How to wear this season's blue-green eyeshadow

MANILA, Philippines - Most women are daunted by the prospect of wearing eyeshadow, much more blue-green eyeshadow. But Nars’ summer collection, an unexpected mix of parrot green and vivid blue, makes a case for the bold shadow.

“There are no rules when it comes to seasonal makeup looks! When the temperatures rise, experiment with bright hues and lighter textures,” says Francois Nars, the makeup guru who also photographed the latest campaign. “I love the way bold colors pop against bronzed skin.”

The summer collection, which debuts in June, is a mix of jeweled earth tones infused with a metallic finish. Less tribal, more fatigue. With Nars, the results are always glamorous with an urban edge.

The standout eye palette, the Alpes-Maritimes-inspired Cap Ferrat, a trio eyeshadow of sea blues, made up of icy sea foam, silver green, and icy turquoise, is the headliner. When blended, the result is a nuanced green smoky eye with hints of fatigue and slate blue. Each hue can be worn individually as well, like a rich bold stripe.

How Francois Nars does it: The blue-green eyeshadow is more urban than beach, a fresh approach to the sea-green hue.

Nars lead makeup artist Michael Hanz, who has worked with the likes of Emily Blunt and on the runway shows of Derek Lam, flew to Manila to demonstrate the application of this season’s eyeshadow.

“I know most Asian women are concerned with colored shadows and whether it suits brown skin or pale skin,” Hanz explains. “You can apply the shadow, like Cap Ferrat, so that it’s sheer, not too pigmented. That way it’s more wearable.”

His technique is to line the lower lids with the bolder green and to anchor the lid with a lighter application of the trio, blending delicately over the eye so the icy tones of Cap Ferrat’s sea blues and greens are apparent without being overwhelming.

With summer heat fast approaching higher temperatures, Hanz recommends avoiding makeup bases and primers with silicone. “It’s artificial and tends to feel heavy and oily,” he says. “Also, don’t overdo the moisturizer on the face.”

Color theory: Nars lead makeup artist Michael Hanz, who has worked with the likes of Emily Blunt and Serena Williams, demonstrates how to wear the new blue-green eyeshadow.

“I put only a little bit on my palm and massage over my face,” he says, miming a clockwise action with downward strokes to reach below the jawline until the neck. “Too much moisturizer and you’ll get all runny.”

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Nars is exclusively available at all Rustan’s Department Stores: Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Alabang Town Center, Gateway, Robinson’s Place Manila Essenses and Ayala Center Cebu.

Visit the newly-opened Nars boutique at Rustan’s Makati, 1F, Grandmall area beside Laura Mercier boutique.