Forget Statement Lips, A Statement Eye Is Your New Beauty BFF

They say the eyes are the window to the soul…

And we would have to agree. If you’re anything like us and stalk runway makeup looks for months after they debut, you would have noticed that for the last year or so, eyes were a hot commodity. Gone are the days of a bold lip — eye makeup is where it’s at.

Between glossy lids, colour blocking and smokey (coloured) eyes, a statement eye look is not only versatile but also wearable. But there’s a right and a wrong way to do it (wrong way = any matching eye makeup to your clothes à la 1990s Britney). Here, we speak to the makeup artist behind the incredible looks you’ll see below, Ashleigh Carpenter, and discover the different ways to pull off a statement eye.  

A classic, a favourite, a trusted source of eye drama, a glittery lid is no new look. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great way to add a little lift to an everyday face. For daytime we suggest opting for a subtle wash of sparkle across the lid, with the potential to build to a dramatic glitter look by the evening. Found inspo via the runways? Carpenter suggests to make it wearable, “take an element that you love from the look and simplify the rest. If it’s a really strong eye, keep the skin fresh and natural.”

Gritty Pretty Loves: CHANEL Ombre Premiere Top Coat ($54) (pictured here), Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($38)

A more recent development on the statement eye makeup front, a glossy lid is a subtle yet sultry way to amp up the eye area. Whether you opt for a naked lid and gloss over the top or take it one step further and combine colour and shine, this look is perfect for the lazy girl who still wants a hint of glamour. Why? You can create the look using a swipe of your favourite lip gloss. Winning.

Gritty Pretty Loves: CHANEL Le Gel Pailetté ($62) (pictured here), MAC Studio Eye Gloss ($45)

Especially now-a-days with the wearing of masks, making your eyes pop is key. And for those bold babes out there, colour blocking is the way to go. To make sure this look appears polished, Carpenter suggests keeping your brows in check, “a good brow creates the framing for a great eye”. Then, whether it’s sharp or soft, adding a complimentary colour to your eye shade all over the lid and crease will give you a fun look in no time.

Gritty Pretty Loves: MAC Art Library Palette ($89) (pictured here), Morphe 35B Colour Burst Artistry Palette ($36)

Who doesn’t love a sexy smokey eye every now and then? And with the recent trends, they’re about to get a whole lot cooler. Skip the black and grey tones for a bronzed, orange-based colour to give the smokey eye a brighter, more elevated lift. And don’t forget the lower lash line, the more you smoke it, the more wispy and effortless it looks.

Gritty Pretty Loves: NARS Single Eyeshadow in Persia Paprika ($30) (pictured here), Mecca Max Single Shadow in Rogue ($8)

But not just any wing – a fresh take on the feline flick. Whether you make it graphic or choose a fun colour, a spiced up wing has been all over the editorials and runways. One tip to make the application process a little easier? “Always opt for products that immediately give a pop of colour without having to layer and layer,” says Carpenter. This will ensure you don’t have to go over the area multiple times, risking a thicker, messier wing. 

Gritty Pretty Loves: MAC Pro Palette Paint Stick ($115) (pictured here), Sephora Collection Colourful Eyeshadow Mono ($13)

Do you have a go-to statement eye look that you can’t get enough of? Leave it in the comments below!