How to Put on the Right Eye Shadow

Learn how to put on the right eye shadow and love your new sophisticated look.

The eyes have it! At least they should. And if they don't they can easily be transformed into beautiful eyes by putting on the right eye shadow. From contouring to highlighting or even downplaying an element you don't like, the right eye shadow can make all the difference in how you look at your eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Eye shadow
• Mild facial cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Pressed face powder
• Sponge-tipped applicator
• Cotton swab

Instructions

1. Prepare your skin both on and near the eyelids before applying any kind of eye makeup. Start by washing the area with a mild facial solution or moisturizing soap and lukewarm water. Pat the area dry. Lightly apply moisturizer. Once the moisturizer has been absorbed by the skin, you have a fresh and clean palette upon which to exercise your artistry.

2. Apply a light dusting of pressed face powder on the eyelid, around the eye and under the lower lid where dark circles can form. Allow the powder to set for a minute. Wipe away any excess with a clean sponge-tipped makeup applicator or a cotton swab.

3. 

   Choose your eye shadow color based on the color of your eyes and never on the color of your clothing. Eye shadow is meant to accentuate your eyes, not draw attention to the clothing you are wearing. Makeup experts at Lancome and Maybelline suggest brown tones for blue eyes, and light pastels or grays for brown or hazel eyes.
   If your skin tends to be dry, opt for a cream eye shadow. If it is oily, opt for a powder eye shadow. Eye shadow is often applied using 2 shades of the same color. This helps contour the eye and even create the illusion of younger looking eyes.

4. Start by sweeping a light coating of the darker of the 2 coordinated shades over the crease of the eye lid. Remember that less is more. You can always add more shadow if you feel you haven't applied enough. Should you need to remove it, however, you really should begin once again with the cleansing and moisturizing process.
   Run the lighter color along the upper lash line and sweep out gently to the corner of the eyes. Use a sponge-tipped applicator or cotton swab to both blend lines and clean up any excess.
   For a bolder look, run a thin line of the darker shadow just underneath the lower lash line.
   For the ultimate polished look, brush lashes with a coat of black mascara.

5. Enjoy the different looks you can create when you've learned how to put on the right eye shadow. In addition to loving the new look of your eyes, eye shadow can effectively create a whole new fashion statement for a relatively low cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Throw away all eye makeup 3 months after it has been opened, regardless of how often you use it. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Don't share eye makeup with anyone who has a cold or eye infection. If you have experienced an eye infection, throw all eye makeup away and replace it when a doctor has determined that the infection is gone.

Resources

• Maybelline
• Lancome