In recent seasons, the use of colored eye shadow has once again become fashionable. More and more fashion giants have been using colorful shadows on the runway and print ads. Using colored shadows is a really a fun way to update your look when you get bored with your everyday makeup routine. This time around though, colored shadows are much more used in a subtle manner, Unlike in the 80's when shadows are applied from lash lines to the brow bones. To use colored eye shadow in a sophisticated manner you need to select flattering colors and apply them with care.
A splash of color can really bring out your eyes and can make or break your look, so randomly just picking any color that you like or have seen in the glossies isn't always the best tactic. You also don't want to choose shadows that matches the color of your outfit, but instead, choose colors that best complements them. If you are wearing green, purple tones help bring out your eyes. Brown and black outfits tend to look fabulous with green, or blue shades. Blues and purples can look good with pink or plum colors.
Application tips
When working with colors, it is best to start your make up with your eyes. This allows you to clean up any mistakes, or specks of dropped eye make up before applying foundation. One fail-safe trick is to apply a generous amount of loose powder under your eyes so that the powder can catch the colored eye makeup product. After you apply your eye makeup, you can just easily brush off the loose powder.
* When it comes to applying colored eye shadow you need to make sure you have the right tools at hand. You will need a good quality blending brush and lots of translucent powder.
* Don't try to apply your color all the way up your brow bone; it should be used as a highlight. You could try applying it as a V in the socket, or work it closely along the lashes.
* Remember that dark colors make areas of your eyes recede, whereas light colors bring them forward. So make sure you also consider how the use of color affects your eye shape. If you have small or deep set eyes, only use color in the outer thirds of your eyes, otherwise you are likely to make them look even less open. If however, your eyes are widely spaced or big, you might like to take the color right in to the inner corner.
* When using color, you need to make sure it is blended in really well with the base neutral that you have covered your lid with. You don't want the color to look chunky and stripe like. A blending brush will help take the hard edges away. You can also apply translucent powder over the top to graduate the color.
Finally, if you do decide to play your eyes up with color, make sure you keep your cheeks and lips fairly soft and neutral. Only one feature should be strongly highlighted.
GET THE LOOK:
Get the eye makeup look on these models!
Applying blue eye shadow is a little tricky. Too much can make it look like a black eye, and not enough can make you look ashy. When you buy blue eye shadow, choose one that looks bright in the pot but not neon.
Start by patting eye shadow on your lids from lash lines up to your crease and flipping a little bit at the outer corners to make your eyes look opened.
Blend the lines with a silver/white shadow to minimize the appearance of hard lines. Apply shadow also on your lower lash lines for more drama. You can skip this step if you will be wearing this during the day.
To wear gold eye shadow, pair it with another color that will compliment it like olive green. Gold eye shadow alone can make your skin look too yellow and sallow, and by pairing it with another color can compliment it even more.
Apply the gold shadow the same way, and line your lash lines (both upper and lower) with an olive green shadow with a flat liner brush. Blend and smudge the greens and create a smokey effect so that it will blend well with the gold.
Remember not to over do it. Less is always more, and a little color is just supposed to accent your look not to over power your whole entire outfit. You want to give focus on the eyes but not completely draw all the attention to them.
Most important tip is to just have fun and experiment! For beginners, try to avoid brands with too much color pigment. These tend to be harder to blend and erase when you make mistakes. Try basic beauty products like Maybelline, L'Oreal, or Fashion Serrano. Their shadows are very easy to blend and just gives a hint of color. You won't get intimidated specially when you're a newbie with wearing colored eyeshadow.
HAVE FUN!
PHOTO CREDITS
Photographs used for Inquirer Super, Makeup by Sabs Hernandez, Hair by Tony Dusich
We’ve all seen photos of women with gorgeously smoky eyes, or perhaps a model with eyeliner so dark and deep, she looks perfect and unreal. Unfortunately finished photographs usually involve a little airbrushing and PhotoShop enhancements we can’t have for every snapshot of ourselves.THE TOOLS
If you are going to try out a makeup look darker than you normally wear, there are a few products you will want to make sure you have:
After you have all of these supplies,you can begin to experiment and play around with different dramatic eye makeup looks.
GETTING THE LOOK
1. Start your look by coloring your eyebrows about a shade lighter than your natural hair color. If your eyebrows are exceptionally 
light, then you can take the time to practice adding a shade darker of eyebrow pencil, gel or powder to them perfectly and choosing eye shadow colors that compliment them. Eyebrow shape can make or break your beauty, so make sure 
your eyebrows are symmetrical and shaped with a natural-looking arch. WHAT I USE: Sally Hansen's Facial Hair Bleech. It's very easy to use and doesn't sting! Need to add color to your brows? I use Makeup Forever's Eyebrow Corrector Gel in #0 or #2.
2. Next, apply a light shade of eye shadow starting at your eyelash line and going up to the base of your eyebrow. Your color choice depends upon your complexion and eye color, however, a subtle gold/brown usually works well.
WHAT I USED ON MARGS: DIOR 5 Colour Eye Shadow Palette in Stylish Move.
3. Following application of this light color, use a darker shade in a thin line and place it in the crease of your eye lid. This will help to “open up” your lids and make them look large, expressive, and dramatic. You can also use a medium shade on top of this dark color if you want to blend and add variety. Blend this mid-toned third shadow into your brow bone.
4. BLEND.
5. After you have completed your shadow, it’s time to use eye liner. This is unfortunately where many women go wrong. To prevent this from happening, start out small. It is easier to add product than it is to remove it. If you are a newbie, try using a gel eye liner with an eye liner brush. 
This is easier to control.
Place black eyeliner to your upper lashes first. Using a very thin line, apply from the inner corner outward. When you move on to the bottom lashes, be sure the two lines do not touch, as this will actually shrink your eyes and cause you to look cat-like rather than gorgeously dramatic. Complete your look with a couple of coats of dark mascara, and curl if desired. WHAT I USED: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner.
Dramatic eye makeup can be emphasized with fun additions like iridescent shadow or a pencil liner containing shimmer. However, usually dramatic eye makeup is commonly known for being black, mauve, browns. Painted, and precise.
In a few months, it'll be summer! I love the summer (and spring too!) because this is the time of the year to wear lovely pastel shadows and bright lipsticks!
later... She still does this look for work, gimmicks, and the mall sometimes when she's in the mood!
While having your own set of pro-caliber tools is key to creating flawless makeup effects, the little guys that come tucked in with products aren't worthless.
recommend you swap packaged eye-shadow swabs for larger natural-bristle brushes, we think they're perfectly fine as long as you blend the shadow with your fingertips after you sweep it on.
You can also use the tip of a sponge eye-shadow applicator to line your eyes or dab on concealer. One investment we recommend everyone make: a natural or soft synthetic bristle makeup brush that you can use for loose powder and blush. You need to distribute those products really well, and nothing gets the job done like a big brush.
