Multi-tasking products are always a win, especially those with skin benefits. So when Hughes told us this skin-hydrating balm is one of her go-tos for glossy lids we were ecstatic to find yet another use for the all-purpose balm (when we're not dabbing it on our cheeks or lips for that dewy finish).
When used as an eye gloss, the lightweight balm adds a nice subtle shine and doesn't feel sticky, heavy or greasy on the lid. However, there is zero shimmer in this makeshift shadow, so eyes don't pop as much as they would with a little extra glitter. That being said, it's the perfect gloss to reach for when you want to work that natural look with a little extra shine.
While this particular gloss isn't sold outside of its kit, Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star 006, it definitely deserves a hot second in the limelight. If you're as obsessed with unicorn makeup as we are, then you'll die over the holographic shimmer of this eye gloss, which instantly brings out the pigment of the shadow you place beneath it. The silky eye gloss is incredibly easy to work with and melts into skin without causing your eyelids to stick (I'm looking at you hooded-eyed gals). It plays perfectly with eye shadow, going on smoothly, without disrupting the color beneath, and feels so lightweight, you'll forget you're wearing it.
If there's one eye gloss on this list that can last through dinner, drinks and a nightcap, it's Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss. After applying the gloss at 9 a.m., one editor was shocked to see her eye makeup perfectly intact come 5 p.m. Though in defense of the traditional eye glosses (you know, the ones that are actually lip glosses for your eyes), this gel-to-powder product looks and feels much more like a regular metallic shadow, which is perfect if you just cannot get past the creasing or viscous feel of a traditional eye gloss.
The formula blends out beautifully and is 100 percent buildable, depending on how much drama you're feeling that day. While it doesn't necessarily give you that high-gloss shine we see on the models in Vogue, its dazzling shimmer does make eyes pop with a metallic glimmer.
If you're going to be in front of a camera anytime soon (oh, hey Instagram) you might want to pick up this multi-purpose skin salve. Apart from giving your lids added shine, the salve also locks in moisture and repairs dry skin with antioxidants and natural emollients (so you can totally use it for other beauty purposes).
While the eye gloss gives eyes serious shine and looks beautiful on camera, it's definitely one of the thicker consistencies we tried. One editor said the texture was similar to that of Vaseline, causing her lids to feel heavy throughout the day and resulting in some major creasing two hours later. In our opinion, this eye gloss option wears best — and looks prettiest — on its own without any shadow. Time to channel your inner Alicia Keys.
If you're all about embracing your inner rock star, then we're happy to introduce you to this next eye gloss, the Yves Saint Laurent Eye Gloss Smudger. When paired with a neutral shadow, the lightweight formula adds subtle shine and a nice dewy finish. When paired with a dark shadow, it's all about embracing the grunge, since the gloss transforms the look into sexy, smudged shadow. One editor said the gloss was so comfortable on her lids, she forgot she was wearing it. Oh, and it lasted five hours. Not bad. Not bad at all.
