My group chat was going off weeks ago about how much we miss back-to-school shopping. The conversation naturally turned into a spirited debate about which colors correspond with each class. I am wholly convinced that red is for math, yellow is for English, green is for science, and brown is for history. There’s simply no other way to go about it.
While there’s no way to fully replicate the feeling of a fresh set of folders and markers every September, you can bring some of that whimsy back with your eye makeup. You too can whimsymaxx, as the most annoying people on the internet would say, without having to buy a star-shaped ice tray or bedazzle your plastic coffee cup.
I don’t know who decided makeup needs to be “clean girl” or neutral, but consider this your sign to have a little fun with it again. Swipe on a vibrant liquid shadow, play around with colored eyeliner, or mix and match your pencils and tubes. None of it has to be particularly serious. It’s just an easy way to add a little more play to your day.
Below, five eyeliners and five eyeshadows to consider—or if you’re really into the whole school-thing, that’s 25 different color combinations, if you pair one eyeliner with one eyeshadow.
The Liners
I have some gripes with eyeliner—my dexterity leaves much to be desired—but I can make do when the eyeliner is creamy. It’s much easier to apply, and if I mess up, it’s a lot easier to clean up. But that’s not the only thing on my very long (two more items) list of criteria when it comes to eyeliner. I also want it to be long-wearing enough that, if I apply it before heading into the office, I don’t need to touch it up before dinner. Day to night, if you remember magazines in their heyday. I also prefer a demi-matte finish, which often looks much better than the alternatives. And yes, there is a difference. And yes, I can tell. And yes, I am judgmental. That is the point of my job.
Seafoam
Celebrity beauty brands can feel tired, but not Victoria Beckham’s. Somehow, Posh made every product worth its price tag. Her easy-to-use kajal eyeliners glide on like a stick of butter and come with a smudger on the other end that allows you to play even more—and gives you the excuse to say, “It’s smudged on purpose, obviously…” But once it dries, it stays put all night. It’s also waterproof, so no matter how many times you cry to The Marías, it’ll stay put. (This has been fact-checked.) I particularly love Seafoam, which has a very mermaid quality to it without leaning campy.
Copper
No one likes it when I say this, but fall is here, and an easy way to get into the autumnal spirit is by adding a little copper eyeliner to the rotation. It isn’t yellow (which may be too fun for some of you) per se, but it’s still more exciting than black or brown. Stila’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-proof gel pencils can last up to 12 hours, should you behave. It glides on super easily, and can even double as a smudgy eye shadow.
Goldmine
The sun may start to set earlier, but we have the sun at home with Urban Decay’s Goldmine, a pretty gold shade. It’s super creamy, glides on easily, and contains hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, so it doesn’t dry out and start looking three days old the way some eyeliners do. Again, I’m pushing the gold shade, but if it’s not your thing, this waterproof eyeliner comes in plenty of other shades and finishes, including matte, metallic, shimmer, satin, and glitter. Take your pick.
Pillow Talk
The Pillow Talk empire doesn’t just end at the lips. Charlotte Tilbury’s moneymaker extends to the eyes, too, with a black-cherry-esque eyeliner that looks just as good on the eyes as it does on lips and cheeks—personally, I think there’s black magic in Pillow Talk, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s long-lasting, touted to stay in place for 14 hours, but you get 30 seconds before it dries down to fix any mistakes you may make. As a fun test, you can set a timer and see how quickly you can get it on. I’m at 15 seconds and working my way down.
BooBoo
Speaking of fun, Marc Jacobs’ newly reintroduced makeup line really upped the ante with its packaging—and it’s more than just kitschy. The formulas really deliver, too. I’ve always wanted someone to compliment the blue in my eyes (they’re black), but a metallic teal eyeliner is the next best thing. It glides on easily and stays put no matter who makes you cry by not texting back.
The Shadows
No matter what you wear, if your eyeshadow is sparkly, people automatically assume that you have a zest for life that can’t be replicated. Now, there’s a chance you’re still using your Urban Decay Naked palette, so consider this a sign to throw it away. (Yes, makeup expires.) It’s time to get into liquid eyeshadows—but not all are created equal. The very best are long-lasting, easy to use even if you aren’t a celebrity makeup artist, can be applied in a moving vehicle, and are buildable, so you can pack on as much or as little as you’d like.
Plum Pewter
Thank you, Mario Dedivanovic, for everything in your makeup line, but especially this long-wear cream eyeshadow that simplifies the shadow process. Not all of us are good at following makeup tutorials. With so many shades to choose from, including this pretty Plum Pewter, it’s easier than ever to make it look like you know what you’re doing. It’s sweat-, humidity-, and waterproof, and even crease-resistant, so no matter what the day puts you through, you’re safe.
Chestnut
Again, fall is here!! Chestnuts roasting on an open flame!! If you want that spirit on your shadows, Armani Beauty’s Chestnut has you covered. The formula applies easily and can be smudged for a smokier look, but once it dries down, it doesn’t budge until it’s time to take it off, at which point it’s not a pain to remove. In Armani we trust.
Not Scared To Sparkle
The more shimmer, the better, if you ask me, and this silver shade from MAC is perfect for a night out. Don’t forget that MAC is who raised you, who got you to your bat mitzvah/quinceañera/prom in one piece, and whose formulas have stood the test of time. It’s long-wearing and waterproof, but lightweight enough that you don’t feel a thing on your eyelids once it dries down. It’s a bit more glittery than a true metallic, but don’t be afraid… or should I say, don’t be afraid to sparkle?
Dieu Bleu
We have been freed from the chains of minimalism. And Violette_FR’s royal blue can be used both as an eyeshadow and an eyeliner. There are no rules anymore! It has seriously rich pigment, so proceed with caution and start slowly—you can always build your way up. While my idea of fun is this vibrant hue, there are plenty of other shades to choose from in the makeup artist’s shade range, in both matte and glitter finishes.
Siren
My makeup hack with R.E.M. Beauty’s liquid eyeshadow is to apply a smidge to the back of my hand, then use a brush to smudge it all over my lid. I love Siren, a duochrome warm pink that’s the perfect amount of shimmer to lure in the sailors (Hinge matches). Thank you, Ariana Grande.
Photo via ITG