Who doesn't love to get bold every once in a while? I'm a fan of the "no makeup" look as much as anyone, but sometimes it's fun to switch things up and go beyond the norm. This is probably why the red eyeshadow look is such a trend. Nudes and rose golds might typically be the safe favorite, but red eyeshadow is perfect when you're looking for a shake-up.
And you don't have to be afraid of it. When venturing out to rock red eyeshadow, choosing the best shade for your skin tone is key. For brown-skinned girls, a burgundy or eggplant is often a great choice. For lighter-toned ladies, a rusty red is a win, while primary reds look great on those rocking the middle. Applying concealer before red eyeshadow (or any shade) evens out your skin for a cleaner look. When wearing red eyeshadow, think about using plum or red eyeliner instead of the classic black to help balance out and complete your look. Lastly, keep the rest of your makeup look simple. Going bold is fun but this is definitely a case where less is more.
Now, where do you start? Check out a few ideas!
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Cream Shadow in Matte Red
Make Up For Ever
OK, so it was absolutely necessary to add this color paint to the list. It's known for not budging AND will stay on for at least 24 hours. Did I mention it's waterproof? The Matte Red shade is a daring one but oh so worth it.
Milani Cosmetics Gilded Rouge Eyeshadow Palette
Milani Cosmetics
Milani Cosmetics is a drugstore favorite and their Gilded Rouge Eyeshadow Palette is no exception. There's one red option in the collection, which goes perfectly with the other metallic and matte finishes this palette provides.
Afflano Red Orange Sunset Eyeshadow Palette
Amazon
This palette features multiple red shades, and few oranges to throw in with it. It's easy to apply and has a smooth finish, which is never a bad thing. It has both matte and shimmer options for a natural look or a more glamorous one -- it's your prerogative. Ultimately, setting spray is what really sets off this look for long-lasting success. Another plus is that it's cruelty-free.
Pat McGrath Labs EYEdols Eye Shadow in Crimson Fire
Pat McGrath Labs
This list wouldn't be complete without our good sis Pat McGrath's EYEdols shade. There's a reason celebrities flock to this one as a favorite. Crimson Fire's shimmer certainly shouldn't be underestimated and can spruce up any everyday look.
Huda Beauty Obsessions Precious Stones Eyeshadow Palette -- Ruby
Huda Beauty
This collection is not playing fair! It has nine colors with four in a metallic finish, which is perfect for a night out, and five that provide a matte look. With this palette, you have options! Even if you don't want to go all out with a metallic appearance, you can just brush it over an everyday color to get the best of both worlds.
NYX Phoenix Ultimate Shadow Palette
NYX
You really can't go wrong with this option. Its variety works well with several skin tones, so you don't have to worry about splurging on the wrong shade. Its staying power is impressive and can hold its place for hours at a time. The NYX Phoenix Ultimate Shadow Palette features six different shades that make it easy for your at-work look or after-hours appearance.
Kylie Cosmetics' The Burgundy Kyshadow Palette
Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner has a hit on her hands with this one. The Burgundy Kyshadow Palette has nine different colors, including a bright red, peach, and nudes that are perfect for those with warm skin tones. It's a pressed-powder palette so there is minimal fallout and an even better blend.
Stargazer Eye Shadow in Deep Red
Stargazer
This red eyeshadow goes deep! It complements so well with peaches and browns. Thanks to its small and petite size, it's easy to travel with so you can bring it with you on the go. Its high pigment also makes the bold color stand out, helping you achieve the ultimate look you want to accomplish.
ColourPop Main Squeeze Watermelon Red Eyeshadow Palette
ColourPop
This entire palette is bae. ColourPop's Main Squeeze Watermelon Red Eyeshadow Palette features a variety of red shades for those searching for a strawberry red look, a burnt coral, or even gold that can bring your red eyeshadow look together.
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In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
