Self-confidence is a sucker for ‘playing it safe’ when it comes to eye makeup. The graphic liner trend, that was actually only ever truly in vogue on the catwalk, instantly fell victim to our inner doubts. Just scroll the likes of Vinted and you’ll see where all those carefully curated, coloured liner palettes ended up. Now that bold eye makeup is truly having a moment, what are you going to do? Embrace the creative adventure or blank it?
I don’t regard my eyes as windows to my soul (does anyone, other than forensic phsychologists?), but I do consider them ripe for a bit of artistic expression. That doesn’t mean to say I’m going for a full sunset paradise look anytime soon. On the other hand, the full-rimmed eyeliner look is right up my street and - if bold is the new norm - I’m ready to rock it. Move over Billie Eilish!
Will that be the extent of most bold eye looks?
If you peruse what we’re currently being served up by brands, it’s almost exclusively on the safe, neutral side with the odd duochrome or smokey shade thrown into an otherwise extremely bland mix. The classic, understated eye look is still making waves and, whether bold is fashionable or not, your every-day makeup wearer is going to take some convincing to switch from a risk-free natural look to something a lot more out there.
There’s a school of thought that argues creative eye makeup is something currently blossoming behind closed doors. If you browse copious ‘social’ images depicting vivid eye looks, you may ask yourself where you have seen such far-out creations in real life. Truth is, very few people venture outside with that much colour on their lids. So much talent intertwined with a crisis of confidence... Is that about to change?
Let’s rock ‘n’ roll bold eye makeup
The easiest transition from elegant to bold is the classic smokey eye. It’s dramatic while falling within the realms of ‘I can get away with this’. Better still, it’s a look you can achieve with a neutral palette - and, let’s face it, we’ve all got at least one of those. If you want bold eye makeup to reflect your personality or current mood, you may well want to take things further and, yes, blend an exotic sunset across your lids. It’s all about finding the confidence to create and then carry a look in public. Yes, ‘in public’.
Bold eye makeup has a long and chequered history. The Egyptians, known for their aching beauty and sophisticated self-care rituals, are held up as the architects of the lined eye. Truth is, they wore kohl as much for sun protection as they did vanity. Nonetheless, the striking look has endured; its inclusion in hieroglyphics and artwork a testament to its ancient popularity.
Elsewhere in history, painted eyelids have been a mainstay of the stage. In theatre - and I’m not referring to pantomime dames - vivid shades and intricate designs have been manipulated to reflect character traits and specific emotions. Kabuki performers in Japan were considered masters of the art. The flappers, the swinging 60s and punk era have each played a role in the evolution of the dramatic eye.
What about today? Even if ardent makeup addicts like myself were to embrace ‘bold’, what would society’s reaction be? I’m not referring to our peers. With many workplaces in modern Britain perpetuating cultures that are merely a step up from the Victorian workhouse, it’s hard to see an elaborate eye look lasting more than a few hours. I can picture tearful Staff Toilet scenes that involve copious amounts of damp tissue or Wet Wipes.
Extreme makeup is at odds with a political system that is calling for greater work ethics at a time when most workers of my generation are on their last legs - because we are, and always have been, grafters. And pushing the sick into repressive workplaces that are not, in all honesty, going to respect their individual needs beyond platitudes says it all about the society we are currently living in. There’s simply no room for colour!
And that’s something brands need to take on board, if they are about to spring a flurry of unconventional shades on a self-conscious fanbase that may not be entirely free to express their creativity 24/7. We’re not going to need dozens of palettes to see us through this trend.
On the other hand, I can envisage bold eye makeup in pubs and clubs, on the beach and in most other settings that aren’t bound by petty, conformist rules.
Bold eye makeup looks to try
While eye looks are limitless, you have to have some inspiration to get started. An easy technique is to swipe a bold shade, such as electric blue or blood red, across the lids and then pair it with a pop of clashing colour in the inner corners. This look creates a striking contrast that instantly speaks ‘creative’. You may want to try a blend of fiery oranges, reds and golds, or mix black and grey with a stunning silver shimmer. Whether you stick to a solid swipe of pigment or go down the gradient route is up to you.
Beyond colour, liner can play a pivotal role in the bold eye makeup look. You may come to regret passing that liner palette on! Think of a thick, winged liner, graphic liner, which can incorporate geometric or unexpected shapes on the lid, and sharp, angular lines that will frame the eyes.
One of the most overlooked aspects of the bold eye look is texture. Glitter and metallic eyeshadows give ‘lustrous’ as well as depth to a look. They reflect light and deliver a rich, sparkling finish.
Never forget that mascara is the great amplifier of the bold eye makeup look. Multiple coats are the order of the day - even if you haven’t been especially bold with colour on your lids. And don’t forget, it’s not all about black. Why not try a more vivid shade?
Bottom line of eye makeup trends
Confidence is key when it comes to elaborate eye makeup. You need confidence in your skills to create it and even more confidence to take that look out of the bedroom and into your everyday life. Truth is, ‘bold’ isn’t that attractive to most of us. It’s just not practical. I view it as an ambition, but one that is trampled on by self-doubt and a willingness, or need, to conform to the boring.
Unless you happen to be employed in a creative industry, have a very understanding boss or work for yourself, the bold eye makeup look isn’t going to be a regular feature of the 9 to 5. Let’s be truthful about it. Who wants to be checking in for a doctor’s appointment to be confronted by a receptionist with a vampire-inspired death look? Or seeking to book a holiday with a travel agent who appears to have ventured a bit too close to the sun? More paradise lost than a touch of the exotic waiting to be explored!
Bold eyes, however, could be the style that defines you in your free time. If you’ve got the gumption - and the skills - your eyes could be the trendiest thing going this summer.
Going to give ‘bold’ a try?
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