When I’m not sitting in front of a computer reviewing and highlighting my favorite celebrity and beauty expert-endorsed trends, I’m scoping out less talked-about makeup movements that have TikTok users buzzing. I’ve found endless beauty inspiration on the social media app since I first downloaded it in December 2020.
Many novice-friendly beauty trends I was suddenly confronted with were heavily related to various aesthetics, bringing an entirely new layer of artistry to the dialogue. Of these, Y2k-inspired makeup looks have arguably remained popular with the app’s beauty-loving users the longest, with glossy eye makeup at its center.
If you’ve yet to try this trend, now is your chance. With advice from one of Hollywood’s best celebrity makeup artists and 20 product recommendations, you’ll be slaying this look in no time.
“Glossy and vinyl eye makeup is high impact and fairly simple to achieve,” says celebrity makeup artist Courtney Hart. Hart’s celebrity clientele includes XO Kitty’s breakout star Anna Cathcart and millennial icon Hilary Duff. “It takes elements from current makeup trends we have adapted from shows like Euphoria and plays with textures reminiscent of the early 2000s. It’s a very fun, colorful, and artistic trend,” she continues. “No doubt it will continue to grow on platforms like TikTok and be seen on upcoming red carpets and editorials.”
Makeup novices and enthusiasts can rest easy knowing that creating and pulling off this makeup look is relatively easy—a win for anyone hesitant to try the Y2k-inspired trend. “Some cream and powder eye shadows are designed to look wet and reflective when applied,” begins Hart. “I always use an eye primer with these types of looks to get as much color payoff as possible.” This look can be achieved by applying an eye gloss on top of your chosen eye shadow. However, upkeep may be difficult over an extended amount of time.
She favors keeping the skin fresh and somewhat matte when creating a reflective or high-impact eye look. “The contrast of the glossy eye and soft skin allows the eye to be the star of the show,” Hart says. She also identified the products she uses to achieve the viral makeup trend, from heavily pigmented, metallic eye shadows to liquid eye shadows for a long-lasting ‘wet’ look. Keep scrolling to discover three of her favorites and her biggest tips and tricks.
If you’d like to incorporate more of the ‘wet’ look into your makeup, consider trying one of Hart’s favorite liquid eye shadows. “They are liquid and have a metallic, wet look that dries down really nicely,” explains Hart.
Now that you’ve gotten the inspiration for this TikTok beloved eye makeup locked and loaded, why not try it out? Below you’ll find 17 more beauty editor-approved products (accompanied by a slew of five-star customer reviews) that will bring your glossy eyes to life. Whether you decide to keep things minimal with just a swipe of eye gloss across the lid or apply highlighter to all your high points for never ending shine, this trend is for everyone.
Use this gloss on bare skin or over makeup to subtly illuminate your natural features. Customer review: “Was a little hesitant to purchase this in fear it was just lip gloss rebranded but was in a pinch and took a chance. I’m obsessed. It’s more of a soft, silky texture and taps onto high points for a perfect glass-skin look. Amazing for those with dry skin. I love it.”
Looking for a dupe of the TikTok viral R.E.M. beauty Midnight Shadows Eyeshadow Gloss? This one brings on the shine for less. Customer review: “Not sticky at all! Seems miraculous but I wore this all day on my super oily eyelids and didn’t feel any different to wearing my regular eye paint/eye shadow.”
Makeup artists everywhere are raving about this eye, cheek, and lip cream pigment that can completely transform any makeup look. Customer review: “DM Colorfix is a versatile, waterproof, and highly pigmented liquid formula that can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks. It comes in a variety of shades that are designed to complement different skin tones and personal preferences. One of the standout features of DM color fix glaze is its long-lasting formula.”
Tap on this jelly-like glitter eye shadow gloss for that glazed donut look we all know and love (with some added sparkle). Customer review: “I love this stuff. I’ll use it by itself for a more dramatic all-glittery look, or I’ll often put a bit on top of my makeup for a nice pop. It stays put way better than other glittery or shimmery liquid-base eye makeup I use. [I] got it as a sample and have been buying it ever since!”
This eye shadow by Danessa Myricks delivers long-lasting, buildable, high-impact shine without any fuss or fallout. Customer review: “Danessa does it again with another innovative formula! You can use this on its own or as a topper to any eye shadow look. For high impact, use [it] straight from the tube with the applicator in layers. For a beautiful sheer pop of metallic dab [on] with your finger or a fluffy brush. You can also use this as a chromatic eyeliner or on the lips! My favorite part is it’s mess free and long-lasting, so no worries about any fallout.”
