How to Apply Perfect Eye Shadow

Use eye shadow brushes to apply makeup for a perfect look.

Make your eyes pop by applying eye shadow perfectly. Knowing how to apply eyes hadow can be the difference between eyes that draw people in, versus boring and bland eye makeup. Selecting the right shade of eye shadow is just as critical as the application procedure, so look to the color wheel for inspiration. Eyes should complement your face and show off your stunning eye color, not compete with the color. Eye shadow should never match your outfit, regardless of how you apply the shadow.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Eye shadow
• Eye shadow brushes
• Eye liner
• Mascara

Instructions

1. Apply a primer to the eyelid of the before the eye shadow. The primer creates a base for the eye shadow to prevent eye shadow creasing. In addition, the primer will even out the skin tone on the eyelid for a flawless look.

2. Apply your first shade of eye shadow. This is the base shade and, unless you are attending an '80s party, is typically a neutral color. Choose a camel, taupe or nude shade to use for the base.

3. Sweep the eye shadow brush across the eye shadow shade, and tap the brush on the handle. This will release any loose powder on the brush. The base shade will start at the inner eye. Move along the lash line and up to the brow bone. The shadow will stop at the outer corner of the eye.

4. Apply a second shade of eye shadow in the crease of the eye, the area where the eyelid folds. This shade should be slightly darker than the first. Sweep a contour brush across the shadow and tap the handle. Start the application near the center of the crease and move along to the outer corner of the eye.

5. Create a small triangle at the edge of the eyelid. One triangle peak is the outer eye corner and the side of the triangle is along the lash line. The triangle side is only one-quarter of the length of the lash line, about the size of your pinky. The triangle will extend up the same height and back to the outer corner of the eye. Fill this triangle in with the same shadow as the crease or another shadow that complements the crease shadow.

6. Blend the eye shadow colors by sweeping a clean, large eye shadow brush from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. The eye shadow should blend so there are no identifying lines from one shadow to the next.

7. Apply eyeliner to the upper lash line and mascara to complete the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Always start with a clean eye lid.

• Wash your hands before applying eye makeup to prevent germs in or around the eye.

References

• "Real Simple": How to: Apply Eyeshadow;
• "Cosmopolitan"; Trend Alert Pretty Pastel Shadows; Hillary Leeb; June 22, 2010
• "Glamour"; How Do You Put On Your Eyeshadow?; Jan. 9, 2007

Resources

• "Real Simple": The Best Eyeshadow Shade For You