How to play up your eyes while your mask protects
Going extra on the eyes is the answer
By Delaney Loane
Digital Beauty Editor / August 17 2020
To quote our life's idol Jennifer Aniston (and the countless other celebs who have shared their own selfies via social media in full support of the fight against COVID-19), WEAR. A. DAMN. MASK.
And while Jen opted to go makeup free for her shot (take a look at her out-of-this-world skin here), as total makeup junkies we've decided to look on the bright side of the whole scenario, beauty wise.
Firstly (of course) it's important to remember that by wearing a mask you're both keeping your own germs from infecting other people, and of course, vice versa as well - all good stuff.
But secondly (and this is the real kicker if you're partial to a palette collection), it gives you a totally valid excuse to take your eye makeup into serious statement territory - because with two features hidden away (sorry nose and mouth, you guys are the germ-spreaders of the gang), it all comes down to the eyes, and they're more than ready to carry the team.
Here are the bold, brave and bright eye makeup looks perfect for pairing with your protective mask.
Holographic heaven
Hilary Duff proves that you don't have to be any kind of application pro to nail a glitzy eye look. Her advice? Smudge an irridescent ice-blue shadow gloss over lids and leave eyes free of any liner to let the sparkle takes its moment in the sun.
Sunshine shadow
Haven't seen the actual sun in days? No worries. Add a vitamin D-inspired twist to your aesthetic by reaching for buttery sunshine yellow hues. FYI, these brilliantly bright shades are particularly great for enhancing green or blue eye colours.
Cheetah girl
It's hard to beat a bronze moment, and boy oh boy, is this one glorious. We're big fans of bringing the shades from your mask into your makeup look, and this caramel and chocolate pairing goes perfectly with the leopard print pattern.
Berry nice
Don't think for a minute that flirty and femme isn't an option when wearing a mask - try pairing a floral pattern with shimmery shadow in a beautiful berry shade and a subtle coat of mascara for fluttery-looking lashes.
Monochrome magic
Not into brights? No worries. Classic black still works a treat, especially when tonally teamed with a matching mask. This sultry charcoal smokey eye is peeper-defining perfection, and the layers of lashes only enhance the drama.
Neon jungle
You don't have to be blessed in the blending department to rock a statement eye, either. Opt for a slick of liner in an edgy fluorescent shade like this neon lime green for a quick-to-apply but hard-to-miss vibe.
Gold status
We won't lie, this mask may be best for an indoor statement (aka selfie) situation (we're not exactly certain the chainmail material is doing all that much for protection), but damn does the metallic gold-on-gold duo look divine.
Minnie Mouse
Big Disney fan with a knack for precision? Great. If you're committed to a perfect mask-and-makeup-match this red and white polka dot pattern is ridiculously cute. Even the black trim and winged liner go together perfectly; 5 stars.
Feline flick
At last, the opportunity to truly showcase your exquisitely even wings has arrived. With all eyes on your eyes, your classic cat-eye finally has a chance to take the moment it deserves, so be sure to take extra care with that liner and lash placement.
Primary colours
Give us a smokey shadow wing any day and we'd be on board, but offer it up in the form of a yellow-to-blue lid gradient and a coral-coloured lower lash line and we really have no choice but to appreciate. Utter (and excellently matched) perfection.
Pink 'n' pearls
Elle Woods, is that you? This femme fuchsia vibe is a pearl-and-pink-lover's dream come true. After all, there's no need to keep your colour solely confined to the lids - you might as well take full advantage of the skin that can be safely on show.
Emerald city
If we wake up tomorrow with infinitely more impressive makeup application skills, we know which look we'll be trying... this graphic green look is a vibe if we ever saw one. It's got real glitter, a monochrome striped strip and a falsie on the lower lashline for crying out loud...
Purple rain
Just for the record, your mask definitely doesn't have to be as snazzy as your shadow, and this magical magenta situation proves it. In fact, pairing your eye makeup moment with a traditional disposable mask only makes it stand out more. Purple perfection.
Main image credit: @pixielott
After an easy way to add colour? Try these pigment-packed cream eyeshadows...