A longtime favorite of Who What Wear beauty editors, Charlotte Tilbury’s cream eye shadow is a quick and easy alternative to your favorite glitter powder formulas. Customer review: “I was looking for an eye shadow that I could just glide on without brushes since my makeup time is my morning commute. I love this stuff! You only need a little bit, and it is buildable. It lasts all day, with very little creasing, after 12 hours of use. The pot lasts me about three months, with use five days a week.”
This liquid eye shadow can be used alone (it looks gorgeous as a highlighter at the inner corner of your eye) or layered on top of clear eye gloss for max impact. Customer review: “I absolutely love this product! I love the color. It’s definitely buildable, but you can also use it more as a topper to finish your eye look. Absolutely no creasing and no fallout! It tried nicely on my eyes. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves glitter on their eyes! I want to try other colors. I’m so impressed with this product!”
You don’t need magic to transform your eye makeup look from transparent color to opaque, but you definitely need this to make it happen. Customer review: “I really didn’t understand the term ‘buildable’ until I used this product. It can transform from transparent to opaque easily. I get it now! The way the light catches on this product is mesmerizing. It’s great for a clean, dewy look or a semi-smokey classic look. Just be sure to either clean your brushes or have a separate one for this product, as it will overpower any matte eyeshadows.”
You can never have enough glitter. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow is a must-have for any makeup lover’s collection. Customer review: “Gorgeous! This is a beautiful shimmer that gives you that wet look. You can definitely build the intensity. It looks pretty over eye shadow or just on its own. I personally like wearing it on its own during my no-makeup makeup days.”
Feeling bold? Mix some of this highly-pigmented glitter with a gloss for the perfect Y2k throwback. Customer review: “If I could give this more than five stars, I would! Absolutely stunning product for your eyes. You can wear this on a night out or even wear it for a casual everyday look if you want to add a little sparkle to your day! I normally just use my finger to tap a little product over my lids, and it’s just perfect. I’ve also used this as a highlighter on my nose.”
If vibrancy is what you’re going for, consider incorporating Hourglass’s Scatter Light Glitter Eye Shadow into your finished look. Customer review: “Amazing shadow. Absolutely love everything about it. I like to use my finger to apply. Little to no fallout, stays put all day. It’s really gorgeous and light but so vibrant at the same time. Great for everyday wear or spicing it up with other colors for a more vibrant look.”
This Danessa Myricks balm may not look like much, but I promise it delivers unparalleled shine for that wet and dewy look. Customer review: “I bought three shades, and I am in love with all of them. New holy grail product. I’m seeing the negative reviews, and while it may be true for them, it’s not for me. No huge chunks of glitter, and they last all day on me. Perfect ‘wet and dewy’ highlight look! Absolutely love it.”
Adding glow to your glossy eye makeup is made easy with this Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez liquid highlighter. Customer review: “I was really skeptical of this product because I’m not usually into the liquid highlight, but this…! This is so good! It blends really well with both finger and brush. [The] color is nice [and] looks natural, and there is a lot of product! I like the packaging. Everything [about] this product is nice. I would definitely purchase another shade.”
This highlight by Tower 28 Beauty offers a natural dewy look without added shimmer. Customer review: “I really love this product! Often times within just a couple hours into my day, the glow of my makeup begins to wear off. This product is so smooth and glowy. I put it on the areas of my face that dry out easiest, and it really makes me look so dewy and shiny.”
If I had to buy one Danessa Myricks product to create hundreds of versatile makeup looks, it would have to be this liquid highlighter. Customer review: “[I’m] so in love with the Vision Flush Glow! Danessa [did] it again with the multi-use products! I used this on my models’ cheeks and lips, and it gave the perfect amount of glow. The product is also lightweight and hydrating! Definitely keeping these in my makeup kit!”
Refy’s Gloss Highlighter can be added anywhere your face needs more shine (right under the tail of your eyebrow is always a crowd-pleaser). Customer review: “I’ve tried and used what feels like 1 million highlighters, from powders to gels to serums and creams, and, by far, this is my absolute favorite. It goes on light but stays dewy and gives some serious sheen without looking shiny. I love it on bare skin and over makeup—and [I] don’t think I’ll ever NOT have this in my makeup drawer.”
