How to Wear Turquoise Eye Makeup

December 11, 2011 by Makeup Artist

Gwen Stefani, Jessica Alba, and Amber Riley rock turquoise eye makeup.

There's something about the color turquoise that brings about images of cool waters rushing along beaches in the Caribbean and Native American artists fashioning pristine jewels in the classic color.

And the bold shade is definitely in its prime as Pantone LLC has crowned Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise as the Color of the Year for 2010.

Lithe models donned turquoise eye makeup on the Spring/Summer 2010 runways of Nanette Lepore and Derek Lam. And celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Jessica Alba, and Amber Riley have all been spotted on the red carpet with the eye-popping hue.

"Turquoise makeup is a huge summer trend because it has a sexy tropical feel," says Mathew Nigara, NYC New York Color makeup artist. "It can be whimsical and fun, as well as, look incredible on tanned, shimmering skin."

When worn with all-black or crisp white and even its color cousin teal, turquoise eye makeup can make quite the statement when applied with a confident hand and a lot of imagination, according to Nigara.

Just keep in mind these simple tips from Nigara on finding a turquoise eye makeup look for your skin tone.

How to Wear Turquoise Eye Makeup

NYC New York Color City Duet Eyeshadow. Courtesy Photo If you are fair to light skinned, use a shimmery taupe cream shadow like NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust in Smokey Topaz with a bit of water and apply with finger from lid to crease. Apply turquoise shadow with a teal base like NYC New York Color Color Wheel Mosaic Eye Powder in Beyond The Sea with a Teal Eyeliner Pencil in the outer half of the eye and blend line under the eye with the same shadow. Pair it with a fresh face and subtle coral cream blush like NYC New York Color Blushable Creme Stick in South Street Seashell. For lips, smooth on a coral lip color with your fingertips to create a vintage '70s look.

If you are medium skinned, apply a copper base bronzer like NYC New York Color Sun 2 Sun Bronzing Powder in Bronze Gold to the pronounced areas of your face -- apples of the cheek, temples, tip of chin, and nose. Anywhere the sun is likely to hit. Lips should be glossy and nude so it doesn't distract from the bold statement of the eye. Use a light blue cream base shadow all over the lid. Use a navy eyeliner at the lash line and blend. Using a medium shadow brush, apply a golden based turquoise such as NYC New York Color City Duet Blendable Brights in Yankees Blues over the entire lid. Pat on a golden shimmer powder like NYC New York Color Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in the Translucent Highighter Glow.

If you are dark skinned, opt for a deliberate liner NYC New York Color Eyeliner Duet in Islands in The Stream set off with accents of black and gold using Blendable Brights in Yankee Blues. Line lids with a thick liner. Accentuate lashes with a black shadow or liner for definition. Evoke Elizabeth Taylor in "Cleopatra" and go for the exotic by highlighting with gold shimmer and finishing with a soft petal pink pout.

And if you want to learn how to match your makeup to your clothing, check out this feature with inspiration from First Lady Michelle Obama.

Shop the selection of turquoise eye makeup below:

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How to Wear Turquoise Eye Makeup