The red eye makeup trend is having a major moment, and it’s far more wearable than you might think. From runways to red carpets, softly diffused reds, rusts, and cranberry tones are redefining modern eye makeup. Recently, WHO Magazine spotlighted this trend, featuring Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics as a go-to brand for achieving the look. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics makeup artist Sam Cleary shares her expert tips on how to create the perfect red eye makeup look in a way that is flattering and effortlessly chic. Start With the Right Formula When it comes to red eye makeup, formula is everything. Reds can easily look muddy if the texture isn’t right, so choosing blendable, buildable mineral eyeshadows is key. “Creating the red eye makeup trend always starts with a formula that blends easily” says Sam. The Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Starlit and the Youngblood Weekender Palette are ideal for this look. Both feature a curated mix of warm, red-leaning tones that work harmoniously together. Thanks to their finely milled mineral pigments, you can keep the look soft and sheer for daytime or layer it up for a bold, editorial finish - without harsh edges. Choose Flattering Red Tones for Long-Lasting Impact Not all reds are created equal. For a bold yet wearable red eye, Sam recommends focusing on warm, earthy variations. “Warm reds, soft rusts, and cranberry tones tend to be the most flattering and long-wearing.” Use a matte shade as your base, such as Lavish from the Starlit Pressed Eyeshadow Quad, then layer one of the soft shimmer tones from the Weekender Palette on top. This balance of matte and shimmer adds dimension and keeps red eye makeup from looking flat or heavy. Make the Red Eye Trend Work for Every Skin Tone One of the biggest misconceptions about red eye makeup is that it doesn’t suit everyone. According to Sam, it’s all about placement and intensity, not avoiding the colour altogether. Fair to light skin tones: Opt for softly blended, diffused reds for a wearable wash of colour. Medium to tan skin tones: Cranberry shades create a bold but balanced effect. Deeper skin tones: True reds and deeper hues look stunning when concentrated on the lid and blended outward for depth No matter your skin tone, keeping the edges soft and intentional ensures the look feels polished and modern. Prep and Define for All-Day Wear To keep your red eye makeup looking fresh from morning to night, prep is essential. Start with Youngblood Stay Put Eye Prime to create a smooth base and enhance shadow longevity. For definition, Sam recommends softly anchoring the eyes with Youngblood One Swipe Gel Eyeliner - applied gently rather than sharply to maintain a modern finish. Finish the look with a coat of Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara. This frames the eyes beautifully without overpowering the colour. Modern Ways to Wear the Red Eye Makeup Trend For a fresh, editorial take, Sam loves keeping the look diffused and lived-in rather than overly structured. "I also love taking a touch of red shadow along the lower lash line for a subtle editorial edge." Pair your red eye makeup with clean, glowing skin and a neutral lip so the eyes remain the focal point. The result? A bold beauty statement that still feels effortless and wearable. Shop the Look: Youngblood Mineral Essentials Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Starlit Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Weekender Palette Youngblood Mineral Cosmetic Stay Put Eye Prime Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics One Swipe Gel Liner Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara
The red eye makeup trend is having a major moment, and it’s far more wearable than you might think. From runways to red carpets, softly diffused reds, rusts, and cranberry tones are redefining modern eye makeup. Recently, WHO Magazine spotlighted this trend, featuring Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics as a go-to brand for achieving the look.
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics makeup artist Sam Cleary shares her expert tips on how to create the perfect red eye makeup look in a way that is flattering and effortlessly chic.
Start With the Right Formula
When it comes to red eye makeup, formula is everything. Reds can easily look muddy if the texture isn’t right, so choosing blendable, buildable mineral eyeshadows is key.
“Creating the red eye makeup trend always starts with a formula that blends easily” says Sam.
The Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Starlit and the Youngblood Weekender Palette are ideal for this look. Both feature a curated mix of warm, red-leaning tones that work harmoniously together. Thanks to their finely milled mineral pigments, you can keep the look soft and sheer for daytime or layer it up for a bold, editorial finish - without harsh edges.
Choose Flattering Red Tones for Long-Lasting Impact
Not all reds are created equal. For a bold yet wearable red eye, Sam recommends focusing on warm, earthy variations.
“Warm reds, soft rusts, and cranberry tones tend to be the most flattering and long-wearing.”
Use a matte shade as your base, such as Lavish from the Starlit Pressed Eyeshadow Quad, then layer one of the soft shimmer tones from the Weekender Palette on top. This balance of matte and shimmer adds dimension and keeps red eye makeup from looking flat or heavy.
Make the Red Eye Trend Work for Every Skin Tone
One of the biggest misconceptions about red eye makeup is that it doesn’t suit everyone. According to Sam, it’s all about placement and intensity, not avoiding the colour altogether.
- Fair to light skin tones: Opt for softly blended, diffused reds for a wearable wash of colour.
- Medium to tan skin tones: Cranberry shades create a bold but balanced effect.
- Deeper skin tones: True reds and deeper hues look stunning when concentrated on the lid and blended outward for depth
No matter your skin tone, keeping the edges soft and intentional ensures the look feels polished and modern.
Prep and Define for All-Day Wear
To keep your red eye makeup looking fresh from morning to night, prep is essential.
Start with Youngblood Stay Put Eye Prime to create a smooth base and enhance shadow longevity. For definition, Sam recommends softly anchoring the eyes with Youngblood One Swipe Gel Eyeliner - applied gently rather than sharply to maintain a modern finish.
Finish the look with a coat of Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara. This frames the eyes beautifully without overpowering the colour.
Modern Ways to Wear the Red Eye Makeup Trend
For a fresh, editorial take, Sam loves keeping the look diffused and lived-in rather than overly structured.
"I also love taking a touch of red shadow along the lower lash line for a subtle editorial edge."
Pair your red eye makeup with clean, glowing skin and a neutral lip so the eyes remain the focal point.
The result? A bold beauty statement that still feels effortless and wearable.
Shop the Look: Youngblood Mineral Essentials
- Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Starlit
- Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Weekender Palette
- Youngblood Mineral Cosmetic Stay Put Eye Prime
- Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics One Swipe Gel Liner
- Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara
