Sunset tones of terracotta, cinnamon and bronze have been dominating our make-up bags for some years now, and for good reason. They're easy to work with, they're universally flattering on all complexions, and dial into our collective love for looking like we've just returned from two weeks spent in St. Tropez: sunkissed and golden.
But, while we're not giving up our warm-hued eyeshadow palettes just yet, last night's Oscars red (or in this case, champagne-coloured) carpet has us rethinking cooler shades of steel, grey and silver.
Make-up artist Joy Adenuga credits this shift both to ever-changing fashion trends and the boldness of the hues themselves. 'Silver and grey tones have been making a waves in fashion in the form of metallic fabrics and accessories. Plus, these colours are often more dramatic and edgy, making them a favourite among make-up enthusiasts who want to stand out,' Adenuga tells ELLE UK.
Read Next
Star of the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake Halle Bailey made a statement with her sheeny silver eyeshadow, an unexpected (yet no less effective) pairing to her seafoam green ensemble.
Placed carefully on the inner corners, the hint of silver perks up the eyes while the soft taupe on the outer areas makes for a gentle smokey eye that'll translate beautifully even off the carpet. The trick to keeping the vibe fresh (and not early 2000s party-goer) is to go for gleaming silver, rather than one with a glittery finish, punctuate with a subtle eyeliner, and leave everything else dewy and minimal.
When working with cooler colours such as greys, blues and silvers, Adenuga recommends balancing the complexion with a warm-toned blush, brows and lip colour. 'It will add warmth to your face and prevent it from looking washed out,' she says.
Texture and colour is also key. Go for an eyeshadow with a hint of sheen or subtle shimmer instead of a dusty matte. If you are using a matte shadow as a base colour, apply with a light hand to avoid a chalky finish. Go forth and shine.
Also on the silver brigade was Best Supporting Actress nominee, Stephanie Hsu. Make-up artist Hinako Murashige opted for a silver with peachy undertones paired with a low-key lip (it's a cocktail of NARS Powermatte in American Woman and Thunder Kiss) to enhance Hsu's complexion and embrace the Barbiecore vibe of her Valentino gown.
Meanwhile, Ariana DeBose mirrored her custom Versace look with sweepings of smokey quartz across the eyelids. Make-up artist Andrea Tiller used Iconic London's Desk To Dance eyeshadow palette and patted on the Quartz Glaze Crayon on top for a glossy finish.
ELLE Edit: Cool-Toned Make-Up
For a modern day ice princess take on the trend, look to romcom queen Kate Hudson, who dazzled in her Rodarte mermaid dress and eyelids that glimmered as though they'd been dusted with diamonds. Make-up artist Tonya Brewer used a pink-flecked silver eyeshadow to tie in with Hudson's rosy cheeks and soft coral lips.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
