High Gloss Eye Looks Are The Makeup Trend To Watch For Summer 2024

With so much interest in dewy, glazed skin, it's no surprise that our enthusiasm for gloss has crept into our eyes. The high-gloss eye is set to dominate in summer 2024, and it's no wonder. Glossy eyes can range from ultra-shiny to a light glisten in the center of the lid, so there's no need to overcommit to the trend if it feels too high-fashion. The high-gloss eye fad is certainly more daring, as a glossy lid can make a real statement, but in recent years the makeup trend has become much more accessible, thanks to new products on the market. "We've seen this trend pop up on the runway and in editorial for years but it's never quite crossed over to the mainstream because it just doesn't last, creases, and is an overall mess in reality," makeup artist Kasey Spickard told Byrdie. "However, I really think that there are some fun hacks and new formulas that actually make this trend wearable." 

Undoubtedly, a dewy look is the way to go this summer. The glazed blush technique brings that glossy effect to the cheekbone, and the viral honey lip trend is cut from the same cloth — it's all about strategically applying gloss and shimmer to different parts of the lips to amplify a youthful, healthy glow. And even for those with oily complexions, the goal is to strike a balance between dewy and matte skin. We're after the gloss, and it's on our eyes this time.

A simple yet sickening way to get into high-gloss eyes is to use plain, clear gloss. Apply some dark-winged eyeliner, and use some shimmer eyeshadow to get your base. Then slick on a top coat of gloss. On Instagram, Ali Glasner shared a gloss eye look and mentioned in the comments that she used a clear lip gloss from Sephora on her lids. A little dab goes a long way with gloss, and you can use products that are already in your routine to achieve this glassy look, so no need to go shopping for new supplies. 

Incorporate pink and red tones into your eye makeup routine when playing with the high-gloss eye style. You can use a red eyeshadow as your base and go over it with a clear gloss to amplify the impact. Makeup artist Rommy Najor told Makeup.com how to embrace the unpredictable when it comes to applying gloss on your lids. "When working with a gloss on top of a powder shadow, keep in mind that the gloss is going to either crease or move and change the eye look," Najor explained. "But that's also part of the look — it gives it a cool, lived-in feel." Long, dreamy lashes add a deliberate finish to this bold, glossy effect. 

Some steer clear of the high-gloss eye look because it can come across as too bold and too high-fashion, but this doesn't always have to be the case. For those who aren't in the mood to pull off the extreme shine of a heavy gloss, the most subtle touch of gloss on an eye can work wonders. Keep makeup natural, then finish off with a light touch of shine. Using your ring finger, apply a tiny dot to each lid and work it in gently. A gentle shimmer on the cheeks can add harmony to your finished look. 

The high-gloss eye has a place in a very dramatic makeup look. Once you've finished with coverage, contour, lashes, and lips, go for the maximalist finish by adding gloss to your lids. The high-gloss eye goes with anything. "Whether you're going for a light, neutral eye or a smoky eye, add the gloss as the very last finishing step," makeup artist Ash K. Holm told Vogue. "When applying the gloss, start with a pea-sized amount because a little really does go a long way." While there are glosses that you can use specifically for your eyes, you can also dive in with lip gloss. Glossier's Glassy High-Shine Lip Gloss is a great choice, as is Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. 

Since dewy skin and wet makeup looks are trending hard right now, share the gloss! Apply the shine to both lids and lips for a balanced effect. What we love so much about high-gloss eyes is that it looks like a professional makeup technique, but it's actually incredibly simple to achieve. "The glossy-eye trend is definitely a look that anyone can recreate no matter how long you've been practicing makeup," makeup artist Ash K. Holm said to Vogue. Holm explained that all you really need is a gloss and a small brush, like a flat, synthetic eyeshadow brush, as this will cause the least disruption to any eyeshadow or other product underneath. But in a pinch, you can also gently use your finger. It couldn't be easier. Then swipe some gloss on your lips and you've achieved some high-shine harmony.