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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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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?  

12 French Fashion Statements Parisians Love
April 06, 2021
12 French Fashion Statements Parisians Love

Do you love Parisian style and want to know how to create the perfect French fashion statement?  French women are known for their impeccable, timeless style. Paris street style is effortless, chic, classic, and subtly sexy. The French have mastered the balance between looking dressed up while remaining laid back. Basics are mixed with one statement piece, so nobody ends up looking overdressed. Fashion in France is about clean lines and simplicity.    Want to know the best thing about Parisian style? It values comfort.   We don’t mean heading out the door in sweatpants and sneakers, but French women will never wear something that isn’t comfortable. For example, ballet flats are still chic and look great — comfort and quality are just as important as a piece’s aesthetics.  Don’t you love that? Ditch those heels you can’t walk in and those jeans that are so tight you feel like your circulation is cut off. It’s time to do what the French women do and get comfortable while perfecting the Paris look.    Here are twelve French fashion statements that Parisians love. 1. Sophisticated sunglasses No Paris look is complete without the addition of a sophisticated pair of sunglasses. Parisians favor big, bold style frames over slim ones.  It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or it’s the middle of winter — sunglasses are a must. They add cool points and help you channel the strut that Paris fashion week is renowned for. When in Paris, always wear sunglasses. Forget about what others may think; after all, French women never worry about such thoughts. 2. Mindful minimalism Nobody knows Parisian style quite like Coco Chanel does. When it comes to any outfit, minimalism is key. Less is always more.  That means build most of your outfit up with simple basics: a plain white t-shirt, a tailored pair of black trousers, a white button-down shirt, a strappy camisole top, a classic trench coat or blazer.  “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” - Coco Chanel If you want to wear a statement piece, then stick to one, like an amazing scarf, handbag, or a pair of shoes. This will help streamline your look and keep it refined and elegant.  When it comes to jewelry, the rule is to keep it simple and don’t wear more than three delicate pieces.  Minimalism is the secret to everyday Paris street style. 3. Casual glam Paris outfits are renowned for being sophisticated with a hint of imperfection. And the secret to this is mixing casual pieces with more glamorous evening pieces.  A pair of jeans can be mixed with a silky, lace camisole top or a pair of jewel-encrusted sandals. A lovely printed dress might be paired with some old biker boots. A pencil skirt paired with ballet flats instead of traditional heels. Fashion in France isn’t about perfection, whether it’s your outfit or your hair and makeup. So when in doubt, mix things up.    4. The I-woke-up-like-this look When it comes to makeup, French women are all about highlighting their natural beauty. A good face cream, some SPF, a touch of brow gel, a coat of mascara, a pinch of blusher, some tinted lip balm, and you’re Paris ready.  Remember to keep things relaxed. Go for simple eyeliner looks. Instead of perfectly straightening your hair, try for a natural wave and add a little texture. Classic colors are preferred over anything “in-your-face.” And opt for dewy, matte textures instead of shiny ones. 5. Hardly-there handbags No Parisian wardrobe is complete without a good quality leather handbag. This can be a quality faux leather too. French women strive to look chic rather than rich, which means avoiding big, recognizable logos. It’s okay to keep it subtle. Work with your budget, and invest in something that is small enough it can be hand-held but not too small that you can’t fit anything in it!   6. Have your cake and eat it: style & comfort French-style clothing prioritizes comfort but doesn’t compromise on style. It’s the best of both worlds.  So, if you can’t walk in heels all day without hurting your feet, leave them at home! Most Parisian women prefer classic loafers and ballet shoes as their footwear of choice, or a low block heel.   Cardigans are another French wardrobe staple, in a neutral color and high-quality fabric like wool, cashmere, or angora. Pair over a basic t-shirt or silk cami — you’ll feel oh-so toasty and comfy.   A plain t-shirt in white or light gray is also a must-have item. Pair with a blazer or some high-rise straight jeans for an effortlessly chic look. Be sure to choose t-shirts made from 100% cotton (organic is best) — it will feel soft against your skin, and the quality will show. 7. The modern vintage look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabina Socol (@sabinasocol)   If you don’t yet have a classic tailored blazer, you’ll want to add one to your wardrobe to perfect the Paris look. The great thing about a blazer is it goes with just about everything. Wear it with a basic t-shirt, a pair of jeans or tailored trousers, and even a mini dress. French women prefer an oversized blazer that looks like it came out of a man’s closet. Better yet, raid your partner’s wardrobe and see if there’s one you can borrow!  8. Laidback silhouettes Leave your skinny jeans and body-con dresses at home, ladies. Parisian style is centered on a more relaxed silhouette. Think A-line dresses, straight leg jeans, and oversized outerwear.  If you opt for a tight pencil skirt, then pair it with a loose-fitting top to balance your look out. French women express femininity with masculine-inspired silhouettes and laid back shapes. Nothing should ever be too tight or fitted.   9. Timeless outerwear Always inspired by the philosophy that less is more, Parisians splash their cash wisely. They’ll save up and make investments in key pieces that can be worn over and over again. One of the most important pieces for any Parisian wardrobe is timeless outerwear: trench coats, biker jackets, bombers, and blazers.  If there’s one item you must own, it’s a chic long beige trench coat. And given the unpredictable weather in Paris, you’ll certainly make the most out of it. Before making any purchase, ask yourself if this will be something you wear for the next few years. If the answer is yes, you’re thinking like a Parisian.  10. From day to night: the little black dress The little black dress is a classic piece for any woman’s wardrobe worldwide. But Parisians love wearing that LBD day or night. In the day, they’ll pair it with sneakers or some ballet flats with a loose blazer on top, and at night they swipe on some bold red lipstick and some voluminous mascara for a sexier look.  When it comes to the shape, stick to what is most flattering for your figure and something you feel comfortable in. It can be short or long, and with or without sleeves or straps.  11. Head to toe neutral tones When it comes to color, neutral tones are your friend. Head to toe monochrome looks are part of everyday Paris street style — it’s all about discretion.  Neutral tones include white, black, beige, camel, navy blue, gray, and khaki. The great thing about neutral colors is they can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe.  As a general rule, no French outfit will have more than three colors.   12. It’s not what you wear; it’s how you wear it There’s a reason why Parisian style is so simple yet chic. It’s less about the actual clothing you wear and much more about how you wear it. French style is all about how you mix and layer pieces together, the way you carry your handbag, your posture, and the way you smile.   So the secret to French beauty isn’t about being a slave to the latest trends, but more about finding your unique style and wearing pieces that flatter your figure.  And the most important thing to remember about making a French fashion statement? Have fun with it!

