Why Burgundy Is the New Neutral
Burgundy is the perfect middle ground between a neutral brown and a statement color. It's deeper than a basic brown but softer and more wearable than a harsh black. The magic lies in its complex undertones; a blend of red, purple, and brown that can dramatically
enhance your natural eye color. For brown eyes, the reddish tones pull out warm, amber flecks, making them appear richer and more dimensional. For green or hazel eyes, the red in burgundy provides a stunning contrast that makes them pop. Unlike some dark browns that can look flat, burgundy has an inherent warmth and depth that brightens the whites of the eyes, making you look more awake and vibrant. It’s a surprisingly flattering shade that works on virtually all skin tones.
Finding Your Perfect Burgundy Shade
Not all burgundies are created equal, and finding the right one for your skin tone is key. Makeup artists suggest that warmer variations of red tend to be universally flattering. If you have fair to light skin, look for burgundies with cooler, plummy undertones to avoid overpowering your complexion. For medium to olive skin tones, true wine and berry shades are incredibly flattering. Those with deep skin tones can embrace rich, warm burgundies and black-cherry shades that provide a beautiful, velvety depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different finishes. A matte burgundy is perfect for creating a soft, diffused look, while a shimmer or metallic finish can add a touch of glamour.
How to Apply for a Soft, Daytime Look
If you're new to the trend, the key is to start small. You can use burgundy as a soft liner or as a subtle wash of color. For a simple everyday look, take a fluffy blending brush and sweep a light layer of matte burgundy into your crease and along the lower lash line. This adds definition without the harshness of a dark liner. Another easy technique is to apply your usual neutral eyeshadow and then press a small amount of burgundy onto the outer third of your eyelid, blending well. This creates a gentle ombre effect that adds dimension. The most crucial tip to keep the look soft is to blend the edges until there are no harsh lines. Finish with a clean swipe of black or brown mascara to define your lashes.
Dialing It Up for a Smoky Evening Look
Burgundy is incredibly versatile and can easily be intensified for a more dramatic evening look. To create a burgundy smoky eye, start by packing a deeper, matte burgundy shade all over your eyelid. Then, use a clean fluffy brush to diffuse the color into the crease, blending upward and outward toward the tail of your brow. To add more intensity, you can blend a touch of black or dark brown eyeshadow into the outer corner. For a final touch of glamour, press a shimmery copper or gold eyeshadow onto the center of your lid with your finger. Always frame a smoky eye with black eyeliner and several coats of mascara to keep it looking defined and intentional, not tired.
What to Pair with Burgundy Eyes
When wearing a statement color like burgundy on your eyes, it's best to keep the rest of your makeup relatively simple and balanced. To avoid looking flushed, make sure to even out your skin tone with foundation or a BB cream. Opt for a neutral, peachy blush or a soft bronzer instead of a pink or red-toned one. For your lips, a nude, pink, or soft brown shade works beautifully and keeps the focus on your eyes. However, a monochromatic look with a matching burgundy lipstick can also be incredibly chic and powerful for a bolder occasion.
