Shiny happy peepers … the decadent charm of eye gloss
I have rarely known a discontinued beauty product go viral and spark a huge trend after its demise, but such is the apparent power of Sofia Richie. The model, socialite and daughter of Lionel Richie got married this spring wearing Chanel’s limited edition Duo Lumière Multi-Use Illuminating Eye Gloss, and caused what scant stock remained to instantly sell out.
Since then, I’ve been asked frequently for a dupe that lasts without creasing. The truth is that, original or lookalike, long-lasting eye gloss is an oxymoron. Forget it. Eye gloss is a shiny, semi- or completely transparent eyeshadow that resembles something between lip gloss and lip balm for the eyes, and stays put for about as long.
It’s gorgeous in summer for a casual, sheer wash of colour, but its subtlety also makes it a great supporting character for dark lipsticks and dramatic party makeup in colder months, when one might want to appear dressy but not try-hard.
It’s modern, flattering on any age, eye shape or skin tone and requires only the most basic skills to apply – eye gloss works best when simply dabbed or stroked across the upper eyelids with a ring finger or pinky. But thereafter, it really will do as it pleases, which is generally to move or crease within a couple of hours, which I personally think rather adds to its slightly sweaty, decadent, lived-in charm.
Fresh or worn in, there are some beautiful versions on the market that do exactly as Richie’s sold-out Chanel does. My favourite is Surratt’s Lid Lacquer (£35), which is entirely unsticky, comes in a dinky slimline pan with mirror for touching up, and in the best shades, ranging from the foolproof Hadaka (shimmery nude) and Komugi (solid taupe) to edgy black and crimson.
For the subtle, burnished golden glow of Richie’s Chanel duo, Glossier’s Haloscope (£22) is ideal. Technically, this is a highlighter, but its glossy, balmy finish makes it a very pretty and comfy over-lid eye gloss. One can curb its wanderlust somewhat with an undercoat of eye primer such as NARS Cosmetics’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (£23). It’s the best I’ve ever used, but as with anything glossy it will need either your reapplication or resignation to make it through a long day.
It’s also important to remember that any desired eyeliner will need to be drawn on pre-gloss. Trying to paint over a glossy lid is like trying to graffiti a wet window.
As with anything glossy, it will need either your reapplication or resignation to make it through a long day