Red eye makeup has become super popular lately, and it’s all over Instagram with celebrities showing off their fabulous looks.
In this article, I’ll take you through the history of red eye makeup, talk about why it’s trending, show you how to create the look yourself, and uncover what makes it so appealing to everyone.
Chinese Red Eyeliner History
| Time Period | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Thousands of years ago | Red eyeliner, known as “dan” in Chinese, has a long history in Chinese culture and holds a significant place in traditional Chinese makeup practices. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the eyes from ailments, while the color red symbolized good fortune, happiness, and vitality. |
| Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) | Red eyeliner gained popularity among both women and men during this period. It was made using a mixture of vermilion and natural pigments, contributing to the emphasis on beauty and aesthetics in Tang Dynasty. |
| Song (960-1279 AD) and Ming (1368-1644 AD) dynasties | Red eyeliner continued to be favored, with its composition evolving to include ingredients like cinnabar, a mineral pigment that provided a vibrant red color. |
| Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) | Makeup trends shifted, and red eyeliner started to decline in popularity. Lighter and more natural makeup styles became fashionable, but red eyeliner was still occasionally used for ceremonial purposes or in traditional opera performances. |
| Modern times | Red eyeliner has made a resurgence in Chinese makeup culture, representing cultural pride and the fusion of ancient and contemporary styles. It is available in various forms, such as pencil liners, liquid liners, and gel liners. The vibrant red color adds boldness and elegance, making it a popular choice for special occasions, festivals, and cultural events. |
Overall, the history of Chinese red eyeliner reflects the enduring significance of traditional cosmetics and their connection to cultural identity and symbolism in China.
What Does Red Eyeshadow/Eyeliner Mean in Chinese Culture?
In Chinese culture, red eyeshadow holds symbolic meanings and cultural significance. The color red itself has deep-rooted symbolism and is associated with various concepts and beliefs in Chinese tradition.
- Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, representing good luck, joy, happiness, and prosperity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy and blessings. Red is often used in festive celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and weddings, to bring good fortune and attract good luck.
- When applied as eyeshadow, red has additional symbolic connotations. Red eyeshadow is seen as a representation of vitality, passion, and boldness. It is associated with fiery energy and strength. By adorning red eyeshadow, individuals can showcase their confidence, assertiveness, and dynamic personality.
- Furthermore, red eyeshadow can also be linked to cultural and historical elements in China. In traditional Chinese opera, performers often wear elaborate makeup, including vibrant red eyeshadow. The red color helps emphasize the characters’ emotions, distinguish different roles, and enhance the visual impact of the performance.
- In recent years, there has been a resurgence of red eyeshadow in modern Chinese makeup trends. It has become a popular choice for those seeking to embrace their cultural heritage and express their individuality. Red eyeshadow allows individuals to make a bold and striking statement while honoring Chinese traditions and symbolism.
What eyeshadow pallets young chinese use for eye makeup these days? READ FROM HERE🧐Red Under Eye Makeup Chinese
The hashtag #DouyinRedEyeMakeup on TikTok has amassed an impressive 51.2 million views, showcasing the popularity of this trend where users apply red or reddish tones around their eyes for a striking and attention-grabbing look.
Chinese beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists on the platform are embracing this bold and avant-garde style as a means of expressing their individuality and pushing the boundaries of traditional makeup aesthetics.
How to Create Chinese Red Eye Makeup
Here are step-by-step instructions for creating a red makeup look:
- Prep Your Face:
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin.
- Apply a primer for a smooth makeup base.
- Apply Foundation:
- Choose a foundation matching your skin tone.
- Evenly apply it over your face using a brush, sponge, or fingertips.
- Focus on the Eyes:
- a. Prime your eyelids with eyeshadow primer.
- b. Apply vibrant red eyeshadow on eyelids, blending towards the crease.
- c. Add depth with a darker red or burgundy shade on the outer corner and crease.
- d. Create a winged eyeliner using black or dark brown pencil/liquid liner.
