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How to Get Your Makeup to Enhance Your Eye Color

If you’ve ever wondered how to brighten your eyes with your makeup, this article is for you. 

We’ll be covering everything from the best eyeshadow for blue eyes to the best eyeliner for green or brown eyes and how to make your eyes pop

We always like to emphasize that when it comes to makeup, there are no rules. Makeup should be an expression of who you are and how you feel on any given day. That being said, there are certain tips and tricks that will enhance our beautiful natural features. 

Your eyes are the window to your soul. They’re often the first thing that anyone will notice about you. So, when it comes to makeup, what can you do to enhance your natural eye color and make it sing?

Attractive young woman with natural makeup that enhances eye color

Don’t match your eyeshadow to your eye color

There’s a common myth circulating the globe that matching your eye color to your makeup is the way to go (i.e., wearing blue eyeshadow with blue eyes, or green eyeliner with green eyes, brown mascara with brown eyes.) 

But in fact, the opposite is true when it comes to making your eyes pop. Blue makeup doesn’t enhance your blue eyes; it will make them appear less blue and striking and lead to them disappearing into your face.

The same is true for all eye colors—it’s best to avoid matching your makeup to your eye color if you want to draw attention to your eyes.

But what if you have blue eyes, and you love your blue makeup?

If you can’t bear the thought of completely swapping out your favorite color yet, try switching to a different shade—for example, a pastel blue eyeshadow, a turquoise eyeliner, or a midnight blue mascara.  

The color wheel is your friend

 

Color wheel

You may have briefly checked out a basic version of the color wheel while you were doing an art class at school. But if you haven’t taken a look in awhile, it’s time to get reacquainted with it.

Colors that are side by side on the wheel are known as analogous colors, while colors opposite each other are known as complementary colors. 

To make your eyes pop, you want to choose shades that are opposite (or close to opposite) your natural eye color. 

However, it’s important to note that most people’s irises are not just one color. There are usually different flecks and hues within that one color. 

For example, you might have hazel eyes with hints of honey in them. You might have green eyes with hints of teal or mustard. Take a close look at your eyes in both the daylight and at night. 

And when it comes to makeup, the color wheel should be used as a starting guide, but not taken literally. There are so many shades and tones of each color, all of which will show up differently depending on your eye color and skin tone. 

The best approach is to try different colors out and see what works for you and what you like most. 

Blue eyes

Blonde haired women with blue eyes and mascara

Keep it simple

Blue eyes on their own can be really bright and striking, which is why you want to try and not over-do your makeup. This can leave your eyes and skin looking washed out.

The best approach? Keep it simple. Less is more. 

Eyeshadow

The best eyeshadow for blue eyes is anything with an orange base. That means warm copper, gold, apricots, peaches and brown tones. The warmth in these colors will help make your eyes pop and stand out, and highlight any warmer flecks in your eyes. 

Purple is another shade that can be quite striking with blue eyes. All shades from lavender through to plum can work to help your eyes appear even bluer and brighter. 

Highlight

Subtle highlighting around your eyes can help frame them without the need for eyeliner. It can also prevent them from looking too icy. 

Apply a highlighter across your brow bone (just under the brow), as well as the inner corners of your eyes. Opt for a shimmery highlighter rather than a glittery one to keep this look subtle. Neutral and champagne shades will work best.

Liner

Keep your eyeliner minimal and apply it in a thin line. You can also keep your liner to your upper lash line and skip the lower lash line because blue eyes are strong enough to not disappear into your face. This can actually leave them looking bigger and brighter!

Grey eyes

Young woman with healthy skin and grey eyes

Which color is most prominent in your eyes?

Grey eyes can contain many flecks of color including green, gold, blue and brown tones. 

The first step for you is to decide which color is most prominent in your eyes. You can then pick complementary colors accordingly.

Winning colors

To enhance the green in your eyes, choose shades with pink undertones like rich plums and purples. To enhance the blue, go for shades with orange or peach undertones. 

Green eyesCloseup of model with green eyes

Don’t head for red

You’d be right in thinking that red is opposite green on the color wheel. But red is a difficult shade of eyeshadow to pull off. The tones will usually end up making you look sickly. The best eyeshadow for green eyes is within the red spectrum, but opt for reddish browns or plum shades, or even pink. 

These tones will help make your green eyes the star of the show. 

