Eye makeup trends come and go. Just over the last few years we’ve witnessed everything from graphic eyeliner and heavy eyebrows to faux lashes a mile long enter the party and then leave it in favor of another new trend. For the most part, many of these eye makeup tricks and tips have their place and several pros, including making your eyes look wider, more alert, and more vibrant.
Every once in a while, though, a trend comes along that looks amazing on the runway, as part of a fantasy look that enhances the wardrobe being displayed, but doesn’t translate well to real life. This one eyeshadow shade may work wonders on Gigi Hadid’s eyes from afar, but if you’re looking for colors the flatter and make the most of your eyes, especially if you’re over 40 and fine lines and wrinkles have become a concern, here’s one hue to avoid.
Red Eyeshadow
First, a caveat: there are ways to rock any eye makeup look. When it comes to red eyeshadow, it’s not a definite “no” unless you decide it truly can’t work for your skin tone. In some cases, neutralizing red with browns and taupes can open up the doors to using just a swipe of red or a red-copper tone along the lash line for a playful look.
However, a completely red eyeshadow look without anything to tone it down can look unflattering. It can highlight blood vessels in the eye, pinkness around your eyes, and other discoloration. It’s also a color that’s associated with sickness (coughing and colds) so it can make you look less than healthy if not applied with a professional makeup artists’s skilled hand.
Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog, recommends staying clear of reds, scarlets, and crimsons near the eyes. “Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated and generally giving a look of being unwell," Jackson says. One especially unflattering shadow for women over 40 is anything red that has sparkles or a metallic sheen, which Jackson says can “end up highlighting every wrinkle, line or textured surface you usually spend your makeup time trying to soften.”
Sticking to Neutrals is Flattering
There’s no hard rule about playing with fun eyeshadow colors like greens, purples, and blues. And while red might not be the easiest shade to make work for you, you needn’t give up on a more intense eye makeup look. But if you’re searching for shadows that are no-brainers and will work every day of the week, taupe neutrals are as fool-proof as it gets. Invest in a quality palette with a mix of matte light and darker taupes for contrast, as well as a few shimmery shades to add to the middle of your upper lid for a fun “pop” that makes your eye color stand out.
