Winter’s here and just because the weather seems a bit miserable doesn’t mean your eye make-up has to be. Be warned, the textures we’ll be donning during the chilly months are nothing short of bold: think glittery, metallic, shimmery eye make-up with long-staying hold in cream, liquid and powder formulas.
There are an array of rainbow-coloured hues to choose from this season, ranging from charcoal greys to icy whites, moody blues and vibrant purples. We suggest sticking to earthy, bronze tones if you’re still a bit unsure about the shimmer. The number-one fool-proof tip for glittery eye make-up? Always use an eyeshadow primer. Once you’ve cleansed your eyelids (this helps removes the excess oils), apply the primer onto your eyes. It helps to prolong the colour, smooth out creases for application purposes and intensify the hue. It’s a game-changer.
Ready to add some shine to your look? Here’s our pick of the best shimmery eye make-up (plus a primer to make it last)…
Snow White
Sure, white eyeshadow can seem intimidating, but the beauty of this product is in the subtly of its use. If you decide to use it on its own, apply the white shadow to the inner corners of your eyelid, as well as the bottom lash line. Using an eyeshadow brush is best as the product may disappear on your fingers. White shadow, when applied minimally, adds extra brightness to the eye area. If you’d like to do a bolder look, use the shadow as the first step to a shimmery, smokey eye. Make sure your eyelids are ‘lined’ with the white eyeshadow to create extra dimension. It can also be used as a highlighter for the face.
Gold Digger
If you’re a shimmery eyeshadow novice, fear not, golden hues will become your new best friend. Invest in a palette that has a variety of colours, from light golds to dark coppers and browns. This collection of autumnal shadows works well on any eye colour and skin tone. It’s a perfect solution for introducing shimmer into your everyday look, be it at the office or for a lunch date, as it’s subtle and the most natural-looking of all our iridescent eyeshadow colour choices. Remember to always apply your eyeshadow primer and don’t hesitate to layer the colours for more intensity.
Purple Reign
Purple, believe it or not, is as universal as the golden shades. We suggest experimenting with all the colours in this palette, creating your very own purple-inspired smokey eye. To add more structure to the look, line the lids with a black kohl eyeliner first and then create your look from there. Dark-purple shimmer has a tendency to stain your fingers, so using an eyeshadow brush is best for application. Remember to blend, blend, blend. Use the champagne-coloured shadows to soften the look.
Something Blue
Blue eyeshadow will always make a bold statement, no matter how you wear it. The combination of blues and silvers on this palette remind us of when the sun hits the ocean – it’s dreamy, mesmerising and mythical. Use the pointed part of the double-ended brush to line the lids of your eyes with the shadow or build your desired blue eyeshadow look. We recommend keeping the rest of your make-up simple – pair it with a nude lip or high-sheen lip gloss. Your eyes need to be centre stage here.
What A Gem
Bobbi Brown has a knack for nailing the eyeshadow palette colour variety. This one allows you to dabble with rich, shimmery greens, along with golds, browns and bronze tones. All these colours are highly pigmented and easily blendable. The matte colours on this palette can be used as a base for your iridescent finishes, so don’t be afraid to use them together. Take your look from day to night by starting off with the lighter gold hues and then building it up with the darker green and gold shimmers. Add a few lashings of black mascara and you’re good to go.
Bold Brights
This palette is the most daring of them all, but we love it because of all the different looks you can create, mixing and matching different hues and textures. Yes, we’re aware, this combo of shades is rather vibrant, but a lot of them have a metallic, shimmery finish, making them easy to blend. What are you in the mood for? The warm mix of corals and golds works for a daytime look. If fiery tones aren’t your thing, try the turquoise shimmer in the corners of your eyes or use the matte aqua shadow as a base to line your eyes. We reckon a sultry, purple combo with a pink undertone for the evening. Have fun!
Our fave liquid and cream eyeshadows…
Liquid and cream-based eyeshadows are a lot more pigmented than powdered ones. Use a sweeping motion over the entire lid when applying and then blend with an eyeshadow brush.
