How to Pull Off Red Eyeshadow Like Selena Gomez (And Look Amazing)
Selena Gomez shows off the power of a red smoky eye on the American Music Awards red carpet. (Photo: Getty Images)
Red is probably one of the last colors you would ever think to put on or around your eyes — done incorrectly there is a good chance you’ll end up looking like you wept through a marathon binge of Nicholas Sparks movies. But when red shadow is done right can actually be really glam. Don’t believe me? Check out singer Selena Gomez and actress Lupita Nyong’o look at Monday’s Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Nyong’o’s go-to makeup artist Nick Barose acknowledges that it can be an intimidating shade, but if you factor in your skin tone, the texture of the product and keep your application simple, anyone can make it work. Below, Barose shares his six tips for rocking red lids.
Red eyeshadow is easier to pull off than you might think. (Photo: Jon Paterson)
Factor in skin tone
Barose says a red shadow will always look great on deep, dark skin tones like Nyong’o’s. It can still work for fair skin if you keep the color very sheer. Barose used Lancôme Color Design 5 Color Palette in Ruby Affair ($50) and applied the shadow wet on Nyong’o.
Stick to your top lid
“Keep application simple and just on upper lids,” says Barose. Use black or brown to define your lower lash line.
Use an eye primer
To make color really pop, Barose suggests using an eye primer in a lighter shade than your natural lid color to create the perfect neutral base for the color. For this look, he used Lancôme Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base ($26).
Lupita Nyong’o nails the red eyeshadow look at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. (Photo: Getty Images)
Don’t forget mascara
“With bold shadow, its important to still define eyes with black to create shape,” says Barose. He suggests using black liner and mascara to complete the look.
Eye drops are your BFF
Barose loves the eye drops from the French brand Innoxa if you are feeling like the shadow is making your eyes look less white. The Innoxa Hydration Eye Solution ($29) will instantly make eyes appear more vibrant.
Keep it monochrome
If you’re going for a bold, bright red on lids, keep your lip dark or neutral. Barose used Lancôme Color Design in Bow and Arrow ($23) on Nyong’o.
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