How to Rock a Glossy Eye Makeup Look

In addition to colored eyeliner and metallic eye makeup, there’s another eye-centric look that’s been gaining popularity recently—we’re talking about glossy lids. Thanks to makeup artists creating this look on models and celebrities alike, everyone wants to achieve the shiny, wet-looking effect for themselves—and good news, it’s totally doable. While glossy eye makeup has made its mark on fashion runways, with a little eye shadow and lip gloss, glossy lids are pretty easy to achieve at home. Wondering how to do it? Below, we share step-by-step instructions for creating a gorgeous glossy eye makeup look so you can add this makeup trend to your repertoire.

3 STEPS FOR THE PERFECT GLOSSY EYE MAKEUP LOOK

Just like other statement eye looks, it may take a bit of time to master the glossy lid technique—but the more you practice, the easier it'll become. Ready to get started? Follow our tutorial below!

Step 1: Prime your eyelids

The best way to start any eye makeup look is by priming your lids. An eye primer can help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your eye makeup application. If you don’t have eye primer on hand, simply dab a little concealer, like one of the hues in the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealing and Contour Kit, onto your lids for a similar effect. Another great option, especially if you want your look to be extra radiant, is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer.

Step 2: Apply your eye shadow

There isn’t just one glossy eye makeup look out there. Glossy lids can be almost any color, with different finishes, depending on which shadows you use in your look. Since glossy eyes are all about looking extra-shiny, consider starting off with a cream or gel-based, iridescent shadow that has a shimmer finish.

If you’re more of a powder shadow kind of gal, reach for one of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadows, as the metallic finish will play nicely with your high-shine statement eye. Another option? One of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadows.

Editor’s tip: Keep in mind, whichever shadow(s) you use, it may look darker once you’ve topped it off with gloss. So, if you want a subtler look, choose a shadow that’s slightly lighter than what you think you want.

Step 3: Gloss it up

As it turns out, lip gloss isn’t only good for giving your pout a pretty sheen. With a tube of clear lip gloss in hand—one you’ve double-checked is eye safe—you can get a glossy eye look. Use a dense eye shadow brush to apply the lip gloss over top of your eye shadow. This will take your eye makeup to a whole new level, giving your lids the glossy finish you're seeking. When doing this step, make sure not to put too much gloss on—a little bit goes a long way!

And there you have it! From there, you can layer on some volumizing mascara (like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara) or keep things simple and glossy with uncoated lashes. Before heading out for the day, toss your eye shadow, lip gloss, and eye shadow brush into your purse, as you may need to touch up your look during the day. You could experience some slipping, sliding, and creasing thanks to the gloss—but a quick fix is all it’ll take to perfect your glossy lids once again.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR GLOSSY EYE MAKEUP LOOK

After you’re done showing off your statement eye, remove it all at the end of the day with micellar water, a no-rinse cleansing option. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oils, and makeup up and away from the skin. And since micellar water is safe to use on the eyes and lips, you can bank on it being able to remove both the eye and lip makeup you used to create this look.

Keep a bottle of the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for All Skin Types and a pack of cotton rounds stashed on your vanity for easy access. Simply pour a little micellar water onto a cotton round and hold it over closed eyes for a few seconds to help lift off your eye makeup.

Once you’ve mastered glossy lids, learn how to create these 6 Colorful Eye Makeup Looks.