Green is one of the least popular colors when it comes to makeup. After all, a green complexion usually means someone’s about to barf. Come to think of it, maybe that’s why green is the color of St. Patrick’s Day! Or, because the color green has a history in Irish politics and is associated with St. Patrick’s signature shamrock.
Regardless, if you’re planning on celebrating March 17th with green drinks, a green outfit, green hair, green socks, and anything else the color green, then you’ll need the perfect makeup to match! As a makeup artist, or simply a makeup enthusiast, you understand how hard it can be to make a color like green look good.
Don’t fret! Practicing with these colors will only improve your makeup artistry skills. You’ll be more confident in your abilities to create unique looks. Plus you’ll be able to cater to a wider variety of clients searching for that ‘something different’. We’ve put together a list of ways to add green to your makeup look in hopes of helping you create that perfect #stpattysmakeup!
Face Paint
On St. Patrick’s Day face paint is not only accepted, it’s expected! Instead of a temporary tattoo, face paint can be a great way to get creative. Ideas for face paint mostly center around shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, tiny pints of beer, and of course, the Irish flag!
Don’t settle for a basic 2-dimensional stencil drawing. Use different shades of green and practice your blending to add dimension. Creating detail on these small drawings can be one of the most difficult tasks. But, the more dimension and detail you’re able to add, the more likely people will notice your fabulous face paint!
If you’re into airbrush makeup, this is also the perfect opportunity to practice. Create stencils and try blending using the airbrush tool! If you’re into special effects makeup, this can be an opportunity for you to practice as well. Why not turn one of these classic St. Patty’s Day face paint drawings into something 3-D? And if you’re not into face paint, create a festive design on some other part of the body instead.
Unfortunately, if you’re planning on a full-face look for the occasion, face paint may not be the best choice. Adding face paint on top of a perfectly contoured and highlighted cheek bone is more tragic than festive. Don’t fret; there are options for you as well. Keep reading to find out!
The Eyes
Adding green to your eye makeup is the perfect way to be festive without being over-the-top. When using a color like green, there’s a fine line between adding a pop of color and creating a look that is tacky.
Choosing olive or sage tones is a safer way to add green to your eye makeup. However, when applied properly, brighter shades can work too. Try blending them with darker shades. A smokey eye is one of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing eye looks out there, so why not try it in green? Creating a green smoky eye is one of the most wearable options. It’s also an easier look to run errands with on St. Patrick’s Day.
Sparkle is the makeup world’s way of celebrating – Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day. So, why not St. Patty’s Day? There’s never been a bad time to add sparkle to a makeup look! Whether you want to purchase green sparkle and apply it with a mixing medium, or you’re looking to find a gorgeous shimmer shadow, you simply can’t go wrong!
Still not sure if you can make a green eye work? Check out this Electric Green Makeup Tutorial for some inspiration! If you love everything Too Faced, creating a green eye look is also a great excuse to buy the Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette and try out their green shade called Money Bags!
The Lips
If you’re feeling like St. Patty’s Day just isn’t your thing, think again. As the Irish saying goes, there are only two kinds of people in this world: the Irish and those who wish they were! But, if you’re really unsure about whether or not you want to celebrate, purchasing green lipstick can be a great back-up.
A colored lipstick is an easy-on, easy-off alternative. In case you decide not to party like the Irish this March 17th, or simply decide that you’re going to head home early, green lipstick can be easily removed… It is much less of a commitment compared to face paint or a full eye look!
Keep in mind that a green lip is definitely a bold statement. If you’ve decided to opt for this option, pair it with a simple eye look – mascara and liner. Avoid blush as the red will contrast heavily with the green and look mismatched.
A green lip can also be played up. Similar to the heart trend, try creating a shamrock below your cupid’s bow in a different shade of green. Try Rihanna’s Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Midnight Wasabi, or Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick in Plan 9. If they can pull it off, why can’t you? Plus, there’s no better way to say “Kiss me, I’m Irish!”
Don’t forget to tag #qcmakeupacademy when posting your St. Patty’s day makeup looks on social media! We can’t wait to see what you create!
