I have dark, tan skin. How can I pull off light eye shadow?

Expert Q&A

From the Editors of Las Fabulosas

You are right be wary, my friend; light colors tend to visually expand, but dark colors visually contract. Applied the wrong way, light eye shadow can make your eyes appear small and make your eyelids look huge — not the effect you were hoping for, I’m sure. The solution: Don’t opt for the lightest of light colors. Instead, go for the hues that are one or two shades darker than the lightest option. Second, use a slightly darker color (but still within a light palette) for your crease; this will give your eyes shape and depth. Third, use the lightest shade only in key areas: the inner part of the eye, underneath the lower lid and the brow bone. The final and critical step: Apply tons of dark mascara to well-curled eyelashes. To make your eyes really pop, try fake lashes.

Belén Aranda-Alvarado  

lives in New York City with her husband and 9-year-old daughter. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Washington Post Magazine and Latina magazine. Belen’s articles have previously appeared in Las Fabulosas.