Roses are More than Red | A Tale in 20 Short Stories
Today’s color combinations are inspired by ColourPop’s Smoke ‘n’ Roses mega eyeshadow palette , which felt like a waste of a theme! There was so much that could have been done there. First and foremost, roses come in a variety of shades, undertones, and depth. There are pale and pastel roses that range from near-white to buttery yellow to soft orange, along with a slew of pinkish-white to light pink. There are an abundance of roses with deep, rich hues that go from true red to burgundy to purple.
This past spring, I had nearly 30 different rose shrubs and trees planted in my frontyard (not all of them survived, a tale for another day, but we planted some of the replacements a month ago!). You can see the many varieties of David Austin English roses for a reference point, but there are lots of varieties of roses beyond there.
There are several roses that appear more two-toned, like Boscobel (coral-pink), Queen of Sweden (warm pink that fades to light pink over time), Enchanted Peace (yellowy to pink-red), and Arctic Blue (pink-lilac with peach reverse).
These combos are less about the Smoke ‘n’ Roses palette and merely to showcase the range of hues that roses can be, plus using stems and leaves as accents. In a smokier take on rose hues, I’d lean into slightly more faded and deeper hues with earthy elements (think grungy neutrals to represent mulch, dirt, thorns, dying blooms)… for another day, perhaps.
About This Series
Each look idea is centered around a “quad” of four shades with the expectation that one might bring in the appropriate brow bone or additional transitional shade based on skin tone. Consider these ideas a jumping off point with four “core” colors that can inspire your next look. For reference, based on how I usually apply makeup, I would consider applying the shades in this order: inner lid, middle of lid, outer lid/crease, and crease/above crease or lid.
Create a Color Story
Feeling inspired? Share your own color story using this palette or create a color story from scratch.
Natasha Denona Zendo
Luster (375M), Tranquil (385M), Vigor (380CM), Relief (381CM)
Sydney Grace Eyeshadows
Clionadh Eyeshadows
By Beauty Bay Age of Opulence
Roses are More than Red 5.0
Sydney Grace Eyeshadows
Pat McGrath Divine Rose II
Skinshow Rose Opal, Rose Seduction, Xtreme Burgundy, Naked Blush
Clionadh Eyeshadows
Sydney Grace Eyeshadows
Natasha Denona Retro
Clionadh Eyeshadows
By Beauty Bay Age of Opulence
Terra Moons Eyeshadows
Natasha Denona Zendo
Sydney Grace Eyeshadows
ColourPop Orchid You Not
Clionadh Eyeshadows
Natasha Denona Retro
Helio (149M), Swing (402M), Groove (397CM), Rebellion (403CP)
Beautiful combos, Christine. I’m glad you brought up that roses are more than just pink.
Yes, they indeed DO come in quite the variety of shades and colors, even black or purple!
That said, I’m feeling very inspired to try some of the above combinations. Especiallly the ones where my brand new Retro palette is highlighted! I’m wearing it today in fact.
As someone who has found shadow combinations at local botanic gardens, I love these.
Very nice, but I noticed a significant omission. Where are the color stories from the SGxTemptalia palettes?
Aww <3
I love roses and we have a whole stack of them in our frontyard, lining the driveway ourselves, in various colours. These colour combinations are beautiful and I love the way you take inspiration from them.
These are so inspiring! I’d love to hear your rose tales!
I love roses and they certainly come in more than pink and red, even though those colours are quite frequent in my garden.
Personally I love white roses.
I plan to have a real rose garden some day and would love to hear about your roses. I’m well aware though that I can’t grow the same species you have.
I have this idea of a historic rose path, starting with really old varieties going through the centuries to modern ones.