Taraji P. Henson’s Green Watercolor Eye Shadow Is Pure Spring Energy

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and despite the fact that it’s been dreary and rainy all month long, Taraji P. Henson’s eye shadow is as bright and fresh as a beautiful spring day.

The Color Purple star attended the Time100 Gala in New York City wearing a head-to-toe emerald ensemble, starting with the green-on-green-on-green hues on her lids. (Henson is one of the publication’s Most Influential People.) Makeup artist Saisha Beecham blended a variety of green tones across the actor’s eyes, starting with a pale pistachio color on the eyelid up to the brow and in the inner corners, anchored by a deep, vibrant teal in the crease. Beecham then applied a deep stroke of eyeliner and fluffy lashes to further enhance Henson’s eyes. The blend of aquatic green tones resembles the layered, almost translucent tones of a watercolor painting. It’s serene, yet energizing — just like the energy of springtime.

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Beecham kept the rest of Henson’s look simple to let the eyes really shine, applying a touch of satiny lip color. The star’s chic, short curled bob with a deep side part by her go-to hairstylist Tym Wallace was the perfect match for the green shadow, gown, and matching jacket; the warm auburn tone of her hair really set off the luxurious emerald color.

Green eye shadow doesn’t often get its well-deserved moment in the spotlight, but Henson makes a very strong case for making it part of your regular rotation. An eye shadow stick is an easy way to dip your toes into greener pastures, so to speak; you could apply just a touch of color on your lashlines or go full green masterpiece like Henson. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite shadow stick formulas for when you need a little spring zing in your step this season.