How to Apply Eye Shadow Makeup

Use one, two or three eyeshadow colors on your eyes.

Eye makeup is useful for more than adding color to your makeup wardrobe. Eye makeup, when applied properly, can widen and shape your eyes giving you a more attractive appearance. When used artfully, eye shadow makeup becomes a useful accessory, highlighting eyes and concealing flaws. Some women find eye makeup application challenging and lack the confidence to try something new. Give your eyes a makeover by learning the best eyeshadow application techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Eye primer
• Highlighter eyeshadow
• Mid-tone eyeshadow
• Accent eyeshadow
• Long bristled eyeshadow brush
• Medium bristled eyeshadow brush
• Short angled eyeshadow brush
• Eyeliner
• Mascara

Instructions

1. Squirt a dab of eye primer on to your fingertip. Gently rub the eye primer all over your eyelid. Do this for both eyes. Allow the primer to dry for one minute before performing the next step.

2. Select three eyeshadow colors to use for your new look. Select a light color that is similar to your skin tone first. This will be the highlighter. Next, select a mid-tone color that is darker than your highlighter but will not be as dark as your accent color. Choose an accent color. This color should be very dark, much darker than the other two eyeshadow selections. Accent color is applied sparingly so do not be anxious that it will be too dark.

3. Brush across the lightest color with your bristled eyeshadow brush. The brush tip should be long and soft.

4. Apply the light color to the top part of your eyelid, right under your brow bone. Do this for both eyes.

5. Brush the shorter bristled brush against the mid-tone color. Starting underneath the highlighter, apply the mid-tone makeup, covering the entire bottom lid with it. Do this for both eyes.

6. Use the shortest bristled, angled makeup brush to apply the accent color. Dab the color on the brush sparingly.

7. Apply the accent color to the socket crease of the eye. Start at the outer eye and rub the brush in an arc between the top and bottom lid.

8. Blend the three colors together by using the brush you used with the highlighter. Swirl the brush tip over the entire eye area, blending the three colors together.

9. Apply eyeliner and mascara to finish the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Sponge applicators are acceptable to use, but they will not allow you to blend makeup as well as brushes.

References

• Makeup Sense: Eyeshadow Application
• Eyeshadow Application: Eyeshadow Application