5 Easy Makeup Looks to Try in 2018: Metallic Lips, Highlighter & More

Put on a fresh face for the new year with these easy makeup looks!

We’ve partied, we’re back at work, and we’re ready for the new year. If everything else in your life isn’t looking up for 2018 quite yet (anyone else recovering from the first day of school blues?), there’s always makeup to give yourself a little pick-me-up. Personally, I’m still giddy over 2017’s makeup launches – especially with brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna and Colourpop making waves with their pocket-friendly yet super high performance products – so a lot of their stuff have become mainstays in my makeup routine.

But if you’re a creature of habit and would rather stick to what you know, I understand. Here are five ideas to switch up your everyday makeup looks with products you probably already have. It’s time to get out of the same old, same old rut!

This is such an easy way to spruce up your makeup look. When combined with curled lashes and mascara, even the most tired of peepers will look wide awake! Tip: use a shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter in a champagne shade, which suits any skin tone.

Product: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Opal, $62
Tool: Pinky finger!

This is the best way to try on a new eyeshadow colour without committing to full-on application and risking major panda eye syndrome. Start on the outer corner with a small brush and pack on the colour of your choice, eventually bringing it inwards and gently flicking out – wing optional.

Product: Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Luckfully, US$5
Tool: Zoeva 223 Petit Eye Blender brush, $15

Applying blush on the apples of your cheeks gives a simple, youthful everyday look, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous you can try an editorial take by placing your blush high up on the cheekbones and blend towards the temples. Try applying some on your nose bridge too for that after-sun flush. Pair with a simple eyeliner look and nude lips, and you’re good to go.

Product: Moonshot Cream Paint, $27
Tool: Zoeva 110 Face Shape brush, $22, or fingers

Lip gloss tends to be a little high maintenance, but pair it with a liquid lipstick underneath and you’ve got shiny puckers that will last all day. Best part is that it wears beautifully throughout the day, meaning you’ll still have a pretty stain after eating, drinking and talking despite the initial shine wearing off.

Products: Huda Beauty Liquid Matte in Trendsetter, US$27 and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, $31
Tool: Lip gloss wand or fingers

Metallic lipstick has come back stronger than ever since its heyday in the 90s! The new take is bolder yet a lot more wearable, being in shades of red, pink and brown compared to its frosty gold or silver counterparts worn back in the day. For this look I mixed a pink-and-gold shade and a metallic purple to create a cool foiled pink.

Products: Molly Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in Tourmaline, $20 and Anez D Liquid Lipstick in Selavy, $15
Tool: Zoeva 331 Precision Lip, $15