Michele Louis from Cinci Makeup gives her Color Theory insight!

SMOKYEYEandMIRRORS

 

 

 

 

COLOR THEORY 101:

how to make your eyes POP

 

As a makeup artist, one of the most faq's  is which shades should I use to make my (insert your eyecolor here) eyes really stand out?  If in doubt let the color wheel be your guide to finding the perfect shade to complement your individual eyecolor.  For example, if your eyes are brown, the color directly  opposite of the brown shades are that of blue, therefore blue shadows complement brown eyes beautifully and vice-versa.  Blue-eyed babes look amazing in a broad range of shades, including navy, gold, pewter, silver, grey and charcoal.  Also consider the colors adjacent to the opposite color on color wheel.  This technique is referred to as split complimentary.  So if you're a brown eyed girl, the color directly opposite of brown is blue and adjacent to blue you'll find the purple color group.  This family of bugundy, plum, violet and myriad of hues provide considerable enhancement to both green, hazel and brown eyes alike.  If your eyes are hazel or green, consider yourself lucky to be able to have the most fun with shadows and other eyemakeup because of the chameleon-like nature of these eyes.  A wide array of colors including varying tones of gold, bronze, copper, and steel grey provide some major pop.  When looking at the color wheel, note that there are infinite tones and hues within each family of colors.  So don't feel limited in the aforementioned suggestions, as they are only a  starting point to encourage experimentation of what suits your own unique coloring.  I don't feel there are absolutes in the world of makeup, so I have to say that a major misconception is that you should never wear the same color as your own eyecolor.  Any makeup application that is applied tastefully and correctly is going to provide enhancement, provided it isn't competing with your eyecolor to the point of over shadowing it (i.e. if you had orange eyes I most likely wouldn't apply bright orange shadow ; )  Have fun with it.  Never feel limited because color combinations are virtually limitless.  You're eyes will be popping in no time. 

 

P.S.  You are invited to one of our in-studio workshops to get a hands-on lesson in color.  This workshop will include identifying your unique tone and undertones as well as which eyeshadow, blush and lip shades compliment you the most.  Our CinciMakeup Workshops are a great way to learn new tricks while just having fun!  Tell your friends, your sister and even mom to come spend an evening learning with the pros.  Stay tuned for upcoming event dates throughout August! 

 

Michele Louis is a makeup artist living in Cincinnati, Ohio.  If you have makeup questions please email her at michele@cincimakeup.com

 

Beauty Bonus suggested shade of the month:  turquoise  

Turquoise is the epitome of hot summer colors.  Because it is comprised of both blue and green it truly compliments EVERY eye color.  Here are some of our pro faves AND some high quality substitutes that won't break the bank

 

SMASHBOX Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Neptune and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow Eye Shadow Pencil in 6E

Maybelline EYESTUDIO COLOR TATOO 24 HR CREAM GEL SHADOW in TENACIOUS TEAL and STILA Smudge Stick in Peacock