature out there on green eye makeup tips and tricks – like which eyeshadow is best for green eyes and which colors will make your green eyes really pop. For some literal pro-makeup tips for green eyes, we enlisted the expertise of three makeup artists who know exactly what makeup works best for you green-eyed beauties.
Tip #1: Reds, Purples, and Bronze Are the Best Colors for Green Eyes
“Since red is the opposite of green on the color wheel, you want to pick shades with reddish undertones to make your green eyes pop,” says Shira Aaron, a celebrity makeup artist who’s created some bomb looks for Tori Spelling, Aidy Bryant, and Whitney Cummings. “Colors such as garnet, amethyst, aubergine, and bronze work well.”
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One of Aaron’s favorite eyeshadows for green eyes is M.A.C Cosmetics Cranberry, $17, a red-plum powder with a hint of pink shimmer. She says, “It’s a blendable, long lasting, highly pigmented formula that can be used wet or dry. I like to create a smoky eye with it, focusing on the outer “V” area of the eyelid. Then, with a wet eyeliner brush, I line my upper and lower lash line with the eyeshadow to intensify the contrast against the green eye.”
Some other fun red eyeshadows for green eyes are Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Relish, $20, a silky matte red with pink undertones; Pat McGrath Labs EYEdols Eye Shadow in Crimson Fire, $25, a stunning shimmery red blaze that’ll make you think Dorothy; and obvi the Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Ruby, $27, which serves you nine gorgeous red-leaning eyeshadows for all your green eye needs.
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Admittedly, wearing red on your eyes is a pretty bold move and it’s not exactly an everyday choice. Celebrity makeup artist Tonya Crooks, whose clients include Halle Berry, Megan Fox, and Julia Roberts, says that you can also play with purple and bronze-y hues to make your green eyes pop. Lorac’s Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette in Brazen, $25, delivers five complementary bronze hues. For purple, reach for the Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Amethyst, $27, which is almost so pretty to look at that you won’t wanna dip into it (but definitely do).
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Tip #2: Extend Those Color Rules to Your Eyeliner and Mascara
These same red, purple, and bronze color rules work for your eyeliner and mascara, too. For example, Crooks says that a deep plum can make green eyes really stand out. You can even combine your mascara with a deep purple eyeliner for a subtle way to make your eyes look greener, as opposed to layering on eyeshadow. Basically: every green-eyed girl needs some purple-leaning mascara and eyeliner.
For mascara, swipe on Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara in Ultra Violet, $6, or NYX Worth the Hype Colored Mascara in Purple, $9. If you’re a glitter fiend, try Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in Shimmer Electric Purple, $12, and for something more straightforward opt for Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Vivid Amethyst, $22, a matte deep plum.
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Bryan Cantor, an editorial makeup artist based in NYC, adds, “If you like to make your eyes look bigger, try substituting a pale pink liner for the flesh-toned or white pencil you are currently using in your waterline. The reddish-white will instantly pop your green eyes while looking just as natural as a flesh-toned pencil.”
His two top choices are Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Obey-Ge, $25, a pearly pale pink; and Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in Pink of Me, $25, a matte powder pink.
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Tip #3: Go Ahead and Reach for the Gold While You’re At It
“Green eyes often times have gold flecks in them, so adding a pop of gold shimmer alongside the purple [and red] hues will not only bring out the gold in your green eyes, but it will also complement [your eyeshadow],” says Crooks. “Purple and yellow are also complementary colors found across each from other on the color wheel, so adding gold will add harmony and balance while still making your eyes look greener. That’s a double win!”
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Yellow gold, golden champagne, and rosy gold hues all work. Try pressing on a bit of your favorite gold eyeshadow onto the center of your lid layered on top of your other eyeshadow. You could also try a liquid gold eyeliner placed strategically against the upper lash line – or a pencil on the water line – for a hint of shimmer.
And of course, there’s always golden highlighter. We’re partial to Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife, $36, for a pure gold, and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Highlighter in Sparkler, $29, for a sheer rose-gold.
Tip #4: Cherry Red Lipstick is Your Friend
The green eye color story is full of red, so a cherry red lipstick or gloss only makes sense. Since a red pout can sometimes be pretty intense, both Crooks and Cantor agree that keeping your eyes low key while wearing red lipstick will prevent your look from being too extra.
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“Perhaps the easiest look to pop your green eyes is a bright red lip paired with lots of black mascara on your lashes,” says Cantor. “The nude eye framed by dark, black lashes will make your eyes look brighter, and the red lip will contrast with the green to make it appear more vibrant.”
His go-to red lipstick for green eyes is Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in So Marilyn, $34, which he says is a universally flattering hue that’ll work on anyone’s lips. Another good one – esp if you dig the liquid matte look – is Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color in Pioneer, $8.
Tip #5: Have Fun, Don’t Stress It
Makeup is supposed to be fun, so don’t feel like all these rules are hard and fast. Use the above advice as a rough guideline for when you want to make your green eyes shine like emeralds and keep looking like the snack you are.
Let us know what makeup tips you’d like us to write about next.
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