There’s no debate, eye makeup continues to dominate makeup trends at the moment.
From beauty trends on show at international fashion weeks to red carpet events and social media influences, all areas point to the trends continuing through our spring and summer.
The good news is, you don’t have to be particularly skilled in application as the keyword for everything surrounding beauty this season is: easy.
The everyday approach? Soft washes of colour on the eyes, be they gently shimmering and soft shades of nude, rose pinks or gold or matte tones that add dimension and shape.
Of course more bold and directional statements are also everywhere, particularly bold and creative eyeliner looks.
Right now we’re embracing the former, soft-wash approach because the products available are just so pretty and allow an easy twist on the application approach you usually take.
Key is to find a good fluffy eyeshadow blending brush to ensure the edges off your application are seamless. We like MAC’s 224 brush.
If you find your eyeshadow disappearing throughout the day or beginning to crease, try using an eyeshadow primer like the one from Anastasia Beverly Hills over lids before you apply your eyeshadow.
e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette – Acai You, $7
If you find yourself at Kmart (or browsing online), in between picking up a new desk organiser or bathroom knickknack, do yourself a favour and check out e.l.f. Makeup. The collection has crazy-low prices but the products are generally very good. Proof? It’s a celebrity fave and this eye shadow palette (above) in particular was worn on the Emmy’s red carpet by actor, writer and director Issa Rae. Her makeup artist Joanna Simkin created a stunning soft violet eye look that was the epitome of this season’s embrace of colour on the eyes, and it’s something we’ll be trying to recreate very soon!
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Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette for Eyes in Pillow Talk, $87
Everyone is talking about the arrival of British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury’s glamorous cosmetics and skincare line to our shores thanks to Mecca. There’s much debate over which products are must-haves, but if we’re talking eye looks, this quad must be up there. It’s part of a collection designed around the brand’s famously flattering ad suits-most lipstick shade called Pillow Talk. If you’re never tried wearing pink on the eyes, now would be the time, and this would be the thing to try it with as it gives a very subtle, modern result.
Morphe 9R Bronze Metal Artistry Palette, $20
Another affordable option, Morphe does a great line of eye palettes and this bronze collection is just the thing to set off a summer tan, faux of course! With the options of using matte shades or shimmer ones – or both – it’s a good all rounder option. Lest we forget the option to add a pop of gold – also trending right now.
Natasha Denona Mini Star Eyeshadow Palette, $44
Another brand beloved by makeup fans, Natasha Denona is known for super-pigmented (and ultimately very pricey) eyeshadow palettes. This set is much smaller than it seems in real life but these mini kits are a great way to get a feel for the brand’s expertise. Here the real hero is that green duo-chome colour that appears to have a taupe base when applied. It’s perfect for an evening look.
L’Oreal Paris Nude Emotions Eyes & Cheeks Blushing Palette, $35.99
This palette offers 16 shades that can be worn one at a time, but the options make it easy to dip into two or three shades for your eye look. Again soft pinks and nude tones reveal where the current trend focus lies.
Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad in Nude Dip, $164
Your luxury option, this makes a stunning gift or to use yourself. The price is up there but the eye shadow pans are larger and the creamy powder texture is divine. These shadows can also be applied with a dry brush for a more blown-out and blended look or with a wet brush for more pigment intensity. The champagne shimmers can quickly be transformed into a more smoky look by applying the deeper shades at the out corners of your eyelids.
