Is That the Northern Lights? No, It's Zara Larsson's Eye Makeup
Overview
Some beauty looks borrow from flowers, others from sunsets. Zara Larsson's latest eye makeup moment pulls inspiration from something far more elusive: the aurora borealis. The Swedish pop star, known for hits like "Midnight Sun" and a public persona that leans equal parts glam and glacial-cool, showed up with an eye look that swaps a single eyeshadow shade for a shifting wash of color — the kind of effect that changes depending on the light hitting it, much like the northern lights themselves.
The Aurora Eye Makeup Trend Explained
Aurora-inspired eye makeup isn't a single formula so much as an approach: instead of a matte base color, artists build the look with iridescent, duochrome, or color-shifting pigments that flash green, purple, teal, or pink depending on the angle. Where a classic smoky eye stays the same shade in every photo, an aurora eye looks slightly different in a selfie, on stage, and under studio lighting — which is exactly why it photographs so well on someone whose job involves constant camera exposure. The trend sits alongside a broader wave of "chrome" and "glazed" makeup that's been circulating on runways and red carpets, where the goal is dimension and movement rather than a flat block of color.
How to Recreate an Aurora-Inspired Eye Look
Getting a similar effect at home doesn't require professional-grade pigments, though it does require patience with layering. The general technique: start with a neutral, slightly sticky cream base so shimmer particles have something to grip. Then apply duochrome or foiled eyeshadows in cool tones — teal, violet, icy blue — blending at the edges rather than packing on one solid color. A thin line of dark shadow at the lash line adds contrast so the iridescent shades don't get washed out. Finishing with a clear or holographic top coat over the lid intensifies the shifting effect, which is what makes the look read as "aurora" rather than just "shimmery."
Why Duochrome and Iridescent Pigments Are Having a Moment
Part of the appeal is practical: color-shifting makeup performs differently across video, flash photography, and daylight, which matters more than ever now that most beauty looks live online before they live anywhere else. It also gives artists a way to create a statement look without relying on bold, saturated color that can read as costume-y in photos. A pastel or icy palette with shifting undertones feels editorial and wearable at once — which likely explains why a look nodding to the northern lights made its way onto a pop star known for pairing music with a strong visual identity.
FAQ
Do I need special products to get a color-shifting effect? Not necessarily — many drugstore and mid-range brands now make duochrome or foiled shadows; look for words like "multichrome," "chameleon," or "foil" on the packaging.
Does this look work on all eye colors? Cool-toned iridescent shades tend to show up most dramatically against lighter irises, but the shifting effect is still visible on darker eyes, especially in direct or flash lighting.
Is this a one-event look or something wearable daily? A toned-down version — a single duochrome shade swept across the lid — works for everyday wear; the fully layered aurora effect is best saved for photos or nights out.
For a complete finished look, many pair a statement eye like this with sculpting pieces underneath the outfit — shop shapewear at Shapeshe.
Source
Originally published at www.allure.com.