I Tried The Ear Makeup Trend

Every once in awhile, a makeup trend comes around that's so innovative or just plain crazy that I immediately have to try it on myself. So far I've tackled the glossy eyelids trend and the clumpy mascara trend, and we've even tried the neck contouring trend! The latest makeup trend takes things to a whole other level, however. Ear makeup art is the newest beauty trend to walk down the runway and explode all over Instagram.

According to Marie Claire, it started two years ago thanks to makeup artist Tom Pecheux at Paris Fashion Week; since then it's been seen at Louis Vuitton, Opening Ceremony, and Proenza Schouler shows. The trend has also shown up on Instagram accounts such as makeup artist @violette_fr , who demonstrated a gorgeous metallic gold version of the trend.

So ear makeup is obviously a trend at fashion week and among makeup artists, but what about the rest of us common people? I personally wasn't sure if I could pull this off, or if it would be one trend that would have to stay relegated to the privacy of my home. You can't know if a look is going to work for you until you try it though, so I pulled out some of my favorite products and put together three variations of the ear makeup trend.

1. Glitter Bomb

Nonie Creme Colour Prevails Eye Shimmer, $10, Walgreens

My first attempt was inspired by the glittery ears at the Opening Ceremony show. For this I used two shades of Nonie Creme Colour Prevails Eye Shimmer: Pewter and Gold. I also used NP Set Cosmetics' All That Glitters Gel Duo in Rio de Janeiro; this was an old Target find that I can't locate online, but any glitter will work fine.

I started with the Eye Shimmer first; Pewter looked too close to dirt from far away so I ended up using lots of Gold on top. I would have liked to use a silver glitter instead to contrast with my blonde hair but I didn't have a really good silver shadow or glitter on hand.

I also recommend keeping any gold or yellow shades far away from the inside of your ear, lest you cause people to think you have an ear wax buildup.

My final step for this look was to add a heap of chunky glitter from my All That Glitters Gel Duo on top with the help of a stiff eye shadow brush (you don't want to get glitter all over your fingers).

This look is definitely not casual in any way, so maybe save it for occasions such as Halloween and Grimes concerts.

2. Abstract Line

Tarte Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner, $21, Sephora; Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22, Amazon

This next look was inspired by Violette Serrat (@violette_fr ) and her crisp, metallic ear makeup look that resembled an ear cuff. First I took my favorite eyeliner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and used that to draw an abstract line that followed the lines of my ears. It's up to you how you want to do this but I kept it as minimal as possible.

Next I took Tarte Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner in Rose Gold and used a small, stiff brush to place it on top of the black liner. I used a thin coating, so it looked more silver than rose gold in some lighting.

I think this look is a lot more wearable than the glitter look, although it's definitely going to garner you a lot of attention. It kind of looks like jewelry from far away, but from up close people will appreciate your artistry. It was also the hardest look to do out of the three that I tried, so only attempt this one if you have a steady hand and lots of patience.

3. Earlobe Cuff

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $22, Amazon

This final look is also reminiscent of jewelry, and was inspired by Tom Pecheux's look at the Anthony Vaccarello show in 2014. It's also the easiest look to do.

I used the Stila Stay All Day Liner again to draw a crisp line halfway across my earlobe, and then filled it in all the way to the bottom of my earlobe. To make it look glossy, I added a clear gloss from Colour Prevails (sold out); you can use any clear gloss or even Vaseline, but don't use anything oil-based because it will break down the eye liner.

It doesn't take long to do this look at all, and I really liked the minimal vibe.

I think this was my favorite way to do the ear makeup trend in real life. In the future I'm going to try it in metallic shades such as gold or silver.

After trying it myself, I can see how ear makeup could actually become a trend on the street. The key is to find a variation that works for you and then wear it with confidence.

Images: Kelly Dougher