How To Apply Eye Shadow According To Experts
Have you ever seen an eye makeup look that you’ve dreamed of recreating? You don’t have to be a makeup artist to apply eyeshadows, but there is some professional advice you should take into consideration before you start. We’ve gathered the best tips and tricks for eye makeup applications for all eye shapes, colors, or skin tones.
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For those who are just beginning with eye makeup, simplicity is the key. Always start with a primer; this ensures that your colors pop and stay on your lids all day. Pick four neutral tones, one hue lighter than your skin tone, a matte mid-color, a shade that is 2-3 times darker than your skin tone, and a highlight. Grab yourself a small and medium blending brush, and begin by creating a base color across the entire eye using the lightest eyeshadow. From there, grab the mid-matte tone and start blending in the crease. Using the darkest tones, lightly create a “V” on the outer corner of your eyelid, contouring the shape. Apply mascara and voila! This is a relaxed, delicate look for beginners that are beautiful on all skin tones.
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To get started with any eyeshadow look, you need the following items.
Moisturizers and creams are optional but are a great way to keep your eyes looking and feeling bright and sparkling. If you wish, you can also use false eyelashes to add extra emphasis to your overall look. This is up to you; if you’re starting out you may wish to leave this step until you’ve gained some extra practice.
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There isn’t one brush that does every job for you, so you have to make sure you’re using the right ones for specific tasks.
False lashes are a skill that can be tricky to master, but once you have, you can create a polished and beautiful look. When doing your makeup, it’s best to apply your false lashes after the eyeshadow and eyeliner. This is so you don’t run the risk of getting eyeshadow fallout on the lashes, and you don’t have to reapply mascara and liner once you’ve finished.
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For those with hooded eyes, you can create a beautiful eyeshadow look easily. Different lids require different application methods, and this shape, it’s no exception. It’s best to apply shadow with your eyes open and create a new crease that you want, rather than where your natural folds are. Blend the shadow towards the browbone. Using a darker shade, line your eyes and wing it out; elongate it out past your natural crease. Add mascara and false lashes to complete the look; you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go!
Glitter eyeshadow is the easiest way to transform your makeup into something sexy and sparkly. Begin with a dark matte shade in the outer V of your eyelid, using large sweeping motions to blur the color out. You can use one or two hues, but be sure to blend them out, so there is a seamless finish to the shades. For an easy shimmer application, find a sparkly liquid eyeshadow and swipe the glimmer over the top of your lid. If you wish, you can draw a cat’s eye and apply false lashes for a dramatic finish.
Cream eyeshadow is a perfect product for beginners or if you’re in a rush. They come in many forms, such as doe-foot applicators or round jars. Begin by priming your eyelid, and sweeping a small amount of cream in the center. Use your finger to spread the color evenly across the lid by using sweeping and patting motions. Once it has dried, you can use a mid-tone to slowly transition the cream into a powder, working your way up to the brow bone. Using a darker shade, contour the crease and brighten the inner corner of your eyes with a highlight. Finish the look with eyeliner and mascara, and you will sparkle like diamonds.
Smokey eyes are an essential night-out look to master. Focus your application on the lash line and the crease; using three shades, a dark contour color, mid-tone, and highlight. Set the base with a light shade, making it easier for the powders to sit on the lid. Apply the mid-tone in the crease in upward motions towards the browbone, deepening the outer corner. With your eyes open, use your nose and brow to create an imaginary line on the outer side; sweeping the mid-tone color across the entire lid. With a flat, stiff brush, dab the dark shade to the upper lash line, making it a little higher in the center; if you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to use a liner pencil instead. Using a fluffy brush, blend the black upwards to the middle shade, blending the colors out so it looks like smoke. Finish by applying eyeliner to the lashline, and put on some false lashes to exaggerate the smokey eye.
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For a makeup look that is perfect for the office or everyday use, natural eyeshadow is the way to go. Using only one or two shades, you can create a soft and earthy-tone eye makeup style that is subtle. Using a middle shade, gently sweep it to the crease of your eye, building up the color every so lightly to warm up the entire area. You have the option to add a deeper tone to the crease. Lighten the brow bone and the inner corner with a highlight, and finish with mascara. If you wish, you can apply eyeliner to your tight line and false eyelashes for a super dramatic look.
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Create an entrancing makeup look specifically for brown and hazel eyes. Using colors such as blues and grays will highlight the cool undertones in your irises. Colors such as gold and earth tones bring out the golden lights. Using middle shades, create a deep crease, and sweep the muted colors out to the brow bone. Apply gold glitter to the center of your eyelid to make your eyes sparkle; black or brown liner and lashes will add drama and deepen the brown of your beautiful peepers.
Eyes as blue as the ocean need colors to help them pop; to make your sky peepers stand out, opt for warm tones such as orange, pink, and red. To start, grab three shades, a highlight, and soft orange, and deep terracotta. Start applying the mid-tone orange into the crease, working your way across the center of the eyelid. With the darker shade, create a V shape on the outer lid, working your way into the center. Brighten your brow bone and inner corner with the highlight; the light color can also sit on the lid. Add winged eyeliner and mascara to tie the whole look together. If you’re feeling a bit fancy; you can apply some gold glitter where the light shades are, giving your eyes some sparkle!
For those with grey irises, look no further than neutral tones to make your eyes sparkle. For a simple look, all you need is an ash or charcoal-colored liner pencil, a piece of paper, and a blending brush. Line your eyes, leaving a small wing at the tip of your eyelid. Place the paper along the wing and with the blending brush, gently buff out the edges so it looks soft and subtle. Using colors other than black for eyeliner can enhance your eye color and offer a delicate twist to your makeup look.
Make those green eyes look brighter than ever with the help of pinks, purples, and light blues. Start with four shades: a highlight, wine red, soft pink, and charcoal grey. Starting with the soft pink, dust the center of your eyelid; gradually building up the color on the outer corner. Following the wine shade, lightly deepen the crease and outer V using a large fluffy brush in sweeping motions. You can also use a flat brush to apply some eyeshadow on the lower lash line, creating unity. With the charcoal grey and flat brush, softly line your eyes and blend the dark color out slightly at a wing. Complete the look by brightening your browbone and inner corners. If you wish, you can add liquid eyeliner and false lashes; your eyes will pop either way with this winning color combo!
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Unleash your inner royalty with these beautiful jewel tones. Ideal for darker skin tones, royal shades such as emerald green, ruby red, and purple make eyes pop and accentuate beautiful dark skin. You’ll need three or four shades to complete this look; a highlight such as gold or yellow, one or two shades, and a deep color such as black or brown. Using the contour shade, lightly apply it to your crease and lash line, adding depth to your eyelid. Begin blending across the space of your lid, focusing on the brighter tones in the center. Pop some highlights on the inner corners and along your brow bone. Feel free to add false lashes or winged eyeliner. You can even spice it up by adding colored eyeliner, such as purple, emerald green, or gold; you’ll be the Queen of any room you walk into!
