Getting the perfect eyeshadow can be a challenge for beginners. Even some more experienced users struggle to hit the perfect balance between looking all muddy and clear. The good news is you do not have to be a beauty guru to achieve the flawless eyeshadow look. With the right tools, and if you are patient, you can learn how to apply eyeshadow like a pro.
Today, we will talk about the technique to use for how to apply eyeshadow, how to choose the perfect color for you, and how to find a brush to make it all happen.
Guide for how to apply eyeshadow
Let us guide you through the process of how to apply eyeshadow. Let’s get right into it.
Step 1 – Prime your lid
Applying a primer over the lid is essential. This step will ensure all of the eyeshadow will stay on through the day. The same way you start makeup look with a primer, you need to start the eyeshadow look with a primer.
A good primer can help with greasy lids, and keep the eyeshadow in place. You won’t have to worry that your shadow will budge. You can safely even run.
Make sure to apply base shade on your eyelid. For those with brown eyes, shimmer might be a great option. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can bring the base color all the way up to the brow bone. That will result in a more dramatic smoky eye look. If you are going for a basic and everyday casual look, stop at the crease.
You can use your fingers for applying primer. However, if you really want to know how to apply eyeshadow like a pro, you need a Q-tip and a brush.
Step 2 – Apply a neutral color over the lids
Now it is time to start applying the eyeshadow, and you need to start with a neutral color all over the lid. You want something that is neither dark nor light. Sweep it over the lid, all the way up to the crease.
If you want to achieve a more dramatic look, you can try some darker base eyeshadow. Just be careful, if you have light skin, the look will be messy, harsh, and frankly, muddy.
Think of the neutral color as the main shadow base. From there, you will build your look. Even for a basic and casual look, you want a neutral color that will make the eyes pop and cover any discoloration.
For this step, you need a medium eyeshadow brush, and you can get one at any drugstore. If you like to be edgy, and you
Step 3 – Blend in a Darker color to the crease
At this point, you want a darker shade into the crease. Start from the inside of the eye using a thinner line growing thicker. Then, extend to the outside of the crease. You want to make sure that the lids match and then blend, blend, and blend even more.
If you are using a 3-color palette, choose the darkest color for this step. If you are using a 4-color palette, then go with the third darkest. And if you are not using a color palette, just pick a color that is in the same family with your neutral color.
This step will help you add drama and definition to your eyes. Dark color attract light, and placing a darker tone of shadow in the crease makes your eyes pop.
Step 4 – Highlighter above the crease
If your eyes still need more color, we recommend using the lightest color in the palette and blend it just above the crease. Make sure you keep the color off the browbone. Lighter shades work better for this step.
Your lids are like a rainbow, blending from light to dark and then to light again. Blending is crucial when it comes to eyeshadow.
Step 5 Light shade into the inside corner of the eye
Now it is time to open up your eyes. For that purpose, use your pinkie finger and press into the lightest color of the palette. Then, press the finger into the inside corner of the eye. The pinkie finger is a secret many makeup artists use.
This trick will make your eyes look as awake as possible. You can skip on casual days, but do not forget it for special events and dates.
Choosing the right eyeshadow
Enter any makeup or beauty store, and you will find countless of eyeshadow options. But choosing the right texture, brand, and hue can be challenging. And frankly, incredibly intimidating. You definitely do not want to pay a lot of money for a product that is not the right one for you.
We want to help you avoid the fear of vast variety. Embrace it. The more options there are, the more flexibility you have.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right eyeshadow.
- The most highly pigmented eyeshadow is sold as a loose powder. However, this type is the most difficult to control. The loose form is not something you can easily control. Therefore, we recommend sticking to cream eyeshadow, which is easy to apply. The downside is creamy eyeshadows crease more quickly. Compact powder is the best for beginners
- We recommend having at least three shades of eyeshadow in the same color palette. Some looks require light, others require dark, and sometimes, you want to stay in the middle with medium colored eyeshadow
- Choose three shades in neutral colors, including brown and gray when you do not want to look overdone with the eyeshadow
- When you want your makeup to pop, choose any three colors that appeal to you and your style
What type of brush do you need?
You can apply the eyeshadow using your fingertips. Even some beauty experts do that on a regular basis, saying it gives them more control. But for novice artists, it is best that you stick to a makeup brush to make application easier.
Here are the types of brushes you need.
- Stiff flat brush for the entire lid, best for picking up lots of pigment and distributing it all over it
- Soft or stiff dome brush for applying eyeshadow to the crease and blending it outwards. You need one for getting a smooth and even gradation of color
- Soft pencil brush for applying eyeshadow close to the lash line, and other difficult to reach areas
