Yes, Pink Eye Shadow Really Is Wearable (and Perfect for V-Day!)
If we had a nickel for every pink lipstick in our collection, we'd have money to burn. But the same can't be said for our stash of pink eye shadow. When it comes to eye shadow, the general rule is to avoid "pink eye" at all costs. Who wants to look like a clown or a victim of allergies?
Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor agrees. "Some people are afraid to try pink shadow because certain shades can be too red, making you look tired," he says. "The trick with pink eye shadow is to choose a color that is different enough from your own skin tone." Aha!
So, in celebration of Valentine's Day (AKA the day rose-colored makeup is practically mandatory), we asked Sotomayor to give us the scoop on the best pink shadows for every skin tone. Click through the slides above to find out if your perfect pink is bubblegum, bright fuchsia, or somewhere in between.
Photo: Imaxtree1/9Everything's coming up rosy.
Photo: Courtesy of Chanel2/9Rose Gold
Chanel Base Ombre À Paupières in Bright
Rose gold is having a fashion moment and there’s no reason why the trend can’t extend to your lids. Though it’s intended as a base, Sotomayor likes the way this product jibes with all skin tones because of the warm flecks of gold in its formula. "It’s a very easy shade to wear," he says. "It works on its own as an eye shadow applied from lash to brow."
Photo: Courtesy of CoverGirl3/9Cool-Toned Pink
CoverGirl Eye Shadow Quad in Blooming Bushes
Sotomayor likens the shadows in this four-part palette to what you’d get if you mid up the flavors of Neapolitan ice cream. These cool-toned pinks work best with medium skin tones and can be applied liberally across the lid. "They have enough color to show up without looking chalky or too dramatic," he says.
Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana4/9Beige-Pink
Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Smooth Eye Colour Duo in Cinnamon
For those with light and medium skin tones just dipping their toes into the pink eye shadow waters, Sotomayor sees this barely-there duo as a sure bet. Its neutral undertones make ballet slipper-colored shadow suitable for daytime wear. "Those with lighter skin tones can apply the pink color from lash to brow, and add the caramel shade to the top lid," advises Sotomayor. "If you have more of a medium skin tone, apply the pink shade to the lid and the beige in the outer corners."
Photo: Courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté5/9Bubblegum Pink
Clé de Peau Beauté Satin Eye Color in Pink Opal
For those with fair skin, Sotomayor favors traditional pink hues. Think bubblegum-colored, washed all over your lids. Finish the look with an application of mascara to really make your eyes pop. "Black mascara is enough definition for most people," says Sotomayor. "But if you want more, you can apply gray eyeliner."
Photo: Courtesy of Guerlain6/9Cotton Candy
Guerlain Colour Fusion Eyeshadows in Cygne Blanc
This sweet shade of pink mimics cotton candy in more ways than one. Girls with medium and fair skin tones will love this ultra-feminine duo for both day and evening. To make the color really stand out, Sotomayor suggests applying the white shade all over the lid before adding the shimmering pink.
Photo: Courtesy of Make Up For Ever7/9Bright Fuchsia
Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in Mauve
If you’ve got dark skin, consider yourself one of the few who can actually pull off super-bright shadows like this one. Sure, fuchsia isn’t for the faint of heart, but apply it correctly and you’ll hit a total beauty home run. "Use it to line the upper lashline or dab it gently on your eyelid," says Sotomayor.
Photo: Courtesy of M.A.C.8/9Muted Coral
M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Sushi Flower
When applied, this multi-dimensional eye shadow looks plum one minute and coral the next. Either way, it boasts beautiful pink tones that best suit those with medium and dark complexions. "This shade works well just in the crease on medium skin and all over the lid on deep skin," says Sotomayor. "Pair it with a beige shadow along the brow bone."
Photo: Courtesy of Maybelline New York9/9Plum
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Crown Jewels
The pink shade in this trio borrows plum undertones from its purple next-door neighbor. With that in mind, Sotomayor says this sort of pink is universal, as jewel tones flatter complexions all across the spectrum. As for application, Sotomayor recommends you "apply the light color all over, tap the middle shade directly on the lid, and use the darkest shade to line the eye."