Soft blush on the cheeks

Add some subtle, soft blush on the apple of your cheeks in a pinky shade. This is a gorgeous feminine look for both work and play.

Liner

The best eyeliner for green eyes is something in a copper or violet shade. But if you prefer a more classic look, black goes with everything and is a staple for creating both simple and more dramatic makeup looks. 

A swoosh of liner and a plain, glossy lid is a simple but sexy look. 

Let your green eyes do the talking

If you really want your green eyes to stand out, keep everything else natural. Think voluminous lush lashes (try this mascara), glowing cheeks, and a glossy lip. Gorgeous!

Hazel eyes

Close up portrait of a young woman in a boho style outfit

Green or brown?

Did you know there’s no such thing as pure hazel eyes?

You’re likely to have a mix of tones and flecks in your eyes, ranging from shades of brown to green.

Depending on which color you want to accentuate, you can mix up your makeup accordingly. 

To bring out the green, follow what green-eyed girls do and go for red and purple-toned eye makeup. To enhance the brown, opt for blue or copper tones. 

Want more drama?

If you’re looking for a bolder look, try a smokey eye, a mix of dark metallic and coppery green tones. 

Liner

For a natural look, use brown eyeliner to give your hazel eyes a little more oomph. And for a more radiant, glowing look, try a gold liner.

Brown eyesCloseup portrait of woman with brown hair and brown eyes

Concealer is your friend

Did you know that dark circles can steal attention away from your beautiful, brown eyes?

Before you do anything, find the right concealer for your skin tone and spot it lightly under your eyes as needed. This is a crucial step before you go any further. 

Brown eyes suit almost any eye makeup color!

Great news, you can get away with wearing almost any color you like! 

If you want to make your brown eyes pop, then contrast is key. Think baby blues, turquoise, and metallic greens. Pink is also a great contrasting color to brown. 

But as a general rule, you have free reign here to try out all the colors of the rainbow!

Metallics are a must

Shimmery shades will create a lovely striking contrast against your brown eyes and make them glow. Reserve metallic eyeshadow or liner for those special occasions when you want to make a serious impact. 

Don’t overlook the neutrals

Neutrals might seem boring from the outset, but they can create a really sexy, effortless look while also bringing out the natural color of your eyes.

Plus, you can’t ever go wrong with a nude color with brown eyes. Think neutral eye shadows, some brown bronzer, or even a nude lip.

Liner

Classic brown and black eyeliners will always work against your brown eyes. But if you’re looking for an extra-special look, try a blue or purple eyeliner. Most eye colors can’t pull this off, but you can!

Complete the look with mascara for extra volume

Mascara is a must regardless of your eye color. Brown can work well for blue eyes, but black will suit every eye color. Apply some lash primer, one or two coats of classic French mascara, and get ready for your eyes to pop!

Getting your makeup to enhance your eye color is all about knowing which colors suit you and which ones to steer clear of. So get experimenting and try out these tips today!





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The Five-Piece French Wardrobe, Explained
April 20, 2021
The Five-Piece French Wardrobe, Explained

