How-To: Eccentric and Unconventional Eye Makeup

With self-expression being conveyed in many stylistic means, there has been a recent rise in personal creativity displayed through colourful and artistic eye makeup. Shows like HBO’s Euphoria have highlighted ways to express your style other than clothes, often showcasing unique eyeshadow and makeup designs. While it might feel intimidating to sport an orange winged eyeliner or monochromatic eyeshadow look daily, taking small steps out of your comfort zone will help you evolve your sense of style and individuality. This month, we’re talking about different eye looks you can tackle and show off at your next event.

If you’re not the most confident in your makeup abilities or just starting with colourful eye looks, a simple and fool-proof approach would be a monochromatic eyeshadow wash. By using only one colour on the lid, you can focus on complimenting your unique eye shape. Whether it’s more winged or round, the shape you create with a single colour is easy to make into your own. If you’re unsure of the colour, try using one that compliments your eye colour or matches your outfit!

Long before Euphoria arose, British cultural icon Twiggy had developed her eye makeup look that played off the 1960s social setting and her personal style. Often referred to as ‘mod-makeup’, Twiggy popularized a pale pink shadow wash over the lid, rounded black eyeliner in the crease, a subtle cat eye, and thick bottom lashes. Creating a doe-eyed illusion, a Twiggy-inspired look can either be worn as it was in the 60s or modernized by using a lighter brown liner and mascara to sculpt the eye.

Twiggy in her iconic 60s hair and makeup

Pops of colour can be done in other ways than just eyeshadow. A popular way to colour block or show off your artistic skills is through an eyeliner design. A coloured wing liner, an elaborate liner design, and colour blocking are a few different ways to use eyeliner to create a single or multi-coloured liner look. A personal favourite of mine is to apply coloured mascara to a bare eye. A unique and individualistic approach, this eye look requires little to no time to master.

If you’re looking for a new makeup look to try or want to switch the usual routine up, opt for one of these unique and colourful eye looks. In looking for inspiration elsewhere, Euphoria’s head makeup artist, Doniella Davy, breaks down numerous makeup looks seen on the characters in the first season of the show in this article: https://www.allure.com/story/euphoria-head-makeup-artist-interview she lists many new makeup looks if you’re open to switching things up and stepping outside of your comfort zone with makeup.

Rebecca Yan