At first glance, the colour green isn’t the most appealing colour. I, for one, associate it with Marvel villains, the Wicked Witch of the West and admittedly my first cartoon crush, Shego, from Kim Possible. As you can already tell, green is prominent when it comes to the portrayal of supervillains. However this isn’t a character design analysis, this is a reminder that green is an underrated statement colour that’s both daring and chic. With many beautiful variations, from lime to emerald, green is a colour that looks flattering on every skin tone. So step outside your comfort zone and recreate these fierce makeup looks that will have everyone around you green with envy.
The Green Goddess
Inspired by the stunning eye look painted by Hung Vanngo on Selena Gomez, this glossy green creation is ethereal and mesmer-eye-sing, serving us otherworldly Goddess on her descent to Earth. All it needs is a simple swipe of highly pigmented green eyeshadow on the lid, using Nars’ Pure Pops Single Eyeshadow in the colour, Matcha, blending in an upward motion towards the outer corner for a symmetrical, wing- eye effect. For that glazed donut coat, dab some non-stick gloss on top, like Kevin Aucoin’s The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss, topping the lid off with a subtle dusting of reflective sparkle using NYX Professional Makeup’s Metallic Glitter in Lumi. Pair this look with a coral-nude lip and there you have it – an iridescent slime green lid ready to glisten under the summer sun.
The Deep Green Kiss
Nothing screams ‘statement’ like a bold pout. This is a deep green lip look, similar to the one Rihanna pulled off in 2012 when she wore Dolce & Gabbana’s Sicilian Jewels Classic Cream Lipstick in Emerald. When working with such a fearless colour, using muted colours on the rest of the face is the best way to tie this look together for anunapologetically chic moment. The base should feature minimal eye makeup with neutral tones and gold accents to let your lips stand out. Before applying the lipstick, prep your lips with a lip scrub and lip balm. Fittingly, Fenty Beauty have a Pro Kiss’r Lip Care Set, which contains a scrubstick and lip balm. Afterwards, line your lips with any dark green eye pencil, like Essence’s Long Lasting Eye Pencil in I Have A Green. Finally, carefully go in with your deep green lipstick which can be matte, glossy or metallic. Some good options include Gucci’s Gothique Metallic Lipstick in Princess Olga Green or MAC’s Grand Illusion Holographic Lip Colour in Peace, Love, Unity, Respect – a deep, pearlescent green guaranteed to turn heads.
The Mint Green Lower Lashline
In a sea full of upper eyelid looks, be a lower lash line. The long-forgotten lower lash line needs some attention too, which is why this look is perfect if you want to accentuate your lower eye area. And what better colour to use than a striking mint green? It’s unpredictable, fun and super easy to pull off with a minimal base. Keep it simple with beautiful, lightly bronzed lids, luscious lashes and an understated lip to let your lower lash line speak for itself. To finalise the look, add dimension by framing your under eye with an electric mint green using Huda Beauty’s Pastel Obsessions Palette in Mint, which has three green shades to play around with.
The Neon Green Pop
Admit it, you love a bit of neon. And this is exactly what this look is – the slightest pop of neon placed on the inner corners. You don’t even have to say anything, as your inner corner will do all the talking. For the punchy pop of green, experiment with the green shades from the Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 2 or BH Cosmetics’ Take Me Back To Brazil 35 Colour Pressed Pigment Palette. The rest of the look should stay as naturel as you don’t want the striking green to compete and fade from the spotlight, so avoid overcrowding your face with other colours. Pair it with a neutral lip and subtly flushed cheeks so that vibrant green hue remains the main focal point.
The Graphic Green Liner
Take a backseat, black liner, it’s time to give green liner the recognition it deserves. If you’d like to try something more artistic and abstract, then green graphic liner is the look to pull off. A vibrant graphic liner can effortlessly brighten up and elevate your entire look as it is. The world, or eye lid, is your oyster, so don’t be shy to experiment with different strokes and shades of green, depending on your skin tone. You can go for a striking cat liner, dotted crease or dainty, precise lines on your upper lid canvas. Try NYX Professional Makeup’s Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner in Emerald Cut or Dior’s Dior show On Stage Liner in Matte Pop Green. It’s a bold trend that only requires your chosen green liner, a steady hand, and limitless imagination – perfect for the creative.
The Regal Emerald Eye
If you’re after a powerful green eye look, then look no further. This jewel-toned smokey green eye is giving us I-just-won-the-lottery vibes. With bright neons saturating our Instagram feeds, it’s nice to opt for a darker green eye. This makeup look is a cross between enchanting greenery and gorgeous glam, so pair a metallic emerald green with shimmery golds for the ultimate regal affair. Some great palettes and shadows to play with include Huda Beauty’s Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Emerald, Kiko Milano’s Glitter Shower Eyeshadow in Enchanted Forest, or Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Rebel. Use techniques like halo eyes by highlighting the center of your eye with champagne shades for a look that oozes pure opulence. To achieve this complete emerald eye, build a seamless gradient of deep greens then finish off with a middle pop of gold, so your eyes emit that precious stone glimmer.