Have you heard of the 5-Piece French wardrobe?  This is not just any wardrobe. It’s the secret to attaining that effortlessly chic Paris style we all swoon over. Plus, it’s the best way to build a capsule wardrobe that is both fun and functional, and helps you get the most out of every piece you purchase.  Have you ever woken up in the morning, stared at a huge closet packed with clothes, and thought, “I’ve got nothing to wear?!” Do you keep buying more stuff each season, and need a way to curb those bank-draining spending habits? If you find yourself nodding your head, this French wardrobe philosophy might be a match made in heaven for you.  Don’t panic over the whole “five-piece” scenario. It’s not a wardrobe built of just five pieces—that would be crazy.    All will be revealed in this article. The ins and outs of a five-piece French wardrobe Minimalist French style is all about investing in fewer pieces that are higher in quality, and will hopefully last you a long time. It’s focused on longevity rather than trends. And this is exactly where this French wardrobe philosophy stems from.  There isn’t a set number of pieces or a timetable to follow.  To start, you build a solid collection of basic pieces. Things like plain t-shirts, black tailored pants, and a classic white shirt—simple items that can be mixed and matched with everything in your wardrobe. If you find any gaps, fill these in with new staples.  Each season (four times per year), you’re allowed to purchase 5 new investment pieces to help you build your collection. These should be non-basic pieces. You can take as much time as you like choosing these—there’s no rush! The point of this is to refresh your look with each passing season, but to also focus on investing in pieces you truly love and will wear for years to come.  Five might not sound like much, but trust us on this one; coupled with your trusty basics, this will give you endless outfit combos that will embody that French I-just-woke-up-like-this look. The rules: The 5-piece French wardrobe can be a little tricky to understand at first. So, here are some of the rules you need to know before you get started. Basics don’t count towards your five pieces, and can always be replaced. Makeup doesn’t count. Accessories, socks, and underwear don’t count (unless they’re particularly pricey purchases.) Shoes do count. And everything else that’s not mentioned above counts.  How to get started creating your 5-piece French wardrobe The secret to rolling out of bed and looking like one of those impeccably dressed French women you see on Instagram is focusing on fit.  The reason these women look so good in simple clothing like jeans and a plain white tee is because of the fit. They wear flattering cuts and silhouettes. Instead of following the trends, they stick to what works for their unique shape.  So the message is, it’s not what you buy, it’s how it fits you. Remember, you’ll only be purchasing 20 new non-basic items each year, so choose wisely.  Out with the old Get started by clearing out your wardrobe. Donate anything that no longer fits you, or that you haven’t worn in the past year. Chances are if you haven’t worn it by now, you never will! Hold on to any basics that fit you well, and part ways with the rest. Be ruthless through this process.  If you notice any gaps, make a list of what you need and start shopping. Don’t rush to buy everything at once. Take your time, be considerate, and choose quality items that feel good against your skin. Because when you feel good, you will look good.   Back to basics We touched on basic pieces a little earlier, but what exactly is a “basic” item of clothing?  Generally, it’s a functional piece of clothing that you don’t need to spend a ton of money on. Basics will generally be plain or block colored, practical, and go with those fancier, statement pieces in your wardrobe.  French outfit essentials: Items every woman should have in her wardrobe Here are some of the pieces you should think about stocking up on to make sure your wardrobe game is on fire.  Tops: block colored t-shirts, button-up white shirts, silk camis. Pants: well-fitting straight-leg jeans, tailored pants Skirts: pencil skirt, white linen skirt, block colored mini skirts Dresses: a little black dress Shorts: jean shorts, linen shorts Sweaters: cashmere sweaters, oversized wool sweaters, cozy cardigans Outerwear: a trench coat, a classic blazer, a leather jacket Shoes: ballet pumps, brown/black heeled boots, sandals, court shoes. Make your shopping list for this season. The great thing about the 5-piece French wardrobe is that each season you get to make a wish list of things you want to add to your collection. What have you had your eye on for a while? What are you noticeably missing right now that would take your wardrobe to the next level? Set yourself a reasonable budget each season for your 5 pieces. It’s okay to spend more on these items than you usually would, because the focus is on quality pieces that last longer. So don’t scrimp, but don’t blow more than you can afford. And that’s how to create a 5-piece French wardrobe! The only other rule is to have fun creating your capsule collection. It won’t be long before you have a beautifully sustainable and ethical wardrobe that makes getting dressed each morning a joy. Why not use these principles and apply them to your other purchases too?  For example, focus on investing in good makeup: a quality mascara, a classic red lipstick, and the perfect shade and texture of foundation for your skin.  Follow these steps, and you’ll be Paris-ready in no time.

Upgrade Your Daily Massage with a Face Roller
April 13, 2021
Upgrade Your Daily Massage with a Face Roller

