LFW Beauty Trend Alert: The Demise of Eyeshadow

Three ways eyeshadow lost out at the shows…

Picture this: you’re a beauty writer backstage at London Fashion Week scouting for trends. You’re grilling make-up artists for products, techniques and advice for translating the models’ looks to make-up that can be worn at home, but instead of getting any juicy tips from the pros, you keep hearing the same thing over and over again: eyeshadow is out. Not pared back, not subtle, but entirely absent.

Don’t for one minute think this means the eyelid has ceased to be a place of interest. Au contraire; it is embellished, glossy, a place for experimentation. Forget all the other make-up trends - day three was all about the jazzy lid…

Gloss: David Koma

In creating a healthy, modern make-up for the models using Nars, Andrew Gallimore simply took their Larger Than Life Gloss in ‘Spring Break’ and tapped it onto eyelids, forgoing mascara as well as shadow. The result was a slightly defined eye that looked polished and deliciously simple. To do this at home, try using a tiny touch of gloss or non-sticky lip balm like By Terry Rose de Baume.

Concealer: Matthew Williamson

Lisa Potter Dixon wanted to lift and open eyes while still suggesting a little smokiness. Using Benefit’s Boing concealer smudged all over the lids, she drew a soft line of Hoola bronzer in the socket for definition’: I like to use make-up in the wrong places’, Lisa said. Putting it in the wrong places got the right results - models looked fresh and smouldering sauntering down the runway in Matthew Williamson’s jewel tones.

Sequins & Lipstick: Temperley London

After Liz Earle facials courtesy of Abigail James to get skin glowing, Val Garland covered eyelids with Liz Earle’s Fig lipstick and a serious smattering of sequins. Rather than be put off by the idea of the potential discomfort of sequins glued to lids, I’m inspired. A new place to wear my favourite adornment? Yes. Please. Now, where’s that lash glue?