

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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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Colman Domingo’s Career Advice Is A Reminder That Our Words Shape Our Reality
When it comes to life, we are always here for a good reminder to shift our mindsets, and Colman Domingo just gave us one we didn't know we needed.
In a resurfaced clip from an appearance at NewFest shared as a repost via Micheaux Film Festival, the Emmy award winner dropped a gem on how he has navigated his decades-spanning career in Hollywood. The gem in question? Well, Colman has never identified with "struggle" in his career. Let that sit.
Colman Domingo On Not Claiming Struggle
"I’ve never said that this career was tough. I’ve never said it was difficult. I’ve never said it was hard," Colman said. "Other people would say that—‘oh, you're in a very difficult industry. It's very hard to get work and book work.’ I’m like, I’ve never believed that."
Instead of allowing himself to be defined by other people's projections about their perceptions of what the industry is or was, Colman dared to believe differently even if his reality was playing catch up with his dreams:
"Like Maya Angelou said words are things. And if you believe that, then that's actually what it is. Actually I've just never believed it. Someone told me some years ago, they said, 'I remember you were, you're a struggling actor.' I'm like, 'I don't.'"
"I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living..."
He continued:
"Even when I was bartending and hustling and not having opportunities or anything, I never believed that I was struggling because I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living and creating and being curious."
Colman’s philosophy of attaching to living instead of struggle has blossomed into an enduring career. He first made his mark on stage in acclaimed Broadway productions before transitioning to the screen, where his star began to rise in the 2010s following his role as Victor Strand in Fear The Walking Dead. From there, his presence only grew, landing memorable supporting roles in If Beale Street Could Talk, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the hit series Euphoria.
In more recent years, Colman has stepped fully into the spotlight with standout leading performances in Rustin and Sing Sing, both of which earned him widespread critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.
With all that said, Colman's advice is no doubt powerful, especially for those who are chasing their dreams, building something from the ground up, or have question marks about what's next in their careers. Words shape our realities, and how we speak about our journeys even in passing matters.
Words Create Our Reality & Colman Is Living Proof
"I tell young people that. To remember the words that you say about yourself and your career are true. So, I choose to make it full of light and love and it's interesting and every day I'm going to learn something new even if it looks like I don't have what I want but it's important to be in the moment... you really build on the moments moment to moment.
"And you're looking back at your career as I've been in it for what 33 years and you're like, 'Wow, that's what I've been doing.' And I've stayed strong to that so I think that is truly my advice."
Let this be your sign to give your path a reframe. When the path you're on feels uncertain, the journey is still unfolding. Like Colman said: "I wasn't attached to a struggle. I was attached to living."
That's a Black king right there.
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