Shamrock pajamas, green beer, leprechauns...there’s something a little silly about St. Patrick’s Day. But if nothing else it’s just another excuse to play with makeup you might normally shy away from—emerald polish, teal mascara, full-on gold glitter—in the name of being festive. After rounding up these picks, consider us in!
Inglot Cosmetics AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow in #43 | $14
This slightly sparkly, light-emerald shadow means business. Super pigmented and easy to blend, the shade would be great as an accent or all-over color. And like all Inglot Pure Pigments, you can instantly transform it into liquid form (hello, liner!) with Duraline, Inglot’s mixing medium.
Inglot Cosmetics Nail Enamel in #319 | $10
A frosty lime green, with a slight hint of yellow that really makes the polish pop. You only need two coats for opaque coverage—just know it’s in-your-face metallic. All the more reason it’s a fun pick to play with for the occasion.
Reece Hudson for RGB Nail Polish in Green Gold | $18
Polish inspired by the hardware used in New York–based designer Reece Hudson’s fall 2013 bag collection? We see it as an affordable way to get close to the real deal, so you can bet we’ll be wearing it pre- and post- March 17. It’s the chicest, most subtle take on metallic green polish ever, and perfect for everyday.
Cult Nails Nail Lacquer in Coveted | $12
We wore emerald polish all through the holidays and still can’t get enough of this deep, regal color. The metallic green flakes in the formula brighten it up with just a hint of shimmer.
Sugarpill Cosmetics Pressed Eyeshadow in Midori | $12
An ultra-smooth, bold green shadow that’s even more gorgeous on than it looks in the compact. Use a little on your lids as is, or apply a primer first to play up the slightly pearly quality. A must-try!
Kevyn Aucoin The Eye Pencil Primatif in Defining Green | $26
You’ll reach for this ideal grey-green liner well beyond St. Patrick’s Day. The built-in sponge-tipped end is so convenient for smudging, and we love the product’s versatility—wear it to tone down and bring an exaggerated shadow look together, or on its own day to day.
Inglot Cosmetics Freedom System Rainbow Eye Shadow in #109 | $9
Pretty much all you need to create the perfect green smokey eye, with three coordinating, high-pigment green shadows in a single pan. You can wear them separately, or use a small brush to blend the different shades (light, medium, and dark) together to create the prettiest ombre effect on lids. Whatever you decide, these colors pop—on any skin tone.
Inglot Cosmetics Colour Play Mascara in #02 Green | $10
If full-on green nails or eyes isn’t your thing, opt for something more subtle like this mascara. Keep the rest of your look simple and finish with a swipe of this eye-catching green, which shows up even on super-dark lashes. The triangular brush design helps separate lashes, too—trust us, they won’t go unnoticed!
Lit Cosmetics Glitter Pigment Magic Dragon in #S3 | $13
Wearing deep blue-green glitter is a bit more unexpected than doing straight-up St. Paddy’s green. Dust a little over shadow or toss some in your hair for some extra sparkle, or use over Lit’s Clearly Liquid Glitter Base for full-on glitziness.
Armour Beauty Lip Gloss in Stardust | $21
For this particular holiday, a high-shine lipgloss with specks of gold sparkle feels like the most appropriate finishing touch. We’re suckers for a bold eye and simple lip—try pairing this on its own with our green shadow picks!
Inglot Cosmetics AMC Eyeliner Gel in #86 | $12
Probably the easiest eyeliner gel to apply in all existence. Not only is the texture light and smooth, but the fact that it dries in just 60 seconds and becomes water- and smudge-proof is a dream come true. Plus, the army green stands out on both light and dark complexions and would complement other greens and golds you’re wearing.
Sugarpill Cosmetics Loose Eyeshadow in Goldilux | $12
Make this your own miniature pot of gold! The flaxen loose powder looks exactly as it does in the pot on lids—user Liza C. calls the shade “the most beautiful true gold loose shadow [she’s] ever used.” Use over a shadow primer to make even more pigmented and easy to blend. A little goes a long way, so start small and add more to achieve the look you want.