Fall is finally here, and I am sure most of us are ready for all the fashion trends to begin rolling in for the season. The prevalence of neutral color palettes makes autumn a great time to experiment with implementing rich colors into your ensemble, especially those that mimic the natural elements of the season, such as the bold-colored leaves. One of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to my look is through makeup. While the clean girl and minimal makeup aesthetics have become the norm these days, it can be fun to try something daring every once in a while, whether it be for a trip to a pumpkin patch, a night out in the city or just to test out a new look for the fun of it.
I am a firm believer that there is no right or wrong way to do makeup, and that applies to what colors you use. However, with color theory, there is a method to discover what colors are the most flattering with your eyes, and this can be a great way to figure out what colors you like on yourself. Complementary colors, for example, appear opposite each other on the color wheel and look harmonious when placed together, and this is the main aspect of color theory that I will address here.
Recently, I have seen several creators post content about “makeup for [insert color] eyes,” so why not apply this idea with autumnal-inspired tones? Below are several sources of inspiration to make your eyes pop for the season, catered to your eye color.
Brown Eyes – Navy Blue
When looking at the color wheel, brown aligns closest with orange, which lays directly across from blue. According to color theory, this makes blue and orange complementary colors. Deep blues are a staple in fall fashion (think old money-esque sweaters) and are a beautiful way to create depth for brown eyes. Add some dark blue eyeshadow to your lower lash line for a precise hint of color, or try out a navy smokey eye for a more complex take on the hue. If you’re a fan of black eyeliner you can switch it up with a blue wing instead to refresh your daily routine.
Blue and Grey Eyes – Warm Browns
We’re doing pretty much the reverse of brown eyes here. Using brown shadows with warmer undertones can especially tap into that orange complementary color effect on blue and grey eyes and nods to the natural colors of the leaves this season. A sweep of light brown across your lids can make for an effortless, everyday look, especially when paired with a brown mascara. For a statement look you can incorporate different shades of brown to curate a smokey or halo eye that’s bound to highlight eyes.
Green and Hazel Eyes – Burgundy
Burgundy is a longtime staple fall color and is a surefire way to make green and hazel eyes stand out (red and green are opposites on the color wheel). I have seen a lot of inspiration blending cool toned pinks seamlessly into the deeper red to lower the intensity of what otherwise would be a dark and moody look. The pink and burgundy cut crease is definitely one of my favorite implementations of the look, but for something simpler, you can try out a smoked out wing using burgundy eyeshadow.Â
All Eye Colors – Gold Â
Don’t get me wrong, I love silver, but I think gold takes the cake for the metallic color of autumn. Not only is gold so versatile in how it can be incorporated into your makeup routine, but it can be tailored to any eye color to bring out the vibrancy of your orbs. Cool toned, champagne golds placed all over the lid or on the inner corners create the ultimate brightening effect (similar to the neutral white shown in the middle of the color wheel at the top). Yellow and orange golds provide a warmer alternative and look fabulous smoked out with dark brown or black shadows. Shimmery or glittery gold shadows create a mesmerizing effect when the light catches your eyes and is a quick way to add dimension to your makeup. The possibilities are endless. Â
While I don’t believe in hard and fast rules regarding what colors you should be applying to your eyelids, there is something so put-together about using color theory to guide your makeup. It can be a great way to find a balance between both simple and intriguing looks. At the end of the day, makeup should be about having fun and enhancing your natural beauty, so try out some new looks and do what makes you feel your best!Â