Color Theory for Eye Makeup

How do we use color theory to make our eyes pop?

Artists and designers use color wheels to help them with colors, mixing colors with pigments, lights, or optically. The placement of colors on a color wheel don't change-- the red-violet will never wake up suddenly next to green wondering what happened the night before. The main thing to note about color theory is the placement of the colors. The primary colors (three basic colors that mix to make all other colors) are red, blue, and yellow. Everything else in between (yellow-green, red-violet, orange, etc.) is created using some mixture of primary colors.

Complimentary colors are the colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Complimentary colors are harmonious-- they make each other "pop" with contrast. For example, green compliments red. This means neighbors of green, such as blue-green or yellow-green, will also compliment red.

What does this mean for, say, eye color?

Maybe you have blue eyes. Maybe they're grey, or green, or brown. Maybe they're hazel. Maybe you like to specify-- "red-brown" versus "golden-brown". Whatever your eye color, there's a complimentary color to it.

If you happen to have red-brown eyes, and you really want to emphasize that red color, choosing a compliment to it (green) would make that red stand out. If you wanted that brown color to seem less red, you'd use a color similar to it, like a warm brown for example, to trick the eye into believing the red-brown color were more of a neutral brown.

For grey-blue eyes, a navy blue is going to make your eyes seem more grey, while a compliment-- orange, gold or bronze-- will make that blue stand out. Black is going to make that delicate grey-blue feel more pale.

Color theory is an excellent way to find combinations for your eye color to really stand out, and it's a very empowering tool. But it isn't a rule! Make-up is an artform without limitations! Experiment, have fun, be confident and express yourself!

For more helpful info about color theory in make-up, check out this article.

Tips and Hacks

More reviews on the way. In the meantime, I have a couple of little tips and articles to share:

Here is an inspired eye makeup look that makes green eyes pop!

Here are 41 interesting and inspiring beauty tips.

This easy 5-step tutorial shows how to apply lip color, from prepping to defining and long-wear application.

Kat Von D: Immortal Lash 24 Hour Mascara

So this mascara just came out: Kat Von D Immortal Lash 24 Hour Mascara.

This is probably the blackest black mascara I've ever used.

Wand:
The brush is rather long and curved, and I found it to bend fairly easily during application. Especially with long, thorn-like bristles, it was a little scary during my first use. I didn't find the length or the curve of the brush to be particularly necessary. However, the tip has a rounded concentrate of bristles that are very helpful in defining corner lashes.

Color Payoff:
The color is truly a nice deep black, fantastic with even black liquid liners.

Formula:
I really like this formula. The product sets quickly and I didn't find it noticeably clumpy on the brush. It really lasts all day without smudging or flaking, which is amazing considering the intensity of the color. (My under-eyes love to collect any flecks or smudges of dark eye makeup, so it's outstanding to find a mascara that doesn't contribute to that kind of mess!) This is not one of those mascaras that adds liquid nylon extensions, but it does thicken lashes without coating them to the point of feeling heavy or clumpy; just lovely and defined.

Price:
$20

Verdict:
Regardless of the price, I'd still recommend this mascara amongst my top five. If you can get used to that large, curved brush, it's worth it for rich, defined black-as-night lashes.

Colorful Eyeshadow: Blue & Yellow

Normally for work, I'm fairly straight-forward and basic with eye make-up. However, I had a stroke of inspiration this week to play with color.

 

 I started with some Urban Decay Primer..

 ... which, if you don't own it, it's the difference between eyelid creases and staying power. This primer is a must-have.

Next, I lined my eyes with a dark teal pencil shadow, in this case, Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 8E, a delicious dark teal.

After a bit of blending, I layered on some eyeshadow-- in this case, Sephora + Pantone Universe Shades of Nature palette.

A bright yellow towards my tear ducts, an emerald color on my outer lid, and some light teal to blend between. The contour on my crease was the last eyeshadow step-- a dark teal somewhat similar to that first Aqua Shadow liner.

After the eye shadows, I added a bit of sparkle to my lower lashline with my shiny Sephora Waterproof Eyeliner in blue.

 Finally, I used two mascaras..

-- Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara in plum for my top lashes, and BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in aqua blast for my lower lashes.

And voila! A fun, colorful look!

Mascara Applicator Guide

I know I haven't addressed mascara yet in this blog, but I want to show you a new tool I've discovered that makes applying mascara much easier!

This is one example of a Mascara Applicator Guide, (sometimes referred to as an eyelash comb applicator guide or some variation thereof).

You know when you're applying mascara, and you either touch the wand to your eyelid (resulting in unintentional dots messing up your eyeshadow), or you're so afraid to get near your eye that you barely color the outer edges of your eyelashes, leaving the roots of the eyelashes uncolored? Maybe you use your finger over your eyelid to use as a backing to prop your eyelashes against while you're applying your mascara, resulting in a messy finger and possibly clumpy eyelashes.

Cue the Mascara Applicator Guide. I know it kind of looks like a torture device, but I promise you, this little plastic tool is a game-changer. The shape is similar to an eyelash curler, and basically, the guide guards your already-applied eyeshadow/eyeliner (or just your lovely natural eyelid) while you apply your mascara. While there are plenty of variations on this mascara guide tool, some actually have a comb built right in so that you can keep your eyelashes separated before, during, and after the application process.