In French beauty, the skin is always the star. French women rarely cover their faces with more than a sheer tinted moisturizer. Instead, they focus on achieving healthy skin with great skincare and an invigorating daily facial massage.   While the hands are the traditional tool of French aestheticians, facial rollers have been a welcomed addition to French women’s daily skin care routines. If you’d like to add a face roller to your beauty routine, as well, keep reading! We’ll help you learn everything you need to know about how to use a face roller for maximum effects.    The benefits of face roller massage  Using a face roller on a regular basis has immense wellness benefits. It goes beyond just the skin — the effects of a facial massage have physical impacts below the epidermis. The rolling motion of a facial roller exerts less pressure on the skin than a traditional face massage, so it yields results quicker and is more gentle. Face rollers are inherently cool, so they have a soothing effect on the skin. You can boost this effect by keeping your face roller in the fridge. They tone the face and eliminate puffiness by moving and draining lymphatic fluid. They give facial muscles a relaxing massage that helps to drive away tension, especially from the jaw and temples.  The massage improves blood circulation to the skin, which gives a youthful glow and may have long-term anti-sagging effects. The gentle massage helps skincare products penetrate into the skin more quickly and deeply.   How to choose the best face roller When selecting the best face roller for you, consider what kind of features you’re especially interested in. Some stones do a better job of staying cold, while others have a smoother surface that’s more gentle on the skin.  In general, we recommend purchasing a double-sided roller, with a large side for rolling over the face and a smaller one for around the eyes.  Jade rollers are the classic choice, as they were the first facial rollers available on the market, and they’re quite affordable. They’re lightweight compared to other stones, but they’re also a hint quicker to lose their smoothness.  Rose quartz facial rollers have become more popular in recent years. They’re a little heavier than jade rollers so they can exert more pressure on the skin, but they also stay cold for longer and are generally more durable. Amethyst rollers are the new thing in the facial roller scene. They’re structurally similar to rose quartz, but they’re quite expensive. The companies producing them often put more effort into manufacturing, so they’re usually smoother and less likely to make noise. Finally, there are ice rollers. They have a liquid core that turns to ice if you put them in the freezer. Using one is like getting an ice facial that rapidly cools the skin. They soothe irritation and reduce puffiness, but the cold shock can be too intense for daily use.  How to use a face roller   When not in use, keep your facial roller in the fridge, especially in the summer when the cold can be very refreshing. Always start with clean skin. The face roller will glide more easily if it’s also covered in a thin layer of moisturizer or face oil. If you’re a fan of sheet masks, you can use your facial roller on top of the sheet mask to allow the essence to soak in more thoroughly. Once you’re ready to roll over the face, remember this basic principle: Always start in the middle and work outwards and upwards, mirroring your motions on both sides of your face. You can roll along each area as many times as you like. Start at the neck, rolling upwards towards the jawline. Next, starting at the point of your chin, roll outwards following the curve of your jawline.  Bring the roller up a bit, and roll in the same way over the chin and above the curve of the jawline. Then, roll along the cheeks, starting near the nose and going outwards. Roll over the forehead in upward lines, from above the brows up to the hairline. Flip your roller over to use the smaller side above the upper lip, along the sides, and up the bridge of the nose. To roll around the eyes, start below the eye’s inner corner and move outwards in a circular motion following the orbital bone.  How to take care of your face roller As with anything that comes in contact with your skin, you should thoroughly clean your face roller after each use. Since it’s a non-invasive tool, you can simply wash it in warm water with a bit of soap or detergent. Then, towel-dry gently or place it somewhere safe to air-dry.  How often should you use a facial roller?  A massage with a face roller is a safe daily habit that’s incredibly gentle on the skin. Some women swear by using their jade roller twice a day, but once a day or week will also give you satisfying results. Even if you don’t have the time to use it every day, keep it around for the days when you feel like your skin needs that extra cooling, firming touch.  Savoring the ritual  French beauty practices are steeped in history, but we love updating them with new tools. A jade roller’s relaxing touch is the perfect upgrade, boosting your skin care practice and soothing the skin. That daily French ritual of facial massage becomes quicker and easier, and amidst your long, busy days, what more could we want?  

