5 Fun, Easy Eye Looks To Try This Summer
Summer is an ideal time to break out your brightest eyeshadows, punchiest liners, and even a neon or two (who would’ve thought electric blue mascara is so easy to wear?). Though this summer is a little different from every other summer, to put it lightly. While some regions are faring better than others, the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging across the country. And if you’re able to go outside—whether for a walk, to pick up a coffee from your local cafe, or, if you’re lucky enough to be in a region that’s safely reopening, for a socially distanced drink or meal—then you’re wearing a mask and not taking it off.
No reason to sacrifice your beauty regimen, though. In fact, your brand-new mask wardrobe is even more reason to play up your eyes: They’re essentially the only part of your face that’s visible, so you might as well give them some extra love. For starters, try these five easy, colorful eye looks. They’ll give your face and your mood some much-needed lightening up.
1. Graphic Liner
If “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande is the song of the summer, then this graphic white eyeliner by influencer Deon Clark is the look of the summer. It’s inspired by the stark eyeliner Grande rocks in the “Rain On Me” music video, and way easier to recreate than Grande’s sky-high whistle tones. Clark used Anastasia Beverly Hill Norvina Electric Cake Liner for this look, but you can use any creamy white pencil or gel liner. Finish it off with high-shine lip gloss.
2. Stamps and Sparkles
Yes, you can do wash-off face tattoos and stick-on crystals at the same time. Why? Because summer. This Euphoria-inspired look from Milk Makeup is best suited for the more playful spirits among us, but it’s also one of the lowest lifts. If you don’t want to buy a Milk Makeup Tattoo Stamp, just use whatever black eyeliner pencil you have lying around and draw hearts, stars, or any other shapes that bring you joy above your eyebrows and at your temples. Top it off with some tiny rhinestones. Get ready to party. Or to run some errands.
3. Holographic Shine
You don’t have to be a supermodel like Gigi Hadid to pull off this glitter-bombed eye look, nor do you have to be a celebrity makeup artist like Patrick Ta to achieve it. Just blend a neutral, pink-toned eyeshadow all over your lid then press a holographic shadow over the top, focusing on your inner corners. Try these Natasha Denona Crystal Top Coats if you’re going luxe, or these equally gorgeous NYX Metallic Glitter pots for something more budget-friendly.
4. Heavy Metals
To take the shiny theme a couple steps further, try this metallic-coated lid by makeup artist Robin Black. You’ll get the most control and best pigmentation from a liquid or cream shadow with a doe-foot applicator. Go for this Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust if you’re after a sparklier finish than Black’s original look, or the same product in Perlina for a pearlescent effect with a blue-pink shift.
5. Pastel Stripes
Soft, gentle, refreshing, this pastel eye look by makeup artist Celia Burton is the aesthetic equivalent of a summer breeze. And as evidenced by the oddly soothing tutorial on the second slide of Burton’s post, it’s equally breezy to achieve. Stack a swipe each of your two favorite liquid shadows (Burton used Glossier Skywash in the shades Pool and Lawn). Blend them out in one fell swoop with a flat shadow brush. Complete this easy-breezy look with unkempt brows and a single coat of mascara.