Colorful eyeshadow has made a comeback this year. Whether it be layers of blue painted like clouds above crushed eyelids at Mansur Gavriel, or the foamy shine of blue displayed on my crossing guard’s eyes. It is everywhere. My own realization of this came sometime last winter when every gift box that I recieved included a box full of colorful pencils. Later on, it was a Glossier party that I missed. And then a susbquent gift that at once had every skin-care thing imaginable (I was thankful!), but also several shades of glittery eyeshadow. Back then, my desire for the just-off-the-beach look was still a bit strong, and so, I stored them to the back and went halfsies with my daughter.
But this summer, the beat of Puerto Rico and the sway of The Caribbeans can be seen on your everyday woman and girl. And no, as punk as colorful eyeshadow may seem, I don’t get punk energy from those who wear it. I see this burst of color almost as a homage to those who integreate color and a deep relationship to it. This is particulary unavoidably to see for the half Panamanian in me. I couldn’t ignore this when Labor Day rolled around in New York City, and to style up layers of rhinestone bras and colorful bikini bottoms that honored their home, women wore colorful eyeshadow. It brought up past memories of this too. That in the shaking of layers of brown skin, loud music, sweat and flags, there was always color above the eyes. Catching a glimpse from the metal partition made it so easy because of this.
It could be just a pale green line, or pink cat-eye, or even a full-on blue eye for a regular day that turns into an amazing night, but colorful eyeshadow has this way of carrying folks. This eyeshadow has this way of turning what may be an awful day into good, or a regular outfit into a punch. And when more folks are also looking to dress creatively, without adding more to their wardrobe, it allows for such to happen.
I took this Kosas 10 second eyeshadow for a spin. (If you’ve never heard of KOSAS, they’re non-toxic make-up company, that I have fell in-love with over the last several months.) This 10-second eyeshadow takes quite literally 10-seconds. Just add the color, smudge and run out.
But more than that, I love that everyone has the oppurtunity to just have a bit of fun. The late late evenings and busy mornings of the 80s, full of effortless fun and style–with platforms and fros–is accesible to people like you and me in 2019.
How are you feeling about this?
I’m wearing the Nitrogen in these photos. But when going out last night, I put a bit of the Waterfall on top, which created this gorgeous mix.
(This post has affiliate links. If you choose to purchase soemthing, I may earn a small comission.)
Gorgeous eye shadow! Makes your eyes pop! You look like magic! Work it Queen! You just exude beautiful, energy and confidence in every photo. Love your blog.
Thank you so so much, Shayla!
So beautiful, Latonya! 😫😭🤩✨✨✨
LaTonya*** ☺️ I swear I know this. My phone is the culprit!
I used to love color on my eyes! It was not such a hit with my then boyfriend (turned out be a narcissist) and he made sure to tell me every time. I stopped wearing it and even forgot it was an option to me until just the other day… I’m getting back to wearing colorful eyeshadow and liner for sure!!!!
Oh no, well I’m happy you’re getting back into it (and that he’s gotten the boot, ha!)
Let me know how it feels to get back into it.
x
I wear nearly no makeup, but while with my four year old daughter the other day we met a woman with very blue eyeshadow. She asked (within earshot of the woman, of course), “Why does she have blue stuff on her eyelids?” In my embarrassment I explained that it was called eyeshadow, a type of makeup, that comes in many colors. Then, to my relief, she responded, “It’s sooooo beautiful!” I haven’t shown her your photo yet, but cannot wait to hear her response, which I imagine will be awe.