Make my eyelids sparkle, but subtly
May 2, 2019 10:52 AM Subscribe
Sometimes I see ladies wearing eye shadow that looks like their own eyelids but slightly sparkly. It's pretty! I want my eyelids to look like that. What eye shadow should I buy? Looking for specific product recommendations.
I feel like in the past I've bought eye shadow going for this look that are all too light/frosty (they tend to have words like "champagne" in the name). I prefer "natural but better" as a makeup aesthetic, so nothing as glittery as the Stila liquid glitter eyeshadow. I am white, and my skin is light but with olive-neutral undertones.
Drugstore/department store/Sephora is fine.
I know a standard rec is to go into Sephora and ask, but for various reasons that's not an option right now.
I feel like in the past I've bought eye shadow going for this look that are all too light/frosty (they tend to have words like "champagne" in the name). I prefer "natural but better" as a makeup aesthetic, so nothing as glittery as the Stila liquid glitter eyeshadow. I am white, and my skin is light but with olive-neutral undertones.
Drugstore/department store/Sephora is fine.
I know a standard rec is to go into Sephora and ask, but for various reasons that's not an option right now.
Glossier's Lidstar eyeshadows might be a good fit.
posted by Hermione Granger at 10:57 AM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Hermione Granger at 10:57 AM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
I think you'll want to look for the word "shimmer" -- not matte, but not sparkle. I'd get a cheap palette to figure out the right color, and then you can use that as a guide if you want something higher-end, with more staying power etc. Here's an example from Ulta.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:05 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:05 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: When I want this look I use a highlighter as eyeshadow. Wet 'n' Wild has a large compact with 4 different tones, one of which might work for you.
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:08 AM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:08 AM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
I use RMS Eye Polish for this, and sometimes a highlighter in place of shadow - I'm pretty pale, so the lightest Butter Bronzer or this specific Wet and Wild highlighter both work for me.
posted by ersatzkat at 11:12 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatzkat at 11:12 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
The Stila Shimmer and Glow Liquid Shadows is supposed to be the gold standard for this. It's a soft cream formula that you dab on with a lipgloss-like wand and blend out.
There's alot of dupes around too, like the Nyx Lid Lingerie.
The appeal is that it is all-in-one with a base that keeps the sparkles on the eye. I find with many powder products, you end up with sparkle-bomb under eye mess if you don't go through some elaborate ritual of priming and fixing.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 11:15 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
There's alot of dupes around too, like the Nyx Lid Lingerie.
The appeal is that it is all-in-one with a base that keeps the sparkles on the eye. I find with many powder products, you end up with sparkle-bomb under eye mess if you don't go through some elaborate ritual of priming and fixing.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 11:15 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
Even the Shimmer and Glow from Stila is very glittery.
Here's an example of the WnW highlighter palette I love for lids.
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:16 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Here's an example of the WnW highlighter palette I love for lids.
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:16 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Chantecaille’s luminescent eye shade. It’s a powder/gel and very subtle and beautiful.
posted by slateyness at 11:18 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by slateyness at 11:18 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I like Milk's cream highlighter sticks for this ("lit" is what I often use).
posted by kylej at 11:26 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by kylej at 11:26 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Yeah, I use highlighter for this for the most part, and it's awesome!
I'd also recommend this palette from e.l.f. It's...well, it's pretty poorly-pigmented, to be honest, but I really like it when I just want a touch of shimmer. It's also dead cheap. I apply with a wet or dry fingertip.
posted by kalimac at 11:27 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'd also recommend this palette from e.l.f. It's...well, it's pretty poorly-pigmented, to be honest, but I really like it when I just want a touch of shimmer. It's also dead cheap. I apply with a wet or dry fingertip.
posted by kalimac at 11:27 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
O.P., sorry for the brainfart, I see you cited Stila Glitter and Glow in your post.
I think the trick is go for the "Shimmer and Glow" level in shade that is close to your skin tone, apply on clean skin, and pat to blend out. That's the whole look, plus maybe a touch of liner or mascara. Just a sheer wash of sparkle, no crazy packing it on stuff.
