But let’s start by choosing the right color first. If you’re a beginner, opt for matte eyeshadows, which are gentler on the skin and easy to use on all skin types. If you are looking for a dramatic or festive look, go for loose powder shades. Busy but looking for extended use? I recommend liquid eyeshadow – one swipe is enough to add pigment, no tools are needed and it won’t disappear once applied. Let’s not forget the metallic eyeshadows, which are great if you want some sparkle without glitter.
Now that we’ve covered, let’s dive into the process.
Stock up on the essential brushes
If you’re starting from scratch, you can create an eyeshadow starter kit with just a few foundation brushes.
1. A large domed eyeshadow brush that allows you to cover the entire eyelid with colorful patterns. The dense and compact bristles help to collect more products and place them on the lid.
2. Dazzling brush to apply and apply along the crease. For hard-to-reach areas, such as the outer or inner corner of the eye, it might be a good idea to have a few different types of blending brushes, including an angled blending brush.
3. An eyeliner brush defines the corners and emphasizes the lash line. Tight pack brushes work with cream, gel and powder.
Prime your lids
Just like a face primer keeps your foundation in place, an eye primer is an essential step in extending the life of your eyeshadow. If you skip this step, the shadows can move around the eyelids when exposed to heat, moisture, excess oil, or friction. Apply a small amount on the ring finger (the ring finger is the simplest) and gently rub the foundation all over the eyelid area. Don’t forget the eyebrows (just below the eyebrows) and the inner corners of the eyes (where the tear ducts are) where the oil tends to settle.
Apply a base shadow all over your lids
Use the entire eyeshadow brush (or your fingers if it’s a liquid eyeshadow) to brush the chosen shade over the eyeshadow. Filter the texture and blend so that most of the product is on top of the lid and the least near the inner corner. Depending on the look you’re looking for, you can add this base color to your brow bones or stop at the crease for a more streamlined everyday look.
Apply a darker matte color on the crease
Adding a darker shade (i.e., chocolate brown) to the crease (where the eyelid meets the brow bone) can add depth and dimension to your eyes. Brush the dark shadow with a round blending brush, secure the excess with duct tape, and take it to where the bone meets the hip. Brush back and forth in a crescent shape repeatedly to create an even shape until it fits snugly against the lid. Repeat with more shades to intensify the color.
Apply a lighter shade as the highlight on your inner corners and brow bone
Tired eyes? A bright silhouette can bring out the moonlight and make sunken eyes more alert. You usually choose a matte eyeshadow for a more natural look, but you can also choose a shimmering ivory shade for a more dramatic look. Use the angled blending brush to add color to the inner corners and brow bone (just above the crease).
Define your lash lines in a dark color with an angled eyeliner brush
Swipe the dark powder color with an angled eyeliner brush to pick up the pigment. If you want a tighter line, wet the brush before applying. Then, drag the brush along the upper lashline (where the lashes begin) and the lower lashline (waterline) to set the color. You can stop at the top of the lashes or do a wing coating as you wish.
