These Maximalist Makeup Looks Got Me the Most Compliments

From the stage to the studio, my journey into beauty has always been a performance. As a middle schooler who spent countless hours in a dance studio, I naturally turned my face into a sketchpad. I learned early on that makeup wasn’t just about covering up; it was about expression. Winged eyeliner, shimmery gold eyeshadow, and dramatic false lashes became the ritual of my artistic outlet, transforming performance into a creative space outside of scores and trophies.

That practice laid the foundation for everything I do today. Now, as a 26-year-old beauty editor, I channel that theatrical taste into my professional life. Attending masterclasses with celebrity makeup artists and reporting on backstage beauty trends at events like New York Fashion Week has refined my vision. I’ve taken the whimsy and artistic references of my youth and molded them into a more sophisticated, editorial aesthetic.

The beauty world, much like fashion, is constantly cycling through moods. With recent runways celebrating a torrent of color and texture, my makeup has followed suit, trading earthy neutrals for vibrant pops of periwinkle and embracing bold choices like electric blue mascara. This shift defines my maximalist approach, and I’m excited to share the must-haves that define my current fall and winter rotation.

The Maximalist Aesthetic

My current makeup wardrobe is built on high-impact, high-shine pieces that deliver both drama and wearable luxury. For eye products, I rely on texture and pigment. Victoria Beckham Beauty’s EyeWear Sticks, infused with seaweed oil to boost collagen, are my favorite go-to, effortlessly delivering color in just a few sweeps. I’m currently eyeing the mustard-yellow stick for the cooler months.

When it comes to eyeliner, I gravitate toward deep, jewel-toned shades. Chantecaille’s Luster Glide Eye Pencil in Garnet is pure drama, perfect for channeling those rich, moody looks seen on the runways. It glides on smoothly, allowing for intense pigment without sacrificing the ability to blend into a smoky eye.

For a touch of softness amidst the drama, I favor hybrid products. Prada’s Touch Blush in Wisteria Lilac offers a dreamy, cool-toned finish that sculpts the cheekbones beautifully while keeping the skin hydrated. It’s the perfect blend of creamy ease and a powder-like finish.

Lining up the lips is equally important. I adore the sheer, stained-glass effect of MAC’s Lustreglass Lipstick in Figgy, which delivers high shine and vibrant color. Paired with YSL Beauty’s long-wearing Cocoa Flirt lip liner, I achieve that perfect, long-lasting espresso base that withstands everything from happy hours to long conversations.

To complete the look, I embrace the glossy, pigmented finish. I’ve found that the high-quality, cream-to-powder formulas from Violette FR, such as the Plume Eyeshadow in Poussière de Lune, offer enchanting shimmers that look magical on bare lids. And for those who love to experiment with color, the new Pat McGrath Labs Backstage Artistry Face Quad: Color Blitz is a true must-have for maximalist creativity.

Finally, even the brows deserve attention. Experimenting with bleached brows this year, I rely on the high-pigment Invisibrow Eyebrow Gel in Bleach Blonde to keep the look sharp and defined. It’s a reminder that beauty is all about self-expression—and finding the perfect tools to make that expression unforgettable.

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#Chantecaille’s Luster Glide Eye Pencil in Garnet#MAC’s Lustreglass Lipstick in Figgy#Prada’s Touch Blush in Wisteria Lilac#Victoria Beckham Beauty’s EyeWear Sticks#YSL Beauty’s long-wearing Cocoa Flirt lip liner

By Olivia Smith