Eyeshadow is one of the most versatile and fun makeup products that can enhance your eyes and create different looks. Whether you want to go for a natural, glam, or smokey eye, eyeshadow can help you achieve your desired effect. However, if you are new to makeup, applying eyeshadow can seem daunting and confusing. How do you choose the right colors, brushes, and techniques? How do you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls? How do you make your eyeshadow last longer and look more flattering? In this article, Trendbbq will answer these questions and more, and show you how to apply eyeshadow like a pro, even if you are a beginner. Follow these simple steps and tips, and you will be able to master the art of eyeshadow in no time!
1. Step 1: Choose Your Eyeshadow Palette
The initial step in applying eyeshadow is selecting the appropriate eyeshadow palette. A palette consists of a variety of eyeshadow hues that are specifically curated to complement one another and produce various eye makeup looks. There is a wide array of eyeshadow palettes available, ranging from neutral to vibrant, matte to shimmery, warm to cool. The choice of the ideal eyeshadow palette depends on your personal preferences, eye color, skin tone, and the occasion. Here are some general guidelines to assist you in picking the right eyeshadow palette:
- For a versatile and effortless palette that can create natural and everyday looks, consider a neutral palette featuring shades such as brown, beige, taupe, and cream. These colors harmonize with any eye color and skin tone and can be utilized to craft subtle or dramatic looks, depending on your application technique. A prime example of a neutral palette is Maybelline’s Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette, boasting 16 warm and cool neutral shades suitable for various moods and occasions.
- For a more playful and adventurous palette capable of producing colorful and vibrant looks, opt for a palette with pink, purple, blue, green, or any other preferred colors. These shades infuse vibrancy and individuality into your eye makeup and can be employed to either create contrast or complement your eye color and skin tone. A striking illustration of a colorful palette is Maybelline’s Lemonade Craze Eyeshadow Palette, housing 12 bright and luscious colors that can lend your eyes a fresh and lively appearance.
- For a sophisticated and glamorous palette suited for creating smoky and seductive looks, choose a palette containing black, gray, silver, and gold shades. These hues bring depth and allure to your eyes and can be applied to achieve either a classic or modern smoky eye effect, depending on your technique. An exemplary smoky palette is Maybelline’s Smokes Eyeshadow Palette, encompassing 12 smoldering and sparkling shades that can impart a sexy and enigmatic allure to your eyes.
2. Step 2: Choose Your Eyeshadow Brushes – How to apply eyeshadow
The second step in the eyeshadow application process involves selecting your eyeshadow brushes. Brushes are indispensable tools that facilitate precise and effortless eyeshadow application, blending, and shaping. While there’s a wide variety of eyeshadow brushes available, you don’t need to possess them all, especially if you’re a beginner. For starters, three fundamental eyeshadow brushes will suffice: a large blending brush, a small blending brush, and a flat shader brush. Here’s how these brushes can be used:
- Large Blending Brush: This brush features a fluffy, rounded design and serves to apply and blend eyeshadow in the crease and on the brow bone. The crease is the region where your eyelid folds, while the brow bone is located just below your eyebrow. A large blending brush enables you to achieve a seamless transition and a gentle gradient between different eyeshadow shades. A prime example of a large blending brush is the E40 Tapered Blending Brush by Sigma Beauty, renowned for its soft and fluffy bristles that effortlessly diffuse and blend eyeshadow.
- Small Blending Brush: This tapered, pointed brush is used for applying and blending eyeshadow on the outer corner and the lower lash line. The outer corner represents the junction of your upper and lower eyelids, while the lower lash line lies beneath your lower lashes. A small blending brush aids in creating depth, definition, and a more precise and intricate eyeshadow appearance. A notable example of a small blending brush is the E25 Blending Brush by Sigma Beauty, which features dense and tapered bristles that offer precise control and accuracy for eyeshadow application and blending.
- Flat Shader Brush: A flat, rectangular brush is employed to apply and pack eyeshadow onto the lid and the inner corner. The lid area spans between your lash line and crease, while the inner corner corresponds to the meeting point of your upper and lower eyelids near your nose. A flat shader brush enhances the vibrancy and intensity of your eyeshadow, resulting in a striking, eye-catching look. An excellent choice for a flat shader brush is the E55 Eye Shading Brush by Sigma Beauty, known for its soft, flat bristles that deliver high color payoff when applying and packing eyeshadow.
3. Step 3: Prime Your Eyes with Concealer or Eyeshadow Primer
The third step in applying eyeshadow involves priming your eyelids with either concealer or eyeshadow primer. This crucial step helps create a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow, preventing creases and fading while enhancing color vibrancy and longevity. Your choice between concealer and eyeshadow primer depends on personal preference and product availability. Here are the steps and tips for priming your eyes with either option:
Using Concealer:
- Select a concealer that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter.
- Apply a small amount of concealer to your eyelids, from the lash line to the brow bone.
- Use your finger or a makeup sponge to blend the concealer thoroughly, ensuring there are no creases or patches.
- You can also apply some concealer along your lower lash line to even out skin tone and brighten the area.
- An excellent choice for concealer is Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer, known for its natural, flawless coverage that conceals imperfections and provides a smooth canvas for eyeshadow.
Using Eyeshadow Primer:
- Choose an eyeshadow primer that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter.
- Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to your eyelids, covering from the lash line to the brow bone.
