Once you’re onto a good thing with your makeup, it’s rare to change things up. In fact, it’s easy to go into a mindless trance during our morning routines, only regaining consciousness as we spritz on our perfume and head out the door. So, why is it that we love watching other people playing around with their makeup but run for cover when it’s our turn? Easy, because switching things up can seem ‘too hard basket’ and also a little scary, particularly when bright and bold colours are involved. Thankfully, professional makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge, has shared her top tips for introducing colourful makeup, minus the intimidation.
Champion one area
Once you’re on a roll, we know how tempting it can be to amplify that red lip with a smokey pink shadow, however, “when you have strong colours on both eyes and lips, it’s harder to make the makeup look good because it just swallows your up,” she told Vogue UK.
Introduce textures
“If I’m using colour, I play with texture. For example, when I do a bright, solid lip, I like to do more of a wash of bronze or pewter on [the] eyes,” explained Lisa. “I make sure not to use a solid block of colour on both – if the textures mirror each other, (i.e. both are matte), that’s when the makeup gets overpowering. There’s no dimension to it,” she said.
Gone are the days of YouTube perfectionism
Often, we don’t trust our skills enough to execute something new, which is why we tend to gravitate toward neutral shades and paired back makeup. However, Lisa assures us that when introducing a pop of colour, a lack of perfection will actually work in your favour. “The way to make colour modern now is to avoid it being too perfect. I think there’s definitely a lot more freedom in makeup at the moment,” she noted.
“What happened with YouTube – as great as it was – was that everyone got so technical about makeup, with so many rules, regulations and contour and stuff.”
Moral of the story? “Play with colour and texture – forget about the rules. Apply lipstick and don’t worry about how perfect the edges are.”
Main image credit: @patrickta
Do you experiment with colourful makeup? If not, will you?
I adore playing with colour, especially on my lids
I don’t on myself other than different color lippies but I’ll always give a makeup artist free reign if I’m having it done.
Yes I love to see what they do and always much better than what I achieve
I’m the same Saffy
Bold lippy – yes!
I rarely wear MU now and when I do, on me subtle works best.
Yes, love. Always
Subtle colours work best on me. I do love bright colours on others.
I definitely don’t have to worry about being too perfect with my makeup application lol
I love a bright lippy however I haven’t got great lips to show it off like these lovely ladies
I like the french idea of either lips or eyes and although Lisa Eldridge looks great he eyes are so stunning she doesn’t need to exaggerate her lips
I think its great to have fun with colour!
I occassionally use a bright lip colour, but I don’t have the patience to muck around with eye makeup.
Sometimes I’ll add a pop of colour to my lower lash line
Not a person who uses bright Colours at all guess because I am Older Woman I feel that Colour is for the Younger Women. Today I decided to buy a Blue Eyeliner when I wear Blue I do use a supple Blue Eyeshadow hopefully it will look nice with the Blue Eyeliner. I also love to wear a light pink.
The only colour I’m brave enough to wear makeup wise is in lipstick and blush.
That is what the french ladies do -usually lips or eyes whichever is your best feature and this looks lovely
Almost always I will wear a bright lip as I’m not great with eyeshadow, plus I’ve got hooded eyelids so that makes eyeshadow application difficult. Besides, a bright lip pops better with my pale skin.
Those lips are certainly eye catching.
she is lucky she has brown eyes because I find that my green eyes sometimes are my shot of colour. I have to be careful and not look too colourful so I wear a lot of neutrals
I think it’s just me but she looks like a sloth with lippy on 😂 Sloth’s are cute 🦥
I used to a lot and I had every color under the rainbow in eyeshadows, but now days less is more so it’s more of a splash of colour in the lippy sometimes.
No, no, NO! I’ll wear the boldest & brightest of colours on my lips or eyes, but I’m not walking out the door cockeyed or Joker-lipped!
If i am feeling good Imight wear brighter makeup
I like to do different things than the same routine. Decently will do the experiment with colourful make up products.
I think bright colors look fantastic on younger women, but I’m a bit more cautious now I’m older.
Love colour! currently trying to learn to apply colourful eyeshadow and eyeliner in inventive ways 🙂
Interesting!!
I love colour – either eyes or lips.
Think I’m too old for this look.
I’m not that adventurous unfortunately
I never explore different colour options, just not adventurous enough
I wouldn’t dare to do that! However its So artistic and beautiful but it wouldn’t suit me
Different colour lipsticks are fun to try
I do get in a rut when applying makeup. I like to try something a bit different now and then.
I’m loving a bright fuchsia lip lately!