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Beauty Look to try: Rio Viera Newton’s three-color eyes

Mar. 3, 2020
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Sometimes, when scrolling through Instagram, you see a look that seems to speak to your soul. Such was my experience when I stumbled across Rio Viera Newton’s three-color eyeshadow. She’s a beauty writer for The Strategist, by the way—and a truly excellent one, too. This stunning eyeshadow truly cements her as an icon, in my eyes; here’s how I ripped it off.

Start with skin. Rio’s is totally amazing, so you want to be aiming for perfection, basically. The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant is a great first step. It smooths texture immediately, and leaves skin with a soft, juicy appearance. Over time, it can also help unclog pores and minimize acne. 

Over top, a dewy moisturizer is required—and I truly think there’s none better than the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. Sure, it’s cheap and comes in a medicinal-looking bottle—but in terms of smoothing, hydrating, and leaving a slightly tacky, grippy finish, I’ve yet to discover a glamorous product that can live up to it.

In keeping with the glowy base theme, I highly recommend the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream. This is a great BB for the foundation addict, as it offers a properly medium coverage while giving tons of radiance and an SPF of 45. Apply with fingers for a naturally perfected look.

Not all of us are blessed with a flawless complexion, though—and if that’s the case, the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer is a godsend. It’s best applied with fingers and pressed into areas where a little more coverage is necessary, and truly looks imperceptible once blended in.

Cheekbones are a must for this look, and if you’re not naturally modelesque, then the Fenty Beauty Match Stix in “Amber” can get you there. I love that this is a cream stick, because it makes application essentially foolproof. Simply suck in your cheeks and draw a thin line where the indentations appear. Buff upwards with fingers or a brush for the easiest contouring ever. Add a dab of the Glossier Cloud Paint in “Puff” for a super cute, doll-like pink wash.

Thought we were done with dew? Absolutely not. Highlighter is your friend—and one which basically gives you glass skin in a tube. I’m talking about the Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow in “Prism Rose.” In the bottle, it looks like your fairly standard pearlescent pink liquid—but don’t be fooled. Once tapped on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow, it transforms into what looks like the most naturally perfect complexion ever. I want to bathe in it.

Brow-wise, you’re going to want to keep things simple—especially since we’re going all-in on the eyes later. A quick comb-through with something like the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Waterproof Gel will ensure fluffy, natural definition that will stay put.

Okay, now for the best part. To ensure all your hard work pays off, first apply a smear of the Milani Eyeshadow Primer to both the upper lid and the lower lashline. You’re going to need three specific matte eyeshadow shades: a turquoise, a true yellow, and a soft pink. Most colorful palettes should offer this combo, but I opted for the Kryolan Variety 18-Color Eyeshadow Palette V2 Brights. 

First, take your soft pink on a flat brush and dab it on your inner corners. Then, with a different flat brush, apply the turquoise to the outer corners. Finally, with yet another different flat brush, tap on your yellow shade to connect the two. To blend the shades together, tap with a flat brush—don’t be tempted to get a fluffy blending brush in on the action. You want the three colors to be distinct, and over-blending will muddy them up. Oh, and, remember—it’s meant to be a little bit imperfect, okay?

Once you’re satisfied with your shadows, apply mascara. I prefer something more subtle and lengthening, like the Glossier Lash Slick, rather than anything too dramatic. You want your tricolored eyes to do the talking, after all!

For lips, a simple gloss will do—and I’m very partial to the Kevyn Aucoin Gloss Glow Lip Gloss in “Prism Rose.” It’s the partner to that highlighter I’m obsessed with, and gives the appearance of a clear, shiny gloss with extra oomph.

All that dew could be too much for some, and if that’s the case, I allow you to use a tiny bit of finely milled powder. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish is the best, because it never looks flat, cakey, or chalky. Try to stick to where you really need it (center of forehead and chin, sides of the nose) rather than going all over.

With such an out-there makeup, hair should be cool and undone. To boost lackluster follicles, the Amika Bushwick Beach No-Salt Wave Spray is absolutely incredible. It gives texture and waves but never feels crispy, matte, or dried out. Add a smidge of the Sachajuan Hair Oil to bring back some shine.

Finally, put on your very best sparkly earrings. It’s not technically makeup, but it’s an absolutely essential part of the look. Plus, who needs an excuse for jewels?