Red Eye Makeup Is Our Favorite Unconventional Beauty Trend For 2024

Now that Barbiecore is slowly dying down, it's time to introduce bolder colors for 2024, and this year we're going to be seeing red — on the eyes, that is. While red's typically worn on the lips and sometimes as blush, it's not typically seen on the eyes much. Many stay away from crimson shades there for fear it'll make them look tired or sick. However, there are many ways to rock red without looking like a vampire.

Helmut Lang's models walked the Spring/Summer 2024 runway sporting graphic red eyeliner with an otherwise bare face. The look was androgynously chic, and makeup artist Dan Sallstrom stated, "We really wanted to stay in the world of grunge and [didn't want anything] that looked too pretty" (via Coveteur). "We wanted to include the colors of the collection, so you'll see a lot of reds, yellows, whites, and fuchsias."

Red is admittedly tricky to apply, whether on the lips or eyes. However, this color is all about having fun, and if you don't want to go the graphic route, you can always go for a dreamy, smudged look. Knock this trend off your 2024 Bingo card, and we're sure you'll soon be inspiring others to hop on the red eyeshadow train.

Red eyeshadow by itself can look harsh, but adding a moody black can soften up your look. We know it sounds strange to combine two strong colors together, but they can offset each other nicely. Try a smokey red shadow with a black smudged winged cat eye. For extra oomph, draw a graphic black line on your crease.

If red is your favorite color, shout it out to the world by painting your face with that shade. Go for a monochromatic makeup look with bright red eyeshadow and matching lips. To make sure that your eyes don't drown in all the color, give your lashes a few swipes of extra-black mascara. Since your eyes and lips will be saturated with crimson, go lighter on the blush (though we won't judge you, blush lovers, for going all in still). 

Matte shadows can flatten out your features, so adding a bit of shimmer to your lids will add dimension. Choose a glimmering white or silver, and apply it just to the inner corners of your eyes for a fairy-like effect. For extra staying power, be sure to use eyeshadow primer before applying your red shade.

If the thought of using red all over your eyes is daunting, you can still hop on the trend by applying a scarlet liner as an accent. For a bold contrast, layer red liner over a bright yellow shadow color and above your black liner. Or, you can create a fun, double-winged eyeliner look with a swipe of red right above your crease.

Glitter makeup is festive any time you put it on, but red glitter on your lids is like having a party on your face. Because glitter shadows have bigger particles, they can be tricky to apply. Make sure it stays put by spraying a flat brush with setting spray before dipping it into the shadow. Apply the color by pressing it onto your lids (rather than using a sweeping motion). Hint: Do your eyes first before foundation so that you can wipe off any inevitable glitter fallout.

Glittery cut creases give your eye makeup the ultimate glamour, and they dramatically open your eyes. When incorporating a cut crease over your eyeshadow, it's important to not bring the colors too close together — if you do, they'll look too blended. You'll want to see a clear separation between the two, especially if you're using one color, such as red. It's okay to bring the outer corners together, however, for a sharp, winged look.