Learn French Phrases: Morning & Evening Beauty Routines
March 25, 2021
Learn French Phrases: Morning & Evening Beauty Routines

Welcome to the first post in our brand new series: Learn French phrases! Each post in this series will be centered around a different theme, so you can walk away a Parisian pro when it comes to French culture and cosmetics. Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be like the French classes you remember from your school days. Forget the boring phrases — we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about French beauty, from la crème solaire to les lingettes démaquillantes.  Next time you’re looking at a product and notice the label or tag is entirely in French, you won’t be phased. You’ll feel right in your comfort zone! This post is all about learning French phrases relating to morning and evening beauty routines.    Are you ready to learn some fabulous French with us? Learn French Phrases: Morning Skincare Routine What you put on your face first thing in the morning matters. The main focus? Protection and preservation. And while some skincare experts swear by 12-step routines, most of us just don’t have time for that.  The good news? Follow these steps, and you can say hello to a flawless face. La crème solaire: Sunscreen La crème solaire is a must, and no French woman leaves home without it. Try and find a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, but 30 is best. Make sure you apply it to your face, neck, and décolletage.  Un sérum: A lightweight moisturizer  A serum is a thin moisturizer that helps to smooth out imperfections and reduce the appearance of pores. This will protect your face from bacteria, pollution, and your dirty phone screen.  When it comes to un sérum, a little goes a long way.  L’huile: Oil L’huile helps hydrate your skin, replenish it with vital vitamins and nutrients, and leaves your skin glowing and firm.  Just a couple drops of oil will be more than enough. Une crème hydratante: Moisturizer There are so many moisturizers on the market, so your best bet is to pick one that works with your skin type (sensitive, dry, or combination). Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated all day long. But remember, it’s not a replacement for drinking water! Une crème mains: Hand cream While we’re pampering our skin, let’s not forget our hands — they age as quickly as your face does.  Regularly applying hand cream throughout the day (after washing your hands) can improve elasticity and lock the moisture in.  We hope you’re enjoying learning French phrases with us! Ready for some more? Learn French Phrases: Nighttime Skincare Routine Your night skincare game is just as important as your daytime one. When you sleep, your skin has a chance to repair and recover from the damage done throughout the day.  So the products you put on your skin before bed matter. This is the optimum time for the ingredients to work their magic because your skin is most receptive at night.   Les lingettes démaquillantes: Makeup remover wipes L’huile démaquillante: Makeup remover Boules de coton: cotton balls Leaving your makeup on when you go to sleep is like committing a crime... against yourself.  No matter how tired or hungover you are, always remove your makeup! Remember to be gentle as you do it, especially around the eye area.  Une mousse nettoyante: Cleansing foam  Using a cleanser is vital for getting rid of dead cells and any residual damaging agents at the end of the day. Like most beauty products, the best cleanser for you will depend on your skin type.  Une lotion / Une crème de corps: Body lotion After you’ve showered, you want to lock in your skin's moisture with a nourishing body lotion. This will help your skin stay hydrated and elastic, and prevent it from becoming dry or flaky.  Une crème de nuit: Night cream Applying a night cream is a must before going to sleep. This is the one thing that will keep your skin barrier healthy, and keep your skin looking radiant.  Tip: use a special eye cream for your delicate eye area, and apply gently.    Une masque de nuit / une masque de sommeil: Night mask Sleep masks are a brilliant invention. You cover your face with the mask before bed, it absorbs into your skin, and the ingredients gradually release through the night.  The best part? All you have to do is pop the mask on, and your work is done. Do this once or twice a week instead of your regular crème de nuit. A night mask can reduce dullness and improve hydration, plus so much more! High five ladies — you are now a pro with French phrases about morning and evening beauty routines.