A Simple Guide to Makeup for Green Eyes

Fri, October 25, 2019 at 1:05 PM UTC

Rihanna, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart: There are many stunning examples of green-eyed ladies. And while there’s no denying their god given bone structure, they also work with the best beauty experts in the biz.—ones who know exactly what features to play up and how. We tapped one said expert, Morgane Martini, a celebrity makeup artist and global artistry ambassador for Marc Jacobs Beauty, for her best tips on makeup for green eyes.

But before we dive into specific tricks, it’s important to note that there are many variations of the shade, from deep green to hazel green and all of the golden tinted hues in-between. Knowing this distinction can help you with your own makeup routine. And as Martini assures, “it’s mostly just about learning the color wheel and going for opposite colors to create a nice contrast for your eyes.” Fear not, we’re here to guide you through the process.

1. If you have deep green eyes

“Complementing green eyes is very easy as a lot of shades will help emphasize their color, but if I had to choose just one universally flattering hue, I would say that it’s purple,” says Martini. “Purple brings out the green in eyes the most—especially if you have deep green eyes, in which case, a hint of lavender, violet or plum will definitely make your eyes pop.”

Step 1: Sweep a light lavender shadow across both lids blending it up toward the brow bone. Then, add a darker plum or violet shade closer to the lash line and along the waterline.

Step 2: Using a black gel eyeliner, draw in the waterline to add definition and finish with a swipe of mascara. (Tip: Adding a hint of shimmer above and below your pupils will really make your eyes sparkle like Emma here.)

Get the look: L.A. Girl Gel Glide Eyeliner ($3); Lemonhead. LA Spacejam in “Melrosé” ($28); MAC Burgundy Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette ($32)

2. If you have hazel eyes

“If you have hazel eyes, warmer tones like gold, bronze and champagne colors will help bring out those brighter yellow and brown flecks nicely,” advises Martini.

Step 1: Brush a shimmery bronze shadow across your upper lids, sweeping it all the way to the inner corners of your eyes. Using a gold eyeliner pencil, trace it over the inner corners and under the lower waterline to emphasize the shimmer.

Step 2: Swap your black eyeliner for a dark brown instead. (Black can sometimes be too severe against hazel eyes, whereas brown will add soft definition.) Trace it across the upper and lower lash line and subtly flick out the ends to visually lift the corners of your eyes.

Get the look: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in “(Earth)quake” ($25); Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow ($29)

3. If you have golden green eyes

“For ladies with golden green eyes, I like to use a touch of rose gold for a day look and a deeper purple smoky eye at night,” says Martini.

Step 1: Sweep a soft beige or taupe shadow across the upper lids. Next, using a rose gold eye liner (or shadow and small shadow brush) apply the color right above the lash line, blending it into the crease.

Step 2: Tie the whole look together by tapping a rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks and swiping on a sheer tinted lip balm like Julianne Moore.

Get the look: Henne Organics Luxury Lip Tint in “Azalea” ($21); Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Liquid Eyeliner in “Star Magic” ($27); Olio E Osso Tinted Balm in “Spring” ($28): Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Color in “Rosebud” ($29); Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Luxury Eyeshadow Palette ($53)

4. If you want a subtle tweak

For a quick way to make green eyes pop like Rihanna’s, Martini recommends adding a touch of gold glimmer. “This is actually a simple trick I use often on clients when I want to play up the brighter flecks in their eyes.”

Step 1: Sweep a taupe shadow across the upper lids, blending the color up so that it sheers out just above the crease. Using a metallic gold eye pencil or shadow, line your upper lash line and bring the gold toward the inner corners of your eyes like a highlight.

Step 2: Pair your gilded lids with a bold berry lip. This will provide a nice contrast against your minimal eye makeup, while playing up your eyes.

Get the look: Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick in “Treat Yourself” ($10); MAC Dazzleshadow Eyeshadow in “Oh So Guilty” ($19); Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Goldmine” ($22); Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in “Fruitjuice” ($27); Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in “452 Emilienne” ($38)

5. If you want full glam

For something a bit more unexpected, we’d suggest a gunmetal smoky eye (aka Kristen Stewart’s go-to move since her Twilight days). It might not be the first color you think to use, but it’s incredibly striking against green eyes—especially when there’s a hint of shimmer involved. (This is a good look to consider trying at one of the upcoming holiday parties that are just around the corner.)

Step 1: Dust a light grey shadow over the upper lids. Then, sweep a darker, charcoal-toned shadow along the crease, blending the color out so it frames the outer corners of your eyes. Using the same charcoal shadow, bring it underneath your lower waterline.

Step 2: Use a charcoal shadow or slate grey eye liner to lightly trace over your upper lash line and lower waterline, and gently smudge the color with your fingertip. Next, add a sparkly highlight along the inner corners (where your tear ducts are) and just underneath your waterline to add a glimmering finish. Tip: Keep your complexion minimal and fresh so your eyes are the statement (though a nice berry stain on your lips is never a bad idea).

Get the look: Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in “Berry Lit” ($7); RMS Beauty Swift Shadow in “Twilight Madness” ($20); Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in “Diamond Dust” ($24); By Terry Ombre Blackstar Color-Fix Cream Shadow in “Black Pearl” ($38); Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Palette ($50)

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