It was the look at Christian Dior Spring 2011 (pictured below) created by makeup artist Pat McGrath, is a fun way to wear color, and looks awesome on our varying skin tones. Bold color on the eyes is a great look especially in warmer weather and if you’re in an environment where you can wear it (aqua shadow looks great for girls’ night out not so much for the board room).

While a single wash of color (that does NOT go all the way to the brow bone–don’t do it to yourself) is the easiest way to wear vibrant hues on the eyes, try to step into blending two or more colors together. You can find a great tool for finding the right ones in my How to Combine Colors post.

Quick bold shadow tips:
1. Always use a base under any shadow, but especially with brighter ones to keep them vibrant and from traveling or creasing. To really kick up a color, use a base like Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream (waterproof cream color that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, or lips) in a shade similar to your eyeshadow color. Your bright will go from bam to BAM! when you do.

2. Some gorgeous bright shades to have in your arsenal: Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows in #92, #75, #171, #159, #64, #168, #2, #9, #26, #72, #91 (see swatches here); MAC Eyeshadows in Bitter, Chrome Yellow, Aquadiasiac, Eletric Eel, Sunny Spot, Orange, Atlantic Blue, Vibrant Grape; NYX Single Shadows in Bright Green, Yellow Funk, Extreme Apricot, Matte Turquoise, Red Pink.

3. You can pair your bright shadow with a complementary bright lip or a nude. Just please don’t match it to your outfit.

More M·A·C…

Do you wear bold eye color?

Images via Style.com, Instyle.com, Bellanaija.com