Daily Vanity Logo

We all like the word glossy, but the word sticky? Not so much.

So while the glossy eyelids trend has been making its rounds since 2017 on Instagram, runways, and across celeb looks, we can all understand the little apprehension about going on board with the look, knowing very well the type of hot mess it can easily become.

But with the tips, tricks, and product recommendations below, you might just be able to crack the code on how to achieve the glossy eyelid look, even if you have oily eyelids (and so that you don’t look like you do!)

We promise it’s easier to pull off than you think, and you’ll be well on your way to shiny, long-lasting eyelids that don’t stick to themselves by two in the afternoon.

Think of glossy lids as a simple three-step process: Prime, shadow, and glitter.

1. Prime, prime, prime!

As with other types of makeup, the key to making eye makeup last without budging is to prime your eyelids. We all create oil on our eyelids as the day progresses, some more than others. While there isn’t a cure-all method to stop oily lids, primers are a great measure to curb them.

Primers act as a base to keep your eye products lasting all day, something that’s crucial especially for tacky products like gloss or eyelid gloss.

If you don’t have a primer on hand, grab a concealer and set it with powder! You’ll definitely see a more even base which helps the eyeshadow appear true to its colour.

Here are some great primer options:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Glossy Lids Ud Primer

The OG in the world of eyelid-priming, there’s a reason this primer is everyone’s go-to for forever. The primer is lightweight with an almost serum-like consistency that applies beautifully without any buildup or patchiness. It’ll cling excellently to whatever shadow you put on top, without being overly sticky.

The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion retails at SGD35 and is available at Sephora.

E.L.F Cosmetics Eye Primer and Liner Sealer

Glossy Lifs Elf

A fan-favourite, this ultra affordable eye primer kills two birds with one stone – it primes your lids for shadow, and the liner side transforms any pressed powder shadow into a gel-like liner. The primer stick is particularly easy to apply and is perfect for travel as well.

Still skeptical? Well, this product is less than SGD10 so we think it’s definitely worth a try!

The ELF Cosmetic Eye Primer and Liner Sealer retails at SGD9.90 and is available at Lazada.

Glossy Lids Smashbox

Think of this as an eyelid glue, without the ew. Touted to be a life-saving product for anyone with oily eyelids, this primer locks on your eyeshadow and maximises the vibrancy. It’s sweat and humidity-resistant, and will keep your eyeshadows crease and smudge – free for 24 hours.

The Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer retails at SGD34 and is available at Sephora

2. Pick your shimmer

A key ingredient in this recipe for glaze, apply a shimmer or metallic shadow all over your eyelids, but steer clear of glitter with chunky glitter particles which can move around once the gloss is applied.

Just remember, the finer the shimmer, the better! Liquid, cream, powder, and gel formulas all work, though liquids, gels, and creams tend to deliver that glossy look best.

For a more subtle, wearable look, opt for a shade closer to your skin tone or within the neutral pinks and browns family. Top it off with a pop of colour on your lip, and you’re ready to take this look to the office, a night out, or even a glamorous party.

The high-shine editorial look is for the bold and brave amongst us. It makes for a head swivelling look and is sure to be the topic of conversation wherever you go. The trick to achieving this look? Pick a highly pigmented cream-based product to create the pop of colour in your base.

Here are some great shimmer options:

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eye Shadow

A clever cream-to-sheen formula that creates maximum impact with minimum effort, this eyeshadow can be effortlessly applied with the fingertip for a flattering finish. It’s the ultimate crease-free product when it comes to glossy lids!

The Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eye Shadow retails at USD32 and is available at Beautylish.

MAC Cosmetics Pro Long-wear Paint Pot Cream Eye Shadow

Glossy Lids Mac Eye Pigment

A crowd-pleaser, this highly pigmented eyeshadow goes on creamy and dries to an intense, vibrant finish. The second skin-like formula blends smoothly and creates seamless, buildable coverage without looking cakey. It’s perfect for oily lids because of its superior colour purity which stays true, and does not streak or crease even with gloss on top.

The MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot retails at SGD42 and is available at MAC boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora.

Revlon Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow

Glossy Lids Revlon

A great drugstore alternative to achieve the same look is the Revlon Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow. The colour options make for a well-rounded collection – mostly neutrals for a wearable glossy lids look and some pop of colours to really make a statement. This thin texture sets quickly so work fast with this one. But the good news: once it sets, it sets. No more worrying about shadows moving around on oily lids.

The Revlon Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow retails at SGD13.23 and is available at Lazada.

3. Gloss up

Now comes the pièce de résistance! To achieve the glaze, dab a small amount of gloss over your lids. Be careful to dab and not smear, you can use your fingers, a dense eyeshadow brush, or even a cotton bud to build up the product gradually – the less product you use, the less likely it is to move or build up in the crease.

You can opt for an eye gloss to achieve the look effortlessly. But like true beauty enthusiasts, we’re fans of repurposing what’s already in our makeup kit and as it turns out, lip gloss isn’t only good for giving your pout a pretty sheen. With a tube of clear or neutral lip gloss in hand – after confirming that there’s no plumping or stinging properties to ensure it’s safe for use on your eye – you’re ready to roll.

Eye gloss or lip gloss, simply dole out a dime sized amount of clear gloss on the back of your hand and use a finger or a brush to apply to your lid, beginning in the middle of your eye. Spread and pat as necessary until you’re pleased with the look.

Pro tip: The best way to avoid your eyelids uncomfortably sticking together is to avoid the crease area – no one will even be able to tell that the gloss is not there and you won’t have to feel like your eyelids are sticking together every time you blink.

Here are some great gloss options:

Kevin Aucoin The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss

Glossy Lids Kevin

A versatile and ultra-modern eye gloss, this eye gloss transforms any eyeshadow into having a glass-like, high-shine effect. This non-sticky formula is perfect for oily lids and it’s lightweight and comfortable. Wear it on top of an eye colour or alone for a nude look.

The Kevin Aucoin The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss retails at USD38 and is available at Beautylish.

MAC Tinted Lipglass

Glossy Lids Mac

This lip glass comes in a few pastel and neutral options for you to play up the glossy look. Best paired with a cream or nude eyeshadow, this high impact gloss delivers the right amount of sheen without being too thick.

The MAC Tinted Lipglass retails at SGD25 and is available at all MAC boutiques and counters, as well as at Shopee.

E.L.F Cosmetics Lip Lacquer

Glossy Lids Elf

This beautiful e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Lacquer lip gloss provides a brilliant shine that will make your glossy lids pop. The Vitamin E enriched formula is smooth, comfortable, and moisturising – making it suitable to wear atop your eyelids. It’s also the perfect drugstore alternative to expensive glossy products!

The E.L.F Cosmetics Lip Lacquer retails at SGD4.15 and is available at Shopee.

Brush some powder – and bask in that gloss!

Before we leave you to explore the magical world of glossy lids for yourself, we’ve got one last tip to bestow upon you – powder your eyelids at the end of it all. Powdering your glossy lids might seem counterproductive, but a little translucent powder applied lightly can soak up the excess stickiness and help your lids stay locked all day!

Now you’re good to gloss!


You may also like these articles: