Eyeshadow is like the final flourish on a fancy dress—it’s the final touch that brings your whole look together. Paring down your makeup routine to just a few essentials means you can spend more time perfecting each individual look. The key to making eyeshadow stand out is to know how and where to apply it so that it looks intentional rather than accidental. Luckily, with a little bit of practice and some insider tips, you too can master this art. Practicing the right techniques for applying eyeshadow takes time and persistence, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not as hard as you think. If you’re also looking for inspiration for a new go-to eye look, check out our article on How to Apply Eyeshadow Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide
Start with a primer
Eyeshadow primer is a miracle worker because it helps your eye makeup last all day long, even through tears and sweat. It also fills any fine lines or wrinkles that may make your eyes look wrinkly or tired. If you struggle with creasing, try using an eyeshadow primer first to avoid that issue altogether. It’s definitely one product worth the splurge. There are many different types of primer on the market, each with a different formula and approach to skin prep. If your skin is oily, try using an eyeshadow primer that has a velvety texture and is non-drying. Those with dry skin should look for a silicone-based primer which helps fill in fine lines and makes the eyeshadow stick better.
Apply your base shadow
Once you’ve primed your lids, the next step is to apply your base shadow. Base shadow is the lightest shade in your look, so for a basic look, you would use a shimmery white or very light beige color. If you’re doing a smoky eye, use a dark brown or black color as your base shade, and then blend out towards the outer corner to get a gradient effect. If you’re going for a neutral look, try to stick to warm browns, beiges, or golds. If you’re doing a colorful or bright look, you can play with any color you want. The point of the base shade is to set the tone and make everything else blend easily.
Use darker shades to create depth
Following your base shade, you want to add depth and dimension to your look. For a natural look, use a medium-toned brown color and blend it out towards the crease area. For a smoky look, you can use a dark brown or black shade in the crease area. The crease is the darkest part of your eye, and it’s where you want to apply your darkest shade or shade of choice. You can apply it with a brush or use your finger to blend it out, whichever you like best.
Using darker colors in the crease
If you want to create an intense look, you can use a dark color in the crease area. Make sure to blend it out towards the outer corner of your eyes to make it more evident. This trick is called “smudging” and can help intensify any eye look. To create a smoky look, you can apply a dark color in the outer corners of your eyes and then blend it inwards towards the crease area. This will make your eyes look bigger and more intense.
If you have darker eyelids too
If you have darker eyelids, you’ll want to use a lighter color as a base shade. The same goes for if your eyes are very small or close together. If your eyelids are darker than the color you’re using on your lid, it won’t be very visible or noticeable. You can also try a metallic shade to add shine and brighten up your eyes. If your eyes are small or close together, you’ll want to use a darker color as a base shade so that it draws attention to your eyes and makes them look bigger.
Using lighter colors on top
After your crease and base shades are done, you can add a pop of color to your eyes with a shimmery highlight shade. You can also add a pop of color with a cultured eyeshadow if you’re feeling adventurous. For a subtle look, use a lighter color than your base shade. If you want to create a daytime look, use a shimmery light color on top. You can also add depth to your look by using a darker color as a pop of color on top.
Practice makes perfect
Eyeshadow can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to stop. Remember, though, that it takes time to master a new skill. If you’re struggling, it could be that your brushes aren’t the best quality, or that you’re applying too much product. Take some time to read up on how to apply eyeshadow, and you’ll be a pro in no time.