Save for our obsession with prismatic highlighters, matte has been where it’s at in beauty for what seems like for-ev-er. Matte liquid lipsticks, matte bronzers and, of course, matte eyeshadows fill up our makeup bags. But a girl likes options. And makeup artists seem to agree, which is why the glossy look was a key beauty trend on the Spring 2017 and Fall 2017 runways.
Glossy lids on the runway at Altuzarra Spring 2017, House of Holland Fall 2017, Stella Jean Spring 2017; Images: Imaxtree
It wasn’t just lips that got the glossy treatment, eyes did, too. Glossy eyelids appeared on the runways at Emporio Armani, Stella Jean and Altuzarra, to name a few. While you may be tempted to write the trend off as being way too sticky, the newest beauty products have come a long way from their goopy, petroleum jelly origins.
If you’re not sure about fully investing in the glossy eye trend yet, there are many multipurpose luminizing products that work on the face as well as eyes. Though we’re fully convinced that once you give the glossy eye look a try, you’ll be hooked. So, put down that matte eyeshadow, grab one of these shiny products, and get ready to try out a gorgeous glossy eye.
11 Glossy Eyelid Makeup Products That Will Break Your Matte Shadow Addiction
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11 Glossy Eyelid Makeup Products That Will Break Your Matte Shadow Addiction #1
Forget matte: the Spring 2017 and Fall 2017 runways were all about the glossy eye look.
Image: Monse Fall 2017 runway look, Imaxtree
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Glazed Gaze
A glazed finish isn't just for doughnuts. This innovative product has a pudding-like texture. Apply it like a gel, then it dries to a powder with a wet-look finish. And unlike a glazed doughnut, there's nothing sticky about it.
butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss in Oil Slick, $24 at Nordstrom
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Smudge Away
This is a rare time that you will actually want smudged eye makeup. Use the applicator as if applying a lip gloss to eyes. You'll end up with a high-shine finish and that rock 'n' roll, slept-in-my-makeup look.
Yves Saint Laurent Eye Gloss Smudger, $30 at Sephora
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Going for Gloss
If you want an all-over glossy finish, try using this chubby applicator stick. You can apply it to eyes, lips and cheeks. The formula has been custom-made in Korea so you get a very wearable radiant glow.
NUDESTIX Nudies All Over Face Color Bronze + Glow in Illumi-Naughty, $30 at Sephora
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Not Tacky
There's no need to start experimenting with who knows what to achieve a glossy finish on eyes when we already have dermatologist-tested products like this. It delivers a glassy finish that looks gorgeous on bare eyelids or on top of eyeshadow.
Kevyn Aucoin The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss, $38 at Kevyn Aucoin
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Lacquer Love
Lacquers aren't just for nails. This eye product has enough shine to compete with some of the glossiest nail polishes. After all, it's basically a glistening top coat for eyes. Once you get comfortable with the clear version, try the edgy black shade.
NYX Cosmetics Lid Lacquer in Clear, $7 at NYX Cosmetics
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Easy to Apply
If you're one of the many fans of Milk Makeup's Face Gloss, you're going to want to pick up this product ASAP. The easy-to-use pencil delivers a high-shine finish that isn't sticky or goopy. In fact, it will actually help condition the eye area thanks to infused natural oils.
Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl in Tunnel, $20 at Sephora
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Glisten and Glow
This eye gloss combines shine, shimmer and a swipe of color. Two different shades in one, they work individually or together. They even look good worn with other eyeshadows. There really isn't a bad combination.
Paul & Joe Beaute Eye Gloss Duo in 05 Rock & Roll, $33 at DermStore
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Gloss On
The appeal of glossy eyes is that sheer, wet-look finish. This little pot delivers exactly that plus a hint of shimmer to make eyes really pop. Use the shadow on the inner corners or go full-on glossy with a swipe across the entire eyelid.
Missha M Dewy Glossy Eyes in White Beach, $8.40 at Missha
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New Staple
Think of this as lip gloss for your eyes. It may look intimidatingly opaque, but the formula goes on super sheer. If you're craving something more dramatic, you can layer it for a bolder finish. You can also rock it as a top coat to an eyeshadow or pigment. Oh, the possibilities.
MAC Cosmetics Studio Eye Gloss in Next Up Neon, $22 at MAC Cosmetics
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Stix It
Strobing fans will want to apply this highlighting balm to cheekbones and down the center of the nose for that lit-from-within glow. It's also perfect for the eye area. The nontacky formula and subtle shine are just what a no-makeup makeup look needs.
Ciaté London Dewy Stix Luminous Highlighting Balm, $26 at Sephora
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Very Versatile
You can apply this jojoba oil and cocoa butter-based highlighter anywhere: décolletage, brow bones, cupid's bow. The formula can also be used on eyelids. If you want to dial down the radiance, try mixing a bit with matte shadow.
Lush Feeling Younger Skin Tint, $19.95 at Lush