Colourpop Supershock shadows or hilighter might work for this too, but you'd have to try in person to find a compatible shade. Some of them are very glittery, and, like I mentioned, the trick is to get a shade match, almost as if you were selecting foundation. They are inexpensive, and easy to use, but they tend to dry out so I get one at a time and use the crap out of it.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 11:29 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
I think the trick is go for the "Shimmer and Glow" level in shade that is close to your skin tone, apply on clean skin, and pat to blend out. That's the whole look, plus maybe a touch of liner or mascara. Just a sheer wash of sparkle, no crazy packing it on stuff.
Colourpop Supershock shadows or hilighter might work for this too, but you'd have to try in person to find a compatible shade. Some of them are very glittery, and, like I mentioned, the trick is to get a shade match, almost as if you were selecting foundation. They are inexpensive, and easy to use, but they tend to dry out so I get one at a time and use the crap out of it.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 11:29 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
Laura Mercier's Caviar Sticks are perfect for this usage. They are extremely creamy, come in natural-but-shimmery colors, and are easy to apply.
Look at them!! So nice!
posted by rachaelfaith at 11:36 AM on May 2, 2019 [10 favorites]
Look at them!! So nice!
posted by rachaelfaith at 11:36 AM on May 2, 2019 [10 favorites]
Best answer: I use Benefit Sun Beam Highlighter for this, and I also have pretty light skin with an olive undertone. There is also a silvery version of this called High Beam, I believe. I like this because you can adjust the level of sparkle it provides by using more or less, and it's pretty subtle when you just use a bit.
posted by wuzandfuzz at 11:38 AM on May 2, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by wuzandfuzz at 11:38 AM on May 2, 2019 [3 favorites]
Came here to say Caviar Sticks. The rose gold one is so nice on me...IMHO
posted by wellred at 11:48 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by wellred at 11:48 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I use Benefit Watt's Up cream highlighter for this look.
posted by assenav at 11:51 AM on May 2, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by assenav at 11:51 AM on May 2, 2019 [3 favorites]
Seconding rachaelfaith's Laura Mercier caviar sticks suggestion, but adding to include cream shadow sticks from all sorts of different brands. I currently use Ulta Cream Eyeshadow and Liner sticks and they have a bunch of neutral shimmery shades so you'd be able to find one in your skin tone. They're super easy to use and make a huge difference with just a couple of swipes. Most of these tend to go on creamy then set rather quickly so you'll have a bit of time to smudge before it "dries down."
Other brands that I've heard are good:
- Mally Evercolor Shadow Sticks
- Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes
- e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick
(Sorry no links, my tablet is misbehaving)
posted by sweetpotato at 11:54 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Other brands that I've heard are good:
- Mally Evercolor Shadow Sticks
- Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes
- e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick
(Sorry no links, my tablet is misbehaving)
posted by sweetpotato at 11:54 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Thirding Laura Mercier Caviar sticks! Pretty, natural colors, very easy to apply, and (unlike so many other similar products) don't crease after hours of wear.
posted by lovableiago at 11:55 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by lovableiago at 11:55 AM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all these suggestions! I'm excited to try them out!
O.P., sorry for the brainfart, I see you cited Stila Glitter and Glow in your post.
Uh, I had no idea there was a less glittery version, so no worries.
posted by purpleclover at 11:58 AM on May 2, 2019
O.P., sorry for the brainfart, I see you cited Stila Glitter and Glow in your post.
Uh, I had no idea there was a less glittery version, so no worries.
posted by purpleclover at 11:58 AM on May 2, 2019
I came here to say the LM Caviar Sticks as well!
posted by Medieval Maven at 12:10 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Medieval Maven at 12:10 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I personally like Colourpop's pressed pigments. Specifically Earthshine or Glass Bull. (Here's one of me using Earthshine on top.) Their Jelly Much formula is stunning and I like Ventura. (Here's some of that with more dramatic lighting.)
Another favorite of mine is Sugar Rush from Makeup Geek. Though it is a bit more reflective than shimmer. It's stunning.
If you want to use a highlighter, then I love Black Moon Cosmetics. Their Moonlighters are super fun and have a good amount of shimmer/sparkle (and I normally go for a pearl finish highlighter but I was surprised by how much I love them.) I have Squid (white) and Glow Worm (green). I use them on my cheeks and my eyes.
posted by Crystalinne at 12:13 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Another favorite of mine is Sugar Rush from Makeup Geek. Though it is a bit more reflective than shimmer. It's stunning.
