Depending on whether or not you use eyeshadow and what look you put effort into, the science behind color theory can be helpful in choosing the best shades that will accentuate your natural eye color.
Most of us are familiar with the color wheel and the progression of all colors of the rainbow, or “Roy G. Biv” (red, orange, yellow, green, ….). The color wheel is the basic illustration of the main colors that human beings are able to perceive. It also shows the relationship of what are called Complementary Colors. This means colors that are opposite each other across the wheel. For instance, the color blue is directly across from the color orange. So these would be complementary colors.
What artists throughout history have known and used in the painting medium is the power of complementary colors when forced side by side together. When looking at an artwork, the eye battles between the two colors, there by activating these parts of the painting in potent and stimulating, sometimes jarring, ways. The science behind these interactions can be applied not only in art, but also design, and…..Makeup!
When choosing your eye look, the idea of complementary colors can help you to choose shades that can actually make your eye color pop. And that is the best kind of makeup: when it enhances all of your true beauty.
So for Blue-eyed Bombshells, the complementary color across the wheel is “orange”. You want to think warm, peachy shades. Try looking for warm pinks, peaches, desert colors, burnt orange, sienna. Gorgeous Gray eyes can be considered similar to blue, and will want to seek out those same warm tones.
For the rare Green Goddesses, the color directly opposite you is “red”. Perfect shades are going to be berry tones, purples, wine colors, and warm browns. When it comes to the unique Hazel-eyed Hotties, depending on if you have more green flecks or amber, you have more liberty to play with complementary shades. But remember that purple jeweled tones will also enhance your eyes nicely.
And to all the Brown Beauties, since brown is not actually on the traditional color wheel, we have to go with the color closest. And sticking with warm tones, that would be “red and orange.” Opposite red/orange on the color wheel, we find green and blue, so choose cool greens and blues, emerald, indigo, navy.
And the most rare eye color is a full Amber eye. The rich golden tone of an Amber eye will, similar to orange, ignite against cool shades of blue and green, royal navy, and sapphire eyeshadow.
Of course, when it comes to makeup, not only should you wear what you feel comfortable in, but what expresses your individuality, creativity, and vibe of the day. Using these tips, however, even if you choose to incorporate a tiny bit of color theory to your overall eyeshadow look, it has the power to highlight the exquisite eyes you were born with and that’s the real power of makeup.