Fall 2009 makeup color trend #4, shades of red

October 20, 1:03 AMRichmond Beauty ExaminerTina Donahue Darrah

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Richmond Beauty Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Vogue Beauty; red shadow trend

Shades of red are being shown not only on lips but also on eyes as shadow. This shadow trend is not typically an everyday look but more high fashion or runway. Halloween is also right around the corner, so now may be just the time to experiment!

The most wearable shades are the brown-reds or gray-reds and these can be blended in and outlined with black eyeliner to give the red some structure. Otherwise this trend will die hard, and the person attempting to sport red shadow may actually look like the walking dead due to harsh lines and smudged shadow in an unnatural shade!

Urban Decay "Gash" shimmer eyeshadow 

Starting with an eyeshadow base is of utmost importance if the red pigment is to stay true and in place. Take some time to blend out red shadow with a good makeup brush and soften the lines so they do not appear harsh. Mixing in shimmery gold shadow or creamy beige is also a good idea. A final application of highlighter under the brow and on inner rim of eyes softens the look without taking away from the red.

One example is Urban Decay "Gash" eyeshadow ($16, Ulta, urbandecay.com)  paired with Lancome's "Gaze" Color Design eyeshadow  ($16.50, lancomeusa.com, Nordstrom Short Pump) for a strong red with warmth coming from the gold. Use the Lancome shade on inner rim of eye to highlight and contrast against the brick red of "Gash," and also blend with any harsh edges of this highly pigmented M.A.C. shadow.

M.A.C "Ruby Woo" lip color 

 A perfect red lip can be found in M.A.C.'s "Ruby Woo," a matte vivid bluish-red. ($14.00 MAC.com or in-store) Characterized as dense with a somewhat dry texture, this lipstick is a head-turner, and is also described as "vintage." Channel your inner stage and screen siren while wearing this shade for a perfectly gorgeous matte look. The rest of your makeup should be flawless and understated; simple black liquid eyeliner, mascara, soft blush, brow groomer or pencil and finishing powder will do the trick.

Laura Mercier metallic cream eye color-"Rose Gold"

Laura Mercier's metallic cream eye color in "Rose Gold" strikes a good balance for those who would like to embrace the red shadow trend, but are not comfortable with the strong pigment of a true red. ($22 Nordstrom, lauramercier.com)  Experiment with this creamy shadow by applying to upper lash line with fingertips and blending upwards to just above the crease. The look is still dramatic but more subtle than the strong red pigments that take more daring. Additionally, the color is waterproof, lightweight and non-greasy- making it easier to work with and blend with other colors for a more subdued "reddish" look that is still right on trend.

For more info: Contact Tina directly at tina.howtobeauty@gmail.com, with questions, comments or article suggestions.

 Tina's article on Fall 2009 makeup trend #1- purple

Tina's article on Fall 2009 makeup trend #2-gunmetal gray

Tina's article on fall makeup color trend #3-matte black eyeshadow and liner