Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of post office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to. Here, we’re letting you know what is actually worth investing in—and, for the first time, we're turning our attention to beauty.
Deciphering which makeup trends might work for you can be tricky. After all, a wet-look metallic eye that looks incredible on the runway might look a little intense for Friday night drinks at your local. However, I'm a firm believer in giving things a go—no matter how intimidating they first appear. Which is why I roped in a couple editors from the Who What Wear team to trial three big makeup trends for spring 2019: glitter, lilac and lip gloss. Sure, these trends might sound like they were created for your inner 14-year-old—there's a definite '90s throwback happening right now—but with a few tweaks, even glitter can be surprisingly wearable. Keep scrolling to see our looks and shop the products you'll need to create them.
Lip gloss
Move over, mattes—it's time for shine to take centre stage. Unlike the glosses of the past, new glosses are taking their inspiration from liquid lipsticks. If you like your lip products with pigment, there are plenty of coloured gloss options, or if you prefer a colourless shine, there are lovely wet-look options that provide gloss without the sticky residue.
"I'll admit, I was dubious about gloss but now I'm fully converted. I love this terra-cotta shade as it feels like lipstick without committing to a full gloss look. And yes, I did pick it because it kind of matches my roll-neck." — Alyss Bowen, social media editor
"As a teenager, I was seriously into lipgloss. I was more into collecting Juicy Tubes than beanie babies and wore so much gloss that my lips were like a powerful hair magnet. I even had a Calvin Klein gloss that the shop assistant told me to wear on my eyelids too—and sadly I listened to that advice. Now, I tend to only wear Charlotte Tilbury's Bitch Perfect (a nude lipstick) and loved that this Kiko Milano product was a cross between that and a gloss, and didn't feel too thick and sticky. This is something I would buy."— Emma Spedding, deputy editor
I tend to forgo glossy formulas in favour of matte lipsticks, as I like products that are pigmented and long-lasting. However, Glossier Lip Lacquer delivers on both colour and wear time for a modern way to wear gloss. I was really impressed and loved the way it eventually dried down into a cool red stain rather than disappearing completely.
Glitter eyelids
Glitter is no longer reserved for fancy dress or NYE, it's made a major comeback in the beauty world for everyday wear. Unlike the fussy, loose glitter pigments many of us associate with wearing sparkle, the new high-tech formulations are suspended in liquids and gels so you can sweep them on without the mess.
"Give me a glitter eye shadow and I'll happily slather it all over my lids no problem. I tend to opt for gold or bronze colours, and this Stila shade was right up my street. I'd wear it packed on for an evening out or subtly dabbed on the inner corners of my eyes for day-to-day." — Alyss
"The problem with glitter eye shadow is that you just can't see it in pictures. Trust me—my eyes are loaded with glitter here, but it looks like a subtle shimmery bronze shadow. I have sensitive skin and eyes, and would suggest that heavy glitter sticks aren't for those of us known to break out in a rash; I found this irritated my skin." — Emma
Related: 15 Beauty Products Rosie Always Uses When She Does Her Own Makeup
It's so hard to get a photo of this glitter that really does it justice. IRL, Glossier Glitter Gelée is seriously sparkly. The thing I loved most about it was how easy it was to apply. Glitter has a reputation as being fussy and difficult to work with, but this one presses directly onto eyelids with ease.
Lilac
Every teenage girl's favourite colour, lilac, is going to be a huge beauty trend for spring 2019. Eyes are probably the easiest place to start with this trend, but you'll be spotting it on nails, cheeks and lips too.
"Okay, I've found my new 'look.' I'm a big liquid eyeliner fan but always wear black—until now. This purple shade is subtle but still standout so from now on, it's purple liner all the way."—Alyss
Related: The 3 Beauty Trends Taking Over London Right Now
"I don't usually wear a lot of makeup (I normally only wear mascara on my eyes), so this feels like a very bold look for me. This lilac looked really silvery on my lids, and it does feel like something the lip-gloss-as-eye-shadow sales assistant would have told me to do 20 years ago. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I think I'll leave this trend to those a little braver with their makeup." — Emma
I wasn't expecting to love lilac quite as much as I did. Surprisingly, this was my favourite trend of the bunch. The violet lilac eye colour looked really impactful on my eyelids, but keeping the colour below the crease meant it didn't feel too much. I'd happily wear this to the office. Plus, the lilac highlighter delivered a lovely sheen to my cheeks, which I adore.
Next up, this £15 face primer keeps selling out at Superdrug.
