How to Rock a Glossy Eyeshadow 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 eyeshadow. Thanks to makeup artists creating this look on models and celebrities alike, everyone wants to achieve shiny glossy lids for themselves—and the good news is, it’s totally doable. With either an eye gloss or a little eye shadow and clear lip gloss, this wet eyeshadow look is easy to achieve at home. Wondering how to do it? Below, we share step-by-step instructions for creating a gorgeous glossy eyeshadow look so you can add this makeup trend to your repertoire.

3 STEPS FOR THE PERFECT GLOSSY EYE MAKEUP LOOK

Ready to get started? Follow our foolproof glossy eyeshadow tutorial below!

STEP 1: PRIME YOUR EYELIDS

Always set the stage by priming your lids! An eye primer can help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your eye makeup application. This is especially important with cream eyeshadows and eye gloss because they don’t set as easily and can transfer. If you don’t have eye primer on hand, simply dab a little foundation or concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer, onto your lids to give your eye makeup more staying power. 

STEP 2: APPLY YOUR EYE SHADOW

There isn’t just one wet eyeshadow look out there. Glossy lids can be almost any color, with different finishes, depending on which shadows you use. Since glossy lids 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 Metallics Eye Shadows, as the metallic finish will play nicely with your high-shine statement eye. Another option? Any 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. If you want a subtler look, choose a shadow that’s slightly lighter than the final hue you’re trying to achieve.

STEP 3: GLOSS IT UP

You can follow up with an eye gloss, a type of eye makeup dedicated specifically to getting the glossy, wet look, or there’s another option if your collection isn’t stocked with eye glosses: As it turns out, lip gloss isn’t just for giving your pout a pretty sheen. With a tube of clear lip gloss in hand—one you’ve double-checked is safe for your eyes—you can easily get a glossy eyeshadow look without needing to make any new beauty purchases.

Use a dense eye shadow brush to apply the lip gloss over top of your eye shadow to bring a wet eyeshadow look to life. Remember, there’s no need for too much gloss—a little bit goes a long way!

And there you have it! To complete your look, 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 for any midday touch-ups. You may experience some slipping, sliding, and creasing thanks to the gloss—but a quick fix is all it’ll take to perfect your glossy look 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. 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've used seamlessly.

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. Saturate a cotton round, hold it over closed eyes for a few seconds and wipe your glossy lids away. Easy, peasy!

Next up: Once you’ve mastered glossy eyeshadow, learn how to create these 6 Colorful Eye Makeup Looks.