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What Is an Eyeshadow Duo?

Kelly Ferguson
Kelly Ferguson

An eyeshadow duo is a combination of two coordinated eyeshadow colors. They frequently include one darker color and one lighter or brighter color of the same hue. Common color combinations included in an eyeshadow duo are gray and black, tan and brown, or blue and light blue, although many other colors are also used. Eyeshadow pallets with three, four, or even more coordinated colors are also available, although these are more complicated to apply and take away from the simplicity of a two-tone eyeshadow look.

Using an eyeshadow duo gives the wearer compatible shades of eyeshadow that can be blended together to create the appearance of shadowed areas and brighter areas. Commonly, the darker color is used on the crease of the eyelid, for instance, to make that area appear deeper and shadowed, while the brighter shade on the rest of the eyelid makes the eye color "pop," or become more noticeable. In a trio pallet, an even lighter shade may be dusted below the eyebrow line to contrast with the other colors and draw even more attention to the eyes. Plenty of eyeshadow application tips are available both online and in makeup books.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

Due to the fact that both of the eyeshadow colors are packaged together with the obvious intent of having them used simultaneously, an eyeshadow duo may be easier to blend together than two different kinds of eyeshadow with different consistencies. When two eyeshadow brands of varying consistency are mixed together, one might overpower the other or they might mix to create an unappealing shade or consistency. Using a pre-packaged eyeshadow duo helps the user create a seamless blend of colors without having to decide separately which colors will go best together. Women who use eyeshadow duos commonly note that the pre-packaged combinations are time-saving and convenient, yet attractive.

Eyeshadow duo pallets are very commonly found in drugstores and makeup shops. As with other kinds of makeup, the price can vary widely from one brand to another. Usually, a particular brand will have many different color pallets available, from the standard blue, brown, and black to less common but more striking green, pink, silver, or others. Many women purchase several color pallets to match with different outfits while others prefer to find their own "signature" color and stick with it. Most eyeshadow duo pallets include a brush or other applicator, although others do not and will require a separate purchase.

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