- Use your finger or a makeup sponge to blend the primer evenly and allow it to dry completely.
- To prevent smudging and fading, you can also apply some eyeshadow primer along your lower lash line.
- Consider using Maybelline’s Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow as an example of a creamy, long-lasting formula that locks in your eyeshadow, intensifying its vibrancy and pigmentation.
4. Step 4: Apply Your Eyeshadow Colors
The fourth step to applying eyeshadow is to apply your eyeshadow colors. This is the most fun and creative step, where you can experiment with different colors, combinations, and placements to create your desired eyeshadow look. However, if you are a beginner, it is best to start with a simple and basic eyeshadow technique that can work with any eyeshadow palette and any eye shape. This technique involves using three eyeshadow colors: a base color, a crease color, and a lid color. Here are the steps and tips to apply your eyeshadow colors using this technique:
- To apply your base color, choose a light and neutral eyeshadow color that matches your skin tone or is slightly darker. Swipe your large blending brush lightly through the base color and tap off the excess. Apply the base color all over your eyelid, from your lash line to your brow bone, using sweeping and circular motions. Blend it well and make sure there are no harsh lines or edges. The base color will help you create a smooth transition and a soft gradient for the other eyeshadow colors.
- To apply your crease color, choose a medium and darker eyeshadow color that complements your base color and your eye color. Swipe your small blending brush lightly through the crease color and tap off the excess. Apply the crease color on the outer half of your eye crease, starting from the outer corner and blending towards the center. Keep your eyes slightly open to see how high the color goes. Blend it well and make sure there are no harsh lines or edges. The crease color will help you create some depth and definition and a more dimensional eyeshadow look.
- To apply your lid color, choose a bright and shimmery eyeshadow color that contrasts or harmonizes with your crease color and your eye color. Swipe your flat shader brush lightly through the lid color and tap off the excess. Apply the lid color on the center of your eyelid, packing it on and blending it with the crease color on the outer corner. You can also apply some lid color on the inner corner of your eye and on your lower lash line to add some shine and pop. The lid color will help you create some shine and pop and a more intense and vibrant eyeshadow look.
5. Step 5: Finish Your Eyeshadow Look
The final step to applying eyeshadow is to finish your eyeshadow look. This step involves adding some finishing touches and details to your eyes, such as eyeliner, mascara, and eyebrow products. These products will help you enhance your eye shape, define your lashes, and frame your face. Here are the steps and tips to finish your eyeshadow look with these products:
- To apply eyeliner, choose an eyeliner that matches your eyeshadow colors and your eye color. You can use either a pencil, a liquid, or a gel eyeliner, depending on what you prefer and what effect you want to create. Apply the eyeliner along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and ending at the outer corner. You can also apply some eyeliner along your lower lash line, but only on the outer half. You can make your eyeliner thin or thick, straight or winged, depending on your eye shape and your desired look. A good example of an eyeliner that you can use to finish your eyeshadow look is the Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner by Maybelline, which has a fine and precise tip that can create a smooth and sharp line.
- To apply mascara, choose a mascara that matches your eyeliner color and your eye color. You can use either a regular, a waterproof, or a volumizing mascara, depending on what you prefer and what effect you want to create. Apply the mascara on your upper and lower lashes, starting from the base and wiggling to the tip. You can apply one or more coats, depending on how long and thick you want your lashes to be. A good example of a mascara that you can use to finish your eyeshadow look is the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara by Maybelline, which has a flexible and fluffy brush that can lift and lengthen your lashes.
- To apply eyebrow products, choose an eyebrow product that matches your natural eyebrow color and your hair color. You can use either a pencil, a powder, a gel, or a pomade, depending on what you prefer and what effect you want to create. Apply the eyebrow product on your eyebrows, following their natural shape and filling in any gaps or sparse areas. You can also use a spoolie brush to comb and blend your eyebrows for a more natural and polished look. A good example of an eyebrow product that you can use to finish your eyeshadow look is the Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil by Maybelline, which has a ultra-fine and precise tip that can create hair-like strokes.
Applying eyeshadow is not as hard as it seems, if you follow some simple steps and tips. You just need to choose your eyeshadow palette, your eyeshadow brushes, and your finishing products. You also need to prime your eyes, apply your eyeshadow colors, and finish your eyeshadow look. You can also experiment with different colors, combinations, and placements to create your own unique and beautiful eyeshadow look. Now that you know how to apply eyeshadow, you can express your creativity and personality with your eyes and enjoy this fun and rewarding makeup skill.
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6. FAQs
6.1. What are the basic tools I need to apply eyeshadow?
You’ll need eyeshadow brushes (typically a flat shader brush and a blending brush), eyeshadow primer, and of course, eyeshadow in the colors of your choice.
6.2. Should I apply foundation before eyeshadow?
Yes, applying foundation and setting it with a translucent powder can create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow and help it adhere better and appear more vibrant.
6.3. How do I create a basic eyeshadow look?
Start with a neutral shade on the entire lid, add a slightly darker shade to the crease for depth, and highlight the brow bone and inner corners with a lighter shade. Blend well between each step.
6.4. How can I create a smokey eye look with eyeshadow?
Start with a dark base, like a black or dark gray, and apply it to your lid and along your lower lash line. Blend it out with a mid-tone color in your crease. Add a highlight shade on the brow bone. Keep blending until you achieve the desired smokiness.
