With so many palettes and so many colour schemes, it’s easy to get confused about the best starting point.

No matter whether you’re going for glitter eyeshadow or smokey eyes, there are certain combinations that are always recommended by experts.

Luckily, eyeshadow palette manufacturers tend to give us a helping hand when it comes to choosing our shades by arranging them alongside complementary colours in each column.

Ideally, you need to pick a base colour than suits your skin tone, and one suitable light and dark colour to be blended. Of course, there are many more complex combinations for those who really want to go to town.

It is also worth pointing out that depending on your features, your can also go for a monochromatic look with different shades of a single colour, or polychromatic to create a steady transition between 2-4 shades that are neighbours on the colour spectrum.

The issue for those who are in the early stages of learning to apply eyeshadow is that so many guides set so many rules for its application that it can impair your ability to learn how to experiment. When you buy or receive a new eyeshadow palette, the best thing that you can do is lock yourself away infront of a mirror and play around. However, there are some basic guidelines in regard to skin tone that you can follow to avoid any potential catastrophes:

• Those with lighter skin tend to benefit from more earthy tones so colours such as bronzes and browns really help to accentuate the eyes.
• People with fair skin, often suit combinations that include bolder green and blues that create a striking look, although fair skin doesn’t always suit warmer colours such as yellows and reds.
• Individuals who have olive skin will often benefit from combinations featuring different shades of teal, creating a classy, high-society look.
• If you have dark skin, you really want to create a contrast, and that’s why soft reds and pinks are often used to offer an alluring, mysterious look that’s sure to catch people’s eyes.

Of course, many individuals choose their shades based on the colour of their eyes aswell:

• If you have brown eyes, earthy tones such as light and dark browns can help to give you an attractive alluring look.
• Those with green eyes often benefit from smoky greys and purples, especially along the brow bone. By adding a little silver too, you can easily create an appearance that will blow your mind.
• Blues eyes can be aided by muted, fairer colours that frame your eye and make the stand out – with popular choices being soft corals and champagnes.
• The tones of grey eyes can occasionally seem a little obvious than other brighter colours – but that doesn’t mean they’re aren’t options. By mixing violet and muted greys, you can enjoy an understated and remarkable look.

The truth is that everyone is an individual, and so what works for one person, does not necessarily work for another, and that’s why it’s important to try-out as many approaches as possible.

Enjoy reading about eyeshadow colour combinations? Why not read more of our blogs? With competitive prices and same day dispatch services available, LaRoc’s fast, friendly service is dedicated to inspire you with our great selection of eyeshadow palettes, makeup brushes and face makeup.