There are certain beauty trends that are reserved only for the brave, and red eyeshadow is one of them. Before you raise a brow, this trend has been heating up over the past year, with models on the runways and celebs like Rihanna and Emma Stone sporting shadows in raspberry and crimson.

Still, to get a look that’s sultry instead of scary, you need to use a combination of the right strategies and products. Consider these tips and you’re sure to master the bold effect:

The formula
The kind of eyeshadow you select will have a major impact on how intense the color appears. Celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee told Who What Wear that powder shadows will have higher impact, while cream formulas are slightly subtler. The advantage of a cream eyeshadow is that you can build it more smoothly, meaning the pigment is only as vivid as you want it to be. Additionally, Lee pointed out that you can use a cream product as a cheek or lip color for a monochromatic look. If you do decide to match, Lee recommended using a domed brush to distribute a higher concentration of color on your eyelids, and just your fingertip to apply to your cheeks and lips for lighter application.

The hue
As with all beauty tactics, it’s crucial to get the right shade for your skin tone. A cool, pinkish red complements pale skin, and can make blue eyes really pop, while a coppery red looks stunning on golden complexions. Darker skin types should look for deep, bronzed berries or burgundies. Remember that shimmer can help to provide a more playful look, while matte formulas will offer more drama.

The technique
There are many different ways to make red shadow work, depending on your tastes. Fashion magazine suggested going for a red smoky eye. To achieve this, start with a dark red shadow pencil across the entire eyelid, then build a couple layers of brown shadow to give it a muted, less vibrant effect. Finish with a coat of shimmery deep red shadow to liven it up, and black eyeliner to define the eye.

One thing to avoid is a bright red line along your lashes, which Lee noted can make you look ill. She stressed that it’s important to balance out the look, so consider a subtle sheer lipstick or gloss that’s only one shade from your natural color. Since red eyes and a pale complexion can also make you appear sickly, Lee recommended a soft sweep of blush on the apples of the cheeks.

*Feature Image Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23jo0GtnvlA