Bold Eyeshadows To Try

While you’re painstakingly switching your lipsticks everyday for a new look, try focusing on your eyes instead. For a refreshing change, we’re zeroing in on some funky eyeshadows that look daunting at first glance; but once you’ve eased into it, they aren’t that bad after all. Delve into the trove of wild colours and your always-bare eyelids will thank you later.
1. Red

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Shu Uemura Colour Atelier in 189 and 160, $25, available at Shu Uemura counters.

We’re breaking all the basic makeup rules we know by heart here. Red is definitely the trickiest shade of the lot – one wrong move and you’ll look like you have swollen and tired eyes. To be totally foolproof, always go for a cranberry or burgundy shade that go really well with glitter. For the brave souls who are venturing into full-fledged red tones, try blending with a brown shadow for a smokey effect. Remember this: a little red goes a long way – stick to a light and subtle application to avoid looking washed out. Also, always remember to highlight the inner corners of your eyes with a white eyeliner – this not only brightens your eyes, but it also helps to balance the harsh red. For an added oomph, we love pairing our reds with dark eyeliner (remember to line the bottom too) and false lashes.
 
2. Blue and Green
Green
You’ll only need a small hint of blue or green to make your eyes pop. The mix of blue and green is anything but random, and they can easily form a gradient that’s reminiscent of the sea. For a classic daytime look, try lining your eyes with a green eyeshadow with a angled eyeliner brush. Complement this with a light gold or bronze shade halfway up your brow bone to create a softer look. Create an intense, bold look for a night out by lining the bottom of your eyes with a blue and silver eyeshadow, using cotton swabs to avoid sharp lines that might overwhelm your features.
 
Laneige Summer Collection Marine Girl Boy Eyeshadow Palette, $57, available at Laneige counters.
Innisfree Glow Liquid Shadow, $15, available in Innisfree stores from July.
Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Deep End, $44, available at Sephora and Nars counters.

 
3. Orange

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Shu Uemura Colour Atelier in 252 and 251, $25, available at Shu Uemura counters.

Orange might look a little off-putting initially, but once you actually give it a try, you’ll be surprised at how natural the orangey warm tones look on your skin. For the newbies, play it safe and easy with a matte, deep reddish orange shade that will look great as a smokey look. Alternatively, go for a dramatic orangey look by creating a small V on the outer corners of your eyes with a bright, shimmering orange. Complement this by lining your eyes with a dark brown shadow, blended out.
 
4. Purple
Purple
From light shimmers to a deep matte purple, to bright violets and glittering hues, you’ll definitely find that purples are one of the easiest colours to wear. For a softer look, use a nude shade as a base colour and apply light purple glitter at the contour area of your eyes. Our favourite way to wear purple eyeshadow is to pair a dark mauve with black cat eyeliner and a dark brown base for a smokey effect. Further define your eyes by lining your bottom waterline with a dark purple liner.
 
Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Pool Shark, $44, available at Sephora and Nars counters.
M.A.C Runway Worthy Eyeshadow, $72, available at M.A.C counters.