How To Master The Eye-Makeup Look You’re Seeing Everywhere Right Now
Today’s innovative textures, hues and methods of application make glitter and shimmer finally wearable for all. Discover the new rules with our modern glitter guide. By AVA WELSING-KITCHER
From Beyoncé’s shimmery pink-purple hybrid eyeshadow at her 2022 Oscars performance to the abstract placements seen in Euphoria, the new code of wearing glitter breaks down dated rules and upcycles them into truly individual looks. We’re experimenting more with hues and ignoring product labels by using them anywhere (as per makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes and Nam Vo). But the latest transformations in glitter are largely down to innovative formulas: duochromes that flit between colors with changes in movement and lighting, satin sheens in powders and creams, plus cushiony powder textures that aren’t chalky in the slightest. Read on for the full breakdown of how to wear modern glitter today.
Choose minimalist or maximalist
The coolest way to wear glitter and shimmer is to either go all out or keep it low-key. Just a few sparkles (we mean that literally – about 10 pieces, of varying sizes) across bare or neutral lids keeps everything fresh but playful, or use a small swipe of gray or black shimmer in place of eyeliner. On the other side of the scale, build up layers of an impactful powder eyeshadow over a cream base – we’re loving how the blue and rose glitter shades in the Olivia Palermo Beauty’s Eyeshadow Palette in O’Naturel transform when laid over RMS Beauty’s gel-like Eyelights in Blaze, a cool gray-purple.
Placement is key
Whereas the standard glitter makeup of yesteryear was either across the upper eyelids or streaked on as highlighter (think Coachella in its flower-crown era), we’re much more explorative now. While we don’t need to go quite as far as the underage glitter tears seen on Zendaya in Euphoria, there’s a lot we can take from the experimentation of Donni Davy, the show’s lead makeup artist, and make it more everyday. Draw a thin line with Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes Glitter Eyeliner in Pop Purple, from the outer-eye corners to just above your crease, then trace it to the inner corner for an abstract ’60s look. For a smaller pop, trace a tiny streak of Christian Louboutin’s Metallic Eye Color in the space between (and just above) the inner eye and nose bridge.
Make it multipurpose
We’re no longer limited to keeping highlighters on the face. For an all-over ethereal-light look, opt for liquid formulas that are so reflective and multidimensional, they replicate the effect of glitter without being actual glitter. Take Kevyn Aucoin’s Glass Glow Liquid Illuminator (we love Crystal Clear for a holographic look, or Spectrum Bronze, which is like molten metal) and apply lightly across eyelids, cheekbones and the Cupid’s bow and center of the lower lip. Likewise, play with placing an eyeshadow, like Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Lid Lustre in Chiffon, in the same fashion; with real crystal pieces, it’s as close to glitter as you can get.
Play with adornment
Another trend that blew up thanks to the high-school drama series is using gemstones and pearls to bring the eyes to life. Use eyelash glue to secure your chosen decoration (which you can pick up in sheets from craft shops), creating a mini outlined wing, or place just one by the inner corners of the eye or on the lower lash line under the pupil. As it’s such a prominent texture, keep eyeshadow smooth but radiant with Sisley’s Les Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow in Metallic Khaki, a soft silvery green that goes with every skin tone.
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