These days there are literally hundreds of choices available in eyeshadow. Trying to find the right colors for your personal use can become frustrating, and when you want to purchase an eyeshadow palette, that frustration may turn into expensive waste. This happens when you buy the palette for just one or two of the colors and then you end up only using those colors and ignoring the rest. How can you choose a palette that provides the right colors for day and night use? How can you choose the colors that create the overall look that you hope to achieve?
How to choose an eyeshadow palette
Begin With Your Eye Color
Professionals often turn to the color wheel that is so familiar to art students of all ages. Using the wheel, find the color to the left of your eye color for an everyday look and the colors that are opposite to create bold, nighttime looks. Some examples of good matches include the following:
- Blue eyes matched with shades of purple will draw some gray into the eyes for a beautiful every day look.
- Use rust colors and a neutral brown with blue eyes to create a smoky look.
- Green eyes become bright and vivid with warm peaches and similar colors from the same family.
- Burgundies, plums, and greens can create a beautiful contrast that warms up brown eyes.
Consider Your Skin and Hair Color
In addition to your eye color, you will also want to give some attention to your skin tones and the color of your hair. Without ignoring the shadow colors that work well with your eye color, paying attention to your skin and hair allows you to create many eyeshadow combinations that complement your entire look. For example:
- Palettes for those with blond hair may include some subtle bronzes, stone, and plum colors. For evenings, layer color on with a bit more intensity.
- Brunettes may go for a bit of shimmer in browns, taupes, and pinks or might choose a slightly older look with rich plums, green, and burgundies.
- Pale skin and red hair are often accentuated beautifully with peaches, coppers, rich browns, and similar colors. Light colors should be used near the brow.
- Dark hair and skin can often be paired with pinks, purples, or vivid greens. Palettes with golds, jewel tones, and other rich colors are often very attractive as well.
Focus on the Palette Itself
One of the greatest benefits of having a make-up palette is that you have access to several colors that complement and enhance each other. Look for a palette that ties together neutral, light, and dark shades. If you can, try to find a palette with some shimmery colors as well. Another good tip is to choose a palette with the basic colors that work for your skin. You may want to go with a palette that can provide you with a nude look or one that can be used for your nighttime eyes. Once you’ve purchased the palette, spend some time playing with different color combinations. You might pair up a bold color and a neutral or try one of your favorite shadow colors as an eyeliner color.
With a little bit of practice applying these tips, you should eventually find that choosing an appropriate palette is both easy and fun.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. This is a partnered post. Picture courtesy of avenue7.com
mehmig says
It is funny but no one ever discusses grey hair. I have been going grey and would love to hear about what to wear with that.
mumseword says
haha you said with a little bit of practice… I think i need a LOT of it!! =) thanks for sharing!