Here’s how to give the pretty colour a cool-girl edge
From smudgy dark eyeliner to lived-in hair that boasts natural texture, we’ve always been envious of a French woman’s ‘je ne sais quoi’ attitude to beauty. So, it was a breath of fresh air when we laid eyes on the Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2019, which featured models with a jolt of hot pink eyeshadow strategically placed across their eyelids; and due to our obsession with the rosy shade, we couldn’t wait to copy it at home. Alphie Sadsad, National Artistry Lead of Sephora Australia, shares his expert tips on recreating the bold pink makeup look.
1
Build your colour
With such an bright eyeshadow colour, it’s absolutely essential to layer your products to achieve maximum intensity. “You need a couple of products to achieve this – an eye primer to create a smooth, neutral-coloured canvas to make the shadow pop (I love the texture of the Sephora Collection Cooling Eye Primer), and a vibrant, easy-to-blend pink shadow like Love Letter in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette,” says Sadsad. “Go in with a fluffy eyeshadow brush that won’t pick up too much product, tap off any excess powder, then gently press on the eyelid. Then blend, blend, blend!”
2
Soften the edges
One of the most important techniques, when it comes to wearing eyeshadow, is to blend the colour out so it looks as seamless as possible. “Use a soft-bristled eyeshadow brush, like Zoeva’s 225 Luxe Eye Blender,” explains Sadsad. “It has fluffy bristles that aren’t too loose so it picks up just the right amount of product. It’s also perfect for evenly buffing out the colour to give a beautiful transition up to the brow bone.” INIKA Vegan Blending Brush also works well in this case.
3
Accentuate your eyes
An instant way to add subtle definition to your eyes? With liner, of course. “With any look, tightlining with a pitch black formula like Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner is my go-to trick,” says Sadsad. “Going in on the top waterline gives the illusion of thicker and fuller lashes, and it’s the easiest way to draw a clean line as it uses your natural eye shape.”
4
Frame your peepers
Mascara does so much more than just lengthen or thicken lashes; it’s also vital in a look like this to create balance. “Warm-hued eyeshadows [like this pink eyeshadow look] can highlight redness or veins in the eyes, so I’d always team it with a black mascara, such as Pat McGrath FetishEyes, to amp up the contrast against the whites,” suggests Sadsad. We also like L'Oréal Paris Unlimited Mascara.
5
Pare your makeup back
To let your eyes do the talking, pull back on the rest of your makeup, including your foundation and lips. “I say let the eyes take centre stage, so keep the base fresh and lightweight,” recommends Sadsad. “For a fresh, modern look, prep skin with dewy products like Tata Harper’s Illuminating Moisturiser and keep the highlighter and bronzer to a minimum. Pay extra attention to concealing around the nose if needed, as pink eyeshadow can accentuate redness. Then, go for full, brushed-up brows for a youthful finish, and natural pops of colour with a creamy blush and [gloss for the] lips.”
If metallic eye makeup is more your thing, check out our round-up of the best metallic eyeshadows.
Would you try this eyeshadow look? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image credit: Getty
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