Mascara lovers, try this out. It's a very inexpensive little tool that makes applying mascara just a little bit easier.

Makeover: Marisa's Hair

I'm gonna deviate from my usual product reviews to talk about something a little more personal.

I've been giving my friends and family make-overs for pretty much my entire life. My sister now looks to me as her #1 hair dresser. I want to share some before and after photos of how I recently cut and styled her hair.
(Note: It was fairly late at night with a bit of a time constraint, so we only did a haircut and quick style, no make-up or hairdye this time around.)

As you can see, Marisa's hair is fairly long and naturally curly, and, while it maintains some shine, it appears to be a little frizzy.

I trimmed the ends, added a little Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Creme, flat-ironed, and shaped some quick curls with a thick-barrel curling iron. Though we lose some of the natural wild curls, we gain a relaxed, sophisticated look.

I love to add shorter layers to the front to help frame Marisa's glowing face.

"I look like a completely different person!" exclaimed a delighted Marisa when she looked at her new 'do in the mirror.

I've seen hair stylists do icky things to curly hair, especially adding loads of gel and/or hairspray to make curls crunchy and untouchable, and I appreciate having a sibling with long hair to practice (self-taught, amateur, unprofessional) hair artistry.

Many thanks to Marisa for volunteering to contribute to my blog!

If you're interested in gorgeous jewelry, check out Marisa's blog!

Liquid Eyeliner

Most days, I have to stick to a time-sensitive make-up routine that'll get me out of the door. But, hey, I wanna look nice. Some days, I don't have time for priming, layering, contouring, eyeshadow here, eye pencil there, smudging, dabbing, perfecting-- I gots someplace to be.

Cue liquid eyeliner. It's sharp, it can be subtle or dramatic, it's quick and (after a little practice) easy, and it's not necessary to prime or add eyeshadow or anything. (It's great with full make-up looks too, of course, but as far as bare essentials (not the brand), this is a good one to have.) You want those perfect little Audrey Hepburn cat eyes? Grab yourself some liquid eye liner.

You may have noticed there are a lot of choices out there. It's not easy finding a good quality liquid liner.

Maybelline Waterproof Ultra Liner is supposedly a waterproof liquid liner. This product is one I now avoid. The formula crackles, flakes, and even slides off in large chunks.

Mavala Liquid Eyeliner. I will swear by the brand Mavala for their eyelash growth serum, but the eyeliner isn't the best I've ever tried. I own this in navy blue (which truly is a dark navy blue) but I find I don't use it often. It takes a bit long to dry, and then it doesn't last very long. The long brush is good quality, but it's a bit thin and not the easiest to get a non-wiggly line free-hand unless you're a pro.

The Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner is a decent product. This one has a felt tip rather than a brush, so it's much easier to get a more controlled line.

The Almay Liquid Eyeliner is similar to the Revlon Colorstay version, though I found the quality is a little less than Revlon. The liquid is a little thinner and the felt tip is more likely to fray just a little. Nonetheless, it's another decent easy-to-apply liquid liner.

Revlon was my favorite liquid liner until I discovered Sephora Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. This is my go-to eyeliner. This once again has a felt tip, which makes application easy and precise. The formula is awesome and lasts! There are a range of colors and different finishes (matte, glossy, metallic, glitter) and you can choose waterproof or regular. This is my #1 liquid eyeliner recommendation.

Benefit Magic Ink Liner uses a richly-black long-lasting formula packed in a super-stylish design. I have two problems with this eyeliner: firstly, the brush is once again the long-haired bristles that aren't quite a point, but rather a tiny chisel-shape, which does not make controlling the line easy. The bristles are also a little stiff with a springiness that isn't ideal for a one-way swept application. Secondly, part of the barrel of the pot came loose and attached itself around the base of the top-- a packaging defect that isn't impossible to fix, but just makes the bottle a little less convenient for me.

Although I only own one color, I will mention the Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner has some great colors and another felt-tip brush, though this one is a tad shorter and thicker than others I've used. I have the #9 Pink color (a cool metallic hot pink) and not only does the intense color stay without smudging or flaking, but the sheen of the metallic finish stays, too. It is expensive, though, especially when Sephora also makes a great liquid pink liner for ten bucks cheaper.

Finally, let's talk about felt-tip eyeliner markers. I've tried three or four different brands and I usually can't even bare to keep them. (I hate throwing away make-up, or even returning it.) I talked to a saleslady about her recommendations for good-quality eyeliner markers, and two brands popped up: NYX and Stila. The saleslady actually recommended NYX over Stila because she complained that the Stila eyeliner marker would make her eyes sting. (Judging by her artfully made-up face, eyelash extensions and all, I'm guessing she wasn't the most sensitive make-up user.) This was enough to dissuade me from trying Stila (so far).

That brings us to the NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker. At first, I liked it as a more subtle liner that could be applied thinner than my usual liquid liner. It looked natural, making my eyelashes look fuller, which I liked quite a bit. But, within a week, the ink stopped flowing to the tip, and no matter how I angled it, shook it, or marked up my hand trying to get that ink flowing, it simply did not flow to the tip, making it near impossible to use as a decent liner. Conclusion: Eyeliner markers don't work.