Go For Intensity
Move over bland neutrals, it’s time for a little color therapy! If your makeup bag feels flat and uninspired, adding just a touch of bright or richly pigmented shades instantly boosts your look and your mood. And if you usually shy away from stand-out shades, you’re in for a treat…The product recs below may look intimidating in their container, but with the right placement, they can be the ultimate beauty reviver; catapulting your look to the next level with sophistication and elegance.
Playing it safe with barely-there shades might be what you are used to, but their impact pales in comparison to the allure of richly pigmented eyeshadows, cheek, and lip colors. Depth and intensity create a luxurious finish, infused with decadence and a magnetic allure that feels utterly intoxicating. Below, I’ve highlighted some of my favorite color pairings — explore them and let yourself be inspired.
Wine And Raspberry
Such a sultry palette that exudes an heir of femininity and sophistication.
Love this look? Try these…
Violette_Fr Yeux Paint Liquid Eyeshadow & Eyeliner in Rêve de Dahlia
This versatile, lustrous eye paint instantly adds dimension and depth with each layer, whether swept across the lids as a sheer wash of color or applied with precision as eyeliner. Its dazzling raspberry-magenta undertones create smoldering eyes in seconds.
Dolce&Gabbana Eye Dare You! Palette
Adorned with Dolce&Gabbana’s signature logo and designed with a mirror and chain for easy access anywhere, this chic palette for eyes and cheeks is perfect for those who love options. Inside, you’ll find a dynamic range of hues and textures — from matte raspberry, plum, and pink, black, and turquoise to a reflective assortment of some of the most captivating metallic, foiled, and glittery shades. A collection that transitions seamlessly from subtle elegance to high-impact drama.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in Cherry Punk
Take your eye look from simple to smoldering with this Cherry red eyeliner. Whether you’re filling in or winging it out, the silky formula glides on effortlessly, delivering bold, opaque color for amped-up results.
Lune & Aster Vitamin C & E Lip Gloss in Pomegranate
With its luscious blend of hydrating antioxidants, refreshing color, and an ultra-glossy finish, this formula leaves your lips looking perfectly pomegranate in no time.
Hot Pink And Mauve
The brighter the color, the greater the impact. At first glance, such vibrancy may seem daunting — but even the slightest touch delivers that effortless ‘boyfriend blush’ afterglow or a rosy, wind-kissed finish in an instant.
Want cheeks like this? Get the look…
Rhode Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush in Juice Box
A richly pigmented hot pink blush that delivers an instant, fresh-faced radiance—whether you choose a delicate hint of color or a bold, full-on rouged effect, more vibrant, perfectly blushed cheeks and lips are just a swipe away, anytime, anywhere.
Merit Shade Slick Hydrating Tinted Lip Oil in Twin Set
The perfect complement to a vibrant cheek, this blend of omega 3, 6, and 9 oils, rosehip, and grapeseed softens lips while leaving behind a fresh, natural mauvy tint.
Dolce&Gabbana Violet Liquid Blush
Don’t let the deep violet liquid fool you—its cutting-edge technology adapts to your skin’s natural pH, delivering the perfect bright flushed shade every time, no matter your tone. In seconds, your cheeks look fresh, radiant, and effortlessly alive.
Plum And Fuchsia
A modern refresh on a beauty classic, where vivid color reimagines the traditional black winged liner and bold red lip.
Gotta have it? Check these out…
Hermès Trait d’ Hermès Eye Pencil in 56 Violet Indigo
Define your eyes effortlessly with these elegant, intensely pigmented pencils. Perfect for precision, smudging, filling the waterline, or creating intricate details, they inspire you to craft the most refined and sultry eye looks.
Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick in 403 Love Before Breakfast
Velvety and smooth, this highly pigmented matte formula envelops your lips in luxurious color with maximum payoff—never dry, never heavy, all housed in a sleek metallic gold container for a touch of elegance.
Mint And Merlot
This exquisite color pairing is the ultimate luxe look—radiant, sophisticated, and undeniably striking.
Obsessed with this look? Try these…
Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Vignette
The coolest, most refreshing shade of mint green with a luminous, long-lasting texture. Wear it alone for a subtle eye highlight, or layer with a deeper shade to create dimension and the ultimate glow.
Armani Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in 50S Petrol
Sheer, shimmering brilliance—this magnificent watercolor teal captivates with every application. Use as an all-over wash, or to get this look, layer over Ilia’s Shadow Stick (above) in the crease and under the lower lashes for a sculpted and gem-like finish reminiscent of the sparkling Mediterranean.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Vinyl Gloss in Mocha
Your lips will look irresistibly sexy and fuller with this glossy lip gloss. Its moisturizing formula and ultra-rich color make it the perfect finishing touch to any look.
Cobalt And Coral
Mesmerizing shades of the bluest blues looks stunning when accented with the unexpected contrast of bright coral cheeks.
Ready to play? Enjoy these…
Hung Vanngo Beauty Color Story Eyeshadow Palette in Brilliant Blue
This exquisite collection of eight heavenly blues, recently created by celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo, truly delights. Hung says, every palette tells a story, and this one is about pure magic and intrigue. Each shade invites you to play—start with a single hue or blend a few for a dreamy, cool-toned smoky eye. Whichever path you choose, your eyes will look utterly magical and unforgettable.
Versatility meets vibrant color in this easy-to-use ‘one, two, three and done’ stick. Its bright pigment ensures a little goes a long way, instantly waking up cheeks and lips as soon as it touches your skin. Apply wherever you like—there are no boundaries, no rules, just glowing, natural color.
Lavender And Red
One of the most feminine color combinations that always looks polished and elegant.
Feeling curious? Indulge in these…
Lancôme Idôle Tint Liquid Eyeshadow & Eyeliner in 10 Lavender Latte
A luminous lavender that pairs beautifully with a red lip. With its smudge-proof formula and youthful, elegant finish, it ensures you never look overdone.
Chantecaille Lip Chic Lipstick in Amaryllis
Simply a gorgeous red! This bold, classic shade glides on like satin and feels as luscious as it looks—lips made to be seen and endlessly admired.
Metallic Greige And Grape
This ultra-sexy metallic smoky look exudes pure intrigue, strength and edge.
Love moody and smoky? Get it with these…
Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Elephant
A superior pearlescent eyeshadow where gray and taupe tones unite to create the ultimate warm shimmer with a touch of glitter, perfect for smoky looks. Eyes come alive with dimension, while the compact’s playful elephant design is a thoughtful reminder that each purchase supports endangered animal conservation.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Longwear & Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
A five-star waterproof gel eyeliner that does it all with effortless ease. Glide it on, create to your heart’s content, and rest assured your look will stay perfectly in place.
Il Makiage Lip Slip Lipstick in Royal Flush
This deep, semi-matte shade commands attention, delivering precise edges and a luxuriously painted lip finish.
All products are hand-selected, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links.
Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert @robinschoenmakeup
Learn more about Robin’s talented work at RobinSchoenMakeup.com
Photos courtesy of: Pinterest, Instagram @rrrekat, @sanchezzalba, Matt Easton/makeup by Erin Parsons, @heathmassihair