If you want to use a highlighter, then I love Black Moon Cosmetics. Their Moonlighters are super fun and have a good amount of shimmer/sparkle (and I normally go for a pearl finish highlighter but I was surprised by how much I love them.) I have Squid (white) and Glow Worm (green). I use them on my cheeks and my eyes.
posted by Crystalinne at 12:13 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Mac Cosmetics Naked Lunch, applied lightly
posted by theredpen at 12:26 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by theredpen at 12:26 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
I am partial to the staying and color power of Urban Decay eyeshadows, and on my olive skin tone halfbaked looks lovely. I also like "sidecar" in winter, but I believe it's been discontinued.
I'd recommend getting to a Sephora and trying out a bunch of the Urban decay eyeshadows until you find something that works well for you.
posted by larthegreat at 12:27 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'd recommend getting to a Sephora and trying out a bunch of the Urban decay eyeshadows until you find something that works well for you.
posted by larthegreat at 12:27 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
I’ve used Too Faced eyeshadow primer for a very light shimmer.
posted by calgirl at 12:41 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by calgirl at 12:41 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
The shades sly and secret from this Tarte palette might be what you are looking for!
Added bonus of when you are bored at home you can play with the other colours for funsies!
I personally use this palette on my pale face and it works a treat, flower girl, smarty pants and funny girl are hitting pan and the rest I use when I have time
posted by latch24 at 3:46 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
Added bonus of when you are bored at home you can play with the other colours for funsies!
I personally use this palette on my pale face and it works a treat, flower girl, smarty pants and funny girl are hitting pan and the rest I use when I have time
posted by latch24 at 3:46 PM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I did this yesterday! I used Benefits Watts Up as mentioned already and it turned out nicely but really any skin toned highlighter or cream shadow with a bit of shimmer will do, I bet you already have something you could adapt. Use it sparingly and then build up layers if you need more.
posted by Jubey at 4:05 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Jubey at 4:05 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Nudestix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color all dayyyy
posted by moons in june at 6:00 PM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by moons in june at 6:00 PM on May 2, 2019 [4 favorites]
I second the Nudestix above. If you’re olive enough, “queen olive” is pretty sheer and might work. I also have a highlighter stick from trestique which does that. Also, I agree that it’s a super pretty look, especially with brown mascara and no liner.
posted by Valancy Rachel at 6:19 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Valancy Rachel at 6:19 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Literally don't know why it never occurred to me to use highlighter for this!
posted by purpleclover at 6:40 PM on May 2, 2019
posted by purpleclover at 6:40 PM on May 2, 2019
Another +1 for Glossier Lidstar.
posted by potrzebie at 10:33 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by potrzebie at 10:33 PM on May 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Sephora's Colorful Shadow and Liner crayon in the shimmer finish gives me this kind of effect. It stays on all day and the taupe color is quite light (I use it as a highlighter with the shimmer-brown matching my natural skin color.)
posted by BlueBlueElectricBlue at 10:13 AM on May 3, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by BlueBlueElectricBlue at 10:13 AM on May 3, 2019 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Natasha Denona Chroma Crystal Top Coat fits the description of what you're asking perfectly!
posted by ataco at 6:51 PM on May 3, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by ataco at 6:51 PM on May 3, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks to all of you I've tried a TON of amazing eyeshadows (lovin the highlighter-as-shadow thing, btw.) Strangely, though, my final update is that I'm way into the Supergoop Shimmershade in Daydream. (Currently sold out? Stupid expensive? I'm sorry, everybody.) I think it's my One True Sparkly Eyeshadow.
posted by purpleclover at 10:05 PM on July 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by purpleclover at 10:05 PM on July 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Holy cow, I just got the Natasha Denona Chroma Crystal Top Coat, and it is SPECTACULAR.
posted by purpleclover at 1:00 PM on August 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by purpleclover at 1:00 PM on August 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: (I got it in peach)
posted by purpleclover at 1:04 PM on August 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by purpleclover at 1:04 PM on August 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
« Older Hand sewing clothes repair? Using decorative... | How to measure and manage my Macintosh usage? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 10:54 AM on May 2, 2019 [2 favorites]