- e. Apply black mascara to upper and lower lashes for volume and length.
- Define the Face:
- a. Contour using matte bronzer or contour powder on cheekbones, jawline, and temples.
- b. Apply warm, peachy or coral blush to the apples of your cheeks.
- c. Highlight high points with champagne or gold-toned highlighter.
- Bold Red Lips:
- a. Prep lips: Exfoliate and moisturize with lip balm.
- b. Outline lips with a red lip liner to prevent bleeding.
- c. Apply vibrant red lipstick that complements your skin tone.
- d. Blot lips and reapply for long-lasting color.
Remember to blend your makeup well and adjust the intensity according to your preference.
Enjoy your red makeup look!
Why Are So Many Women Wearing Red Eye Makeup?
- Bold and Eye-Catching:
- Red eye makeup grabs attention with its vibrant and intense color.
- Adds a bold element to any look, making a statement.
- Versatility:
- Red is versatile and can be incorporated into various makeup styles.
- Applied on eyelids, under the waterline, or as eyeliner, allowing for creativity.
- Complementing Eye Colors:
- Red tones enhance and intensify natural eye colors.
- Makes blue eyes appear brighter, brings out green or hazel eyes, and adds warmth to brown eyes.
- Cultural and Historical References:
- Connections to Asian beauty culture, seen in Douyin and historical use in Chinese opera and the Tang Dynasty.
- Cultural references add depth and intrigue to the trend.
- Influence of Social Media:
- Platforms like TikTok and Instagram impact beauty trends.
- Influencers and celebrities, like Kylie Jenner and Rina Sawayama, contribute to its popularity.
- Fashion Industry Endorsement:
- Renowned brands like Dior and makeup artists like Charlotte Tilbury endorse red-themed eye products.
- Endorsement brings the trend into the mainstream and validates its popularity.
- Expression and Creativity:
- Makeup is an art form allowing creative expression.
- Red eye makeup provides a unique way to experiment with color and textures.
- Nostalgia and Retro Influence:
- Historical references to past eras like the ’60s and ’70s.
- Nostalgia associated with those periods influences current trends in red eye makeup.
Discover Other Chinese Eye Makeup Style and Chinese Makeup Brands😊FAQs:
Yes, red eyeliner is indeed a thing! While black and brown eyeliners are more commonly used for everyday looks, red eyeliner can be used to create bold and vibrant eye makeup looks. Search” Chinese Red Siren Eye Makeup” on Tiktok, you will see what the fuss is about.
For Makeup Enthusiasts:
Red eyeliner is a fun and exciting option for those who enjoy experimenting with different makeup looks.
Provides an opportunity to express creativity and add a dramatic effect to the eyes.
For Fashion-forward Individuals:
Complements a bold and fashion-forward style.
Adds a unique element to your overall aesthetic, making a strong fashion statement.
For Those with Warm Skin Tones:
Particularly enhances the features of individuals with warm undertones.
Creates a beautiful contrast and brings out the warmth in their complexion.
For Festive or Theme-based Events:
Ideal for occasions like costume parties, themed events, or holidays such as Halloween.
Perfect for creating a bold and vibrant look that suits festive atmospheres.
Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, and anyone feeling confident and excited about trying red eyeliner can confidently rock the look! Feel free to experiment, have fun, and adapt it to your personal style and preferences.
Yes, red eyeshadow has been a trending makeup choice in recent years. It has gained popularity as a bold and statement-making eyeshadow shade. Lots of celebrities shared their red eye look on social media.
Absolutely! Red eyeshadow can look stunning on brown eyes. The rich warmth of brown eyes pairs beautifully with the vibrancy of red eyeshadow.
When using red eyeshadow on brown eyes, consider pairing it with neutral shades like warm browns or golds to create a balanced and well-blended look.
Adding eyeliner and mascara can further define and accentuate your eyes. Feel free to experiment and have fun with different shades and techniques to find the red eyeshadow style that suits you best!
