It’s official: ‘80s makeup is back, and we couldn’t be more pleased. The 2020s have seen makeup trends go from the ‘fox eye’ to Y2K, baby pink blush to ‘90s statement lipliner. One thing they all have in common? They’re easy-to-wear, somewhat natural and stick to a colour palette that doesn’t veer too far from the hues found naturally in our skin.

Now, as we head towards festival season, warmer months and longer days, it’s time to dress our eyes with colourful, unapologetic shades. Demonstrated in our latest campaign by makeup artist Grace Sinnott, colourful eyeshadow can be as unique and individual as the person who wears it. “It’s a feeling of self-expression and experimentalism that stems from kids who are playing with an identity for TikTok or Instagram. It feels like a very digital version of the new romantic era,” says Sinnott.

Not sure what colours will suit you? No idea how to make the look last? Fear not. Follow Sinnott’s step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate ‘80s-inspired, colourful eye look, which will last from day to night.

This is how to nail colour-pop eyes.

Step 1: Base

With an eye look that makes such a statement, it’s important to allow it to take centre stage and tone down the skin. “I kept the base quite natural,” says Grace Sinnott. “I used products that weren’t too oily as I didn’t want anything to slide around.”

“An important step when using eye shadows is to powder under the eyes and use a good setting spray. This stops the look from transferring underneath, same if you are using a mascara.”

Step 2: Eyes

Unless you’re an expert on colour theory, it can be difficult to know what colours will suit you. A great tip taught to makeup artists is to find your eye colour on the colour wheel and choose a colour directly opposite to enhance it. “Bright colours can be really flattering,” says Sinnott. “Oranges bring out blue eyes, purple tones bring out hazel eyes and blue eyeshadows look amazing on dark colours.”

Struggling to make the eyeshadow stick? This is Sinnott’s tip: “Use a pale or white base eye primer - this really makes the pigments pop. I find if you press eyeshadow in with a flat brush or even a finger it works better when wanting strong colour payoff.”

Step 3: Finishing touches

As with the skin, aim to keep the lips subtle using tinted balms, oils or more natural shades of gloss. Despite what you may be used to, now is not the time for thick, voluminous mascara; keep it natural and separated so as not to cover up your kaleidoscope eyeshadow. 

But most of all, have fun with it. Whether you’re a seasoned colourful eyeshadow wearer or lean towards more of a ‘clean girl aesthetic’, the most important thing is owning it. “If it feels daunting then tone it down a little,” says Grace Sinnott. “But I also sort of feel like this kind of makeup needs to be owned and worn unapologetically. Don’t let the look wear you.”