The Eyeshadow Trend You Need To Try

Of all the gorgeous new makeup trends we see each season, there's one eye-makeup look we've been enamored with for quite some time: the watery eye. Not to be mistaken with what happens when you get a piece of dirt stuck on your eyeball, the watery eye is a shimmering, sheer metallic wash across the lids that gives the appearance of a soft wetness. First seen at Derek Lam's fall '13 show, this look gives your gaze a lit-from-within glow.

We saw variations on this theme all over the runways for fall '14, with everyone from Naeem Khan to Chloé and Custo Barcelona giving it their own twist. What we love about this trend is that the sheerness of the shimmer makes it a subtle statement, one that puts the emphasis on your natural beauty. So, you just look ethereally gorgeous instead of "Hey, check out this cool beauty trend I've got painted on my face."

The trick here is to apply a super-sheer wash of metallic pigment, preferably in a light cream, or a very silky powder formulation. The goal is not the techno-shine of Vaseline-slicked lids, so stay away from crazy-shiny finishes and tons of chunky glitter. While silver was definitely the shade of choice for the fall runways, you can also use hues of lilac, rose gold, Champagne, dusty pink, and even baby blue with this look.

Application is just as important as the color and formula you use. To get the best results, apply the shade with your hands and use your ring finger to blend it out to the appropriate sheerness. You can keep it simple with a wash across the lids, or get creative. Try applying it just on the very center of your lid, extending it down to the center of your lower lashline, like models at Antonio Marras. Or, apply it just to the inner corners of your eyes à la models at Kate Spade.

While the Holy Grail of this look, Chanel's L'Ombré De L'Eau, is sadly no longer in production (hoard it if you've got it, ladies), there are a few other picks on the market that will help you achieve that dewy shimmer. Ahead are seven of our favorite ways to achieve a watery eye that would make the Little Mermaid proud.