Green eyeshadow: A go? Or a no?

MANILA, Philippines - If they say green is the color of envy, then no wonder it’s currently a must-try makeup trend that dominated the runways for Spring/Summer 2013.

However, just because green is often perceived as “go,” I highly suggest to proceed with caution. Remember, trends, however popular, are not always suitable for everyone, especially when not executed properly. Since green is not a neutral color, pulling off this shade without looking like a failed attempt at Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, can be quite tricky.

So here are some safety guidelines as you blend your way to the so-called “Emerald City:”

1. Rule of thumb: for fair skin tones, pastels to medium shades are most flattering. Then, since darker skin tones mostly absorb color, it can get away with brighter hues like Shu Uemura Color Atelier in Vivid Green.

2. If you wish for a mere wash of color, opt for just one warm medium shade to sweep across your lid. We’re talking Spring ‘13, not Studio 54, folks. Swipe some Artdeco Eyeshadow in 250 Late Spring Green. 

3. For a sexy night out, sport smoky eyes in deep green mixed with subtle specks of gold and blue, which look great against warm Filipina skin tones. Knock ‘em dead with TheBalm Shady Lady in Jealous Jordana.

4. Treat this shade as you would a smoky eye. With strong eyes being the focal point, go with nude lips.

5. On fair skin tones, just like your trusty traffic light where red and green go together, trust that pink blushes go best with green shadows as well. While on morenas, coral, bronze and honey blushes make a great pairing.

6. Don’t forget to go back to the basics by locking the look down with black eyeliner and black mascara to give your eyes more depth.

7. Word of the wise: If you easily get red eyes from tiredness or wearing contact lenses, best to stay away. Green shades pick up any shade of red, drawing more attention to it. So this is the only time when going green is so not sexy!

With spring and summer right around the corner, it’s all systems go in the name of beauty! Ready! Set! Green!