Every season, there’s a popular makeup trend that spreads like wildfire. (Remember the siren eye and the über-glossy lips that boomed a few season ago?) Well, thanks to my many hours of research, I can report that this autumn is officially the season of eye makeup. From the runway at Milan Fashion Week—we couldn’t take our eyes off the mesmerising purple look at Versace created by the makeup queen that is Pat McGrath—to our TV screens (read: Euphoria), eye makeup is taking over. So what’s it all about? This trend centres on creating a bold, electric and fun eye look. Think vibrant, bold colours, dazzling gems and elaborate, dynamic lines. There are no limits. Makeup is a world of make believe, and what better way to get imaginative than going all out on eye makeup for the new season.
As we transition into the colder, greyer months, a bold and colourful eye could just be the dopamine hit we all need. Your face is a blank canvas, and makeup is a great tool of creativity, so why not experiment a little? I for one am making it my mission to be more playful with my eye makeup, so this autumn, I am going to attempt to re-create an assembly of striking looks. And as always, Instagram has come thorough with all the inspiration I need, so I'm constantly adding new posts to my Saved folder.
So if you’re looking to spice up your eye makeup looks this autumn, look no further than these six fabulous looks. Plus, shop the key products you need to help re-create the looks at home.
1. Pink Perfection
Long live the Barbiecore trend. I adore a pink moment, and this shade on the eyes is a great way to inject a little playfulness into your look while also keeping it fresh and vibrant. I love this double-shadow effect created by packing in the pigment on the lower half of the eyelids, with a lighter, more blended-out shadow on top. The colour here does the hard work, so even a light wash of pink across the lids will look amazing.
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The perfect Barbie pink captured as an eye shadow.
Muted pink with sparkles—is there a better combo? The Suqqu eye shadows are unmatched thanks to beautiful quality, vibrant pigment and no fallout. Exactly what you want from a sparkly eye shadow.
One of my all-time favourite eye shadow sticks, this is an absolute dream to apply. Plus, it blends well and stays in place all day. It's the perfect no-effort product that can create a beautiful light wash of an everyday pink tint.
2. It's All About the Lines
Okay, graphic liner can seem a little daunting, but it is worth giving a good go. The best thing is that there are no rules and no mess-ups, because you decide on what the end result is. Plus, at the end, it always comes together beautifully. "Arm yourself with Q-tips, a good micellar water (Bioderma is my fave!), a steady hand and a great liner. If you are an amateur (or even if not), then a felt liner is great. I love the KVD Dagger liner or the Eyeko Black Magic Super Black and so easy to use,'' advises makeup artist Mira Parmar.
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The easiest way to create a thin and dramatic line is with a felt liner.
This is called the No.1 pencil for a reason. It glides on super smoothly, and the colour can be built up for a bolder finish. Go for one, two or three different colours. The choice is limitless.
Rub away any mistakes with a micellar water and go again!
3. Bejewelled
Ever since Europhia graced our screens, eye gems have taken off. Now, there's no looking back, and nothing is off limits when it comes to this look. I am obsessed with using anything from sequins and gems to little pearls as part of my beauty routine. This look really takes your eye makeup to another level, and it's perfect for the festive season.
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For a more eccentric look, how about putting some colourful gems on your face? I love this idea for the festive period.
I don't know about you, but I have the worst steady hand ever, so applying gems with my fingers is a big mess. Thankfully, tweezers make the job so much easier.
If you're wanting a subtler way to embellish, look no further than these adorable small pearly gems, which are super easy to apply.
4. Into the Blue
From Kendall Jenner to Taylor Swift, celebs are proving that blue eye shadow is back on the map. ''It's bolder and brighter and brings a pop to autumn," says Parmar of the trend. "It's a great way to amp up your makeup without doing too much. Be prepared to see lots of navy and dark blue going into A/W 22.''
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The wand applicator of this eye shadow makes glitter application that little less messy.
Make a real statement with this gorgeous electric-blue cream eye shadow. Keep the rest of your makeup very basic, and let your eye shadow do the talking.
These sticks are so easy to use. Apply with a brush, with your finger or straight on to your lids.
5. Going for Silver
I have nothing against gold, but for far too long, it's reigned supreme, and now it's time for silver to shine. If you find silver a little harsh for your skin tone, opt for a shade that is on the warmer side or a different colour with silver specks.
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If you're wary of silver, opt for this gorgeous silver-toned mauve instead as a nod to the trend.
Re-create this striking look with one of the few true silver liners. This Tom Ford liner applies smoothly across the lids without tugging to leave you with an intense and vibrant colour.
6. Not-Grunge Green
Long gone are the days where green was a grunge look, as this autumn is all about embracing the not-grunge green trend. Think of it as an extension of this years brat summer if you will. Featuring monochromatic green eyeshadow in earthy tones like mossy olive and metallic emerald. This look balaces edgy and sophisticated, making it perfect for a fresh yet wearable seasonal statement.
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This is a throwback fro me as I used and abused this when I was in my early 20s, but it is so pigmented that how could I not?
The muted glitter is an added bonus on this matte eyeshadow.
If you want to go that step further than this green mascara seals the deal.
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