8 Chic Springtime Hats to Add to Your Wardrobe
April 02, 2021
8 Chic Springtime Hats to Add to Your Wardrobe

This article is dedicated to women’s spring hats, and we’ve got some beautiful types of hats for you to try out this spring! Hats can be challenging to coordinate, but not when you know what you’re doing. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro on the types and names of hats and ready to find the perfect one to add to your spring wardrobe.  Whether you’re soaking up the sun in your garden, taking a sunset walk on the beach, spending a weekend on a yacht, or jetting off for a summer vacation, a stylish hat is a must. Not only will it complete your look, but it’ll also protect your skin from those damaging rays.  No matter what your personal style is, we have a hat on this list to suit you. Here are our favorite springtime hats for women.  Brimmed Classics To kick things off on our list of women’s spring hats, we’ve got brimmed classics. Think fedoras, boaters, and Panama styles. Anything with a classic, structured, brimmed silhouette. This shape is timeless and will instantly get you feeling like you’re on vacation! This is the perfect hat to invest in if you’re new to hats and looking for something simple yet elegant that will work with multiple outfits. How to Style It:  A classic wide-brimmed hat can be paired with pretty much anything. If you’re heading on a trip somewhere and only have space for one hat, make it this one.  It’ll look effortlessly chic paired with a white suit, a floral wrap dress, or even a pair of tailored Bermuda shorts.  For a vacation look, pair with swimwear and coverups as you please, and some lace-up leather sandals or embellished mules. Throw on some oversized shades and a woven handbag on your shoulder, and you’re ready to go.    The Bucket Hat The bucket hat is a super casual boho-style hat that has an inherently sporty and nostalgic vibe. But don’t let that put you off. High-end fashion houses like Dior and Prada have consistently shown that the bucket hat can be sexy and feminine for a perfect spring/summer look. You’ll find bucket styles in an array of fabrics, including raffia, satin, and embroidered styles. The key here is to keep things simple and minimal.  How to Style It:  To keep this look chic, stick to a neutral color palette when it comes to the rest of your outfit.  And if you want to go all-out ‘90s throwback, add a choker necklace and some platform sandals. Think TLC in their “Waterfalls” video.    Oversized Straw Hat If you’re looking for a springtime hat that makes a statement, opt for an oversized straw hat. You’ll likely have seen this accessory completing many looks of Instagram influencers as they pose by the pool or the beach. The brim is both dramatic, chic, and oh-so-glamorous.  When it comes to the size of the brim, you can go as large as you please. Many will extend past your shoulders, providing welcomed extra protection from the sun. Choose a floppy or woven brim depending on the look you prefer.  How to Style It: The oversized straw hat was made to accompany swimwear. Pair it with a classic black one-piece or high waist bikini, some designer sunnies, and one piece of your favorite gold jewelry.  The Garden Hat The Garden hat can be found in many different shapes and sizes, with wide brims, taller crowns, scalloped edges, and divine neck-tie details. Perfect for lounging in your back yard on a sunny spring day. Go for a classic neutral color or a black/white version for a more modern look.  How to Style It: This hat is perfect for creating a flirty, feminine look. Pair with your most fabulous floral dress or sarong. Add a pair of heeled sandals, and you’re ready for dinner and drinks in a flash! The Garden hat also lends itself well to city-style linen separates for a chic springtime outfit.   The Baseball Cap Baseball caps don’t have to be kept for running and working out. They’re part of every model & influencer’s off-duty look, and we can see why. They’re easy to throw on, work particularly well if you’re having a bad hair day, and add a sporty vibe to any look.  To elevate this look, opt for a designer version or a style that mixes fabrics or embroidery for extra detail.  How to Style It: Baseball caps are so versatile. Wear them on a walk, at the beach, while running errands, or even for lounging in your garden. Pair with your favorite leggings or trainers for an extra sporty vibe.  Grosgrain Band Panama Hat Meghan Markle is renowned for loving the Panama-style hat because it’s both stylish and functional. Not too big, but large enough that it shields you from the sun. Plus, it’s classic and elegant, and simple to throw on to complete your outfit.  How to Style It: Pair with denim shorts or a printed jumpsuit for a chic summer look.  Lamé Papier Hat This chic French straw hat is famous for having a black grosgrain ribbon around the brim and a metal bee detail on the side. It’s one of the trickier hat styles to pull-off, but nothing to be afraid of.  How to Style It: There’s no better time to wear this hat than at a spring or summertime garden party.  Pair with your favorite babydoll dress, a lightweight blazer loosely thrown around your shoulders, your favorite heeled sandals, and you have perfected this look! The Frayed Hat Our final hat on this list is the frayed hat. It has a lovely boho, artisanal feel that will add texture and detail to any look. Go for a floppy style for a laid-back beach look or a structured shape for a downtown vibe.  You’ll find so many variations to choose from with different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. If you’re looking to add just one hat to your wardrobe, choose something that will go with lots of outfits.  How to Style It: The frayed hat is the perfect companion for any vacation. Wear it with a monochrome swimsuit, some gold sandals, and some delicate jewelry. Looking fabulous! Are you ready to add one of these hats to your spring wardrobe?    Here comes the sun, and we can’t wait!