2020 has been all about the eyes and so it will go for 2021.
A quick survey around the Vogue headquarters revealed that if forced into split-second decision, mascara wins over lipstick. While the answer may have been different before, this is probably already a world-wide consensus among makeup enthusiasts in this time of Covid-19. Our favorite lip products get their precious moment in the spotlight during Zoom meetings, but outside the comforts of home, eye makeup rules as we don our safety masks. Predictions for 2021 makeup trends include sky-high eyelashes, graphic eyeliner, and colored mascara. As the year comes to a close, beauty editors from major magazines have already compiled their "Best of 2020" lists. To ace your eye makeup game, here are the top picks for eye makeup.
Mascara
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara
An Allure Best of Beauty awardee for 2020, Anastasia's Lash Brag Mascara has a chunky formula and a curvy and dense brush that creates different looks as you build it up. You can start with long and wispy lashes for that babydoll look or go thick and voluminous. The formula resists clumping ad flaking so you can continue to layer it until you get your desired effect.
Colourpop BFF Mascara
Jumpstart the 2021 colored mascara trend with Colourpop BFF Mascara. It comes in 11 colors with Blue Ya Mind, Purple Prose and Pink Inc being Allure favorites. At only $8 a pop, you can try all the colors without breaking the bank.
Maybelline New York Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Allure's drugstore pick, they say that this mascara's formula replaces the need for falsies, extensions or even an eyelash curler. It's also lightweight so layering is not a problem.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara
Vogue Magazine votes this Juice Beauty find as their favorite clean mascara. Formulated with no parabens and other harsh chemicals, this lengthening mascara is a must-have of actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow.
Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Lancôme is a mascara hitmaker. Just ask Khloe Kardashian who told Vogue that she wears Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara even to the gym. Lancôme is launching a new mascara on December 2, 2020. The Lash Idôle Mascara will feature Zendaya as its ambassador.
Also read: Zendaya is Lancôme's Ambassador for the New Lash Idôle Mascara
Eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
With over a whopping 10,000 five-star reviews on Sephora, this pencil eyeliner is number one on InStyle's list. Fans of this eyeliner rave about its smooth application, rich colors, and smudge-free formula. With over 30 colors to choose from, you can also find different finishes like satin, matte and metallic.
Ilia Clean Line Gel Eyeliner
Instyle's clean pick, this gel eyeliner is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, has no phthalates and other toxic ingredients. It's also long-lasting and glides on smoothly.
L'Oréal's Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner
Good Houskeeping's Beauty Lab drugstore pick is this retractable eyeliner from L'Oréal. This eyeliner, which stays put for 16 hours, proves that quality doesn't have to come with a high price point.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc'er Precision Pen Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Blacquer
On the luxe side, Vogue votes for this liquid eyeliner by Marc Jacobs Beauty. Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo foolproof eyeliner application is starting with an eyeprimer, using a black eyeliner to outline your desired shape and using Magic Marc'er over the pencil for a completely budge-free line.
Eyeshadow Palettes
Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette
Seventeen's beauty editor awards their number one spot to Urban Decay's Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette. Great for your everyday neutral look or a smokey brown eye for the evening, the rich colors and silky-smooth formula of Urban Decay justify its cult following. Glamour also has this palette on their list.
Morphe 35B Colour Burst Artistry Eyeshadow Palette
You cannot ask for more with this 35-color palette from Morphe. When you want to give neutrals a rest, this is the palette to reach for. Every color of the rainbow is brilliantly represented. Morphe has also partnered with whimsical artist Lisa Frank to give you as dose of nostalgia for the holiday.
Related article: These New Makeup Collaborations Will Give You A Strong Dose of Nostalgia