Playing with makeup can be a lot of fun, but for novices, learning how to apply it can feel intimidating. Specifically, mastering eyeshadow can be a source of frustration, especially when trying to incorporate multiple shades and brushes. However, with the right easy eyeshadow guide for beginners, you don't have to shy away from shadow. This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of shadow application and demystify how to use an eyeshadow palette.
Essential Tools for Your Eye Makeup Journey
When it comes to makeup for beginners, it's all about stocking up on the basics before diving into your eye makeup tutorial. Mastering the art of eye makeup application can be a challenge, especially for beginners. From choosing the right shades for your eye color and skin tone to figuring out which brushes you actually need, there's a lot to consider.
1. Start with Great Makeup Brushes
Just as famous artists don't finger paint, it's much harder to create a masterpiece without the proper tools. Investing in a few good cosmetic brushes ensures even, precise, and hygienic makeup application. For an elevated or everyday shadow look, a core set of four brushes is recommended:
- A fluffy brush to dust all over the lid.
- A domed brush for the crease.
- A flat and dense brush for the lashline.
- A small, precise brush for highlight.
You don't have to spend a fortune on the best brushes. Affordable synthetic brushes are often preferable to their pricier natural-fiber counterparts, and professionals often can't differentiate between them.
2. Choose the Right Eyeshadow Palette
Half the battle in applying more than one shade of eyeshadow is picking colors that work well together. Rather than struggling to find complementary colors, stick with a palette that does the heavy lifting for you. These compact eyeshadow quads come in a variety of color combinations, ranging from neutral to bold. With a mix of finishes and shades that blend smoothly, many palettes even provide directions on the back, making them ideal for beginners.
Step-by-Step Eye Makeup Application
This comprehensive guide provides a five-step process to help you create beautiful eye looks.
Step 1: Apply a Base Eyeshadow to the Lid
Using your second-lightest or a medium-toned shade, sweep a wash of color over your entire lid. This adds dimension or lays the canvas for a more dramatic look. Using your eyeshadow brush, sweep your base shade onto your eyelid with back-and-forth motions from the inner to the outer corner. Depending on the look you're going for, you can bring this base color all the way up to your brow bone for a more dramatic smoky eye, or stop at the crease of your eye for a basic, everyday look. A soft neutral shade helps neutralize any discoloration on lids and brighten eyes.
Step 2: Concentrate Darker Shadow in the Eye Crease
Placing a darker tone of shadow in the crease of the eye makes your eyes pop by adding depth and dimension in the exact right spot. Dip a domed brush into the second-darkest shadow you have and sweep it right along the eye socket, following the shape of your eye between your brow bone and eyelid. A deep brown is a universally flattering choice, no matter your eye color. If you have hooded eyes, you will have to play with different, higher placements for crease shadow; instead, place the color just above the natural crease when your eyes are open, and work down toward the lash line, smoothing out any hard lines and focusing pigment on the outermost corner of the eye in a "V" shape.
Step 3: Rim Your Lash Lines in a Super-Dark Color
To make your lashes look thicker and make eyes pop, rim a super-dark eyeshadow around the eye, top and bottom. Use a flat, short-bristled brush to press the darkest color you have along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin, and along the lower lash line. If you like to wear eyeliner, you can trace this line or even rim your waterline.
Step 4: Highlight with a Pretty Shimmery Shadow
Make your brows pop, add lift, and finish the look by strategically adding a shimmery pale eyeshadow, or the lightest color shadow you have. Using your finger or a precise brush, tap the lightest color in your arsenal directly under the arch of your brow. Add the same pearly light color to the inner corner of the eye to brighten things up, too. This step helps to define and open up the eyes.
Step 5: Finish with Mascara and Optional Liner
No eye look is complete without a coat of mascara. Place your mascara brush at the base of your lashes and gently pull upward to coat your lashes, adding length and volume. While eyeshadow can be used as eyeliner, it can't do everything. To make your lashes appear thicker and more intense, you'll want to apply an actual liner to your waterline. Choose a pencil that's smooth enough to glide onto this delicate area. Gently pull up on your eyelid to reveal your upper waterline, then carefully apply the liner directly to the base of your lashes.
How to Apply Mascara Like a Pro
Exploring Different Eye Makeup Styles
There are so many exciting types of eye makeup to play with, all of which create distinct looks and effects. These include eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascara, and eye primers. Eyeshadows come in loose or pressed powder, baked, and cream formulas, with finishes ranging from matte to shimmer, satin, and glitter.
Choosing Colors and Formulas
Matte shades are great for creating a natural look, while extra shimmer turns up the wow-factor for a more distinctive look. To achieve a natural eye look, use shades that are close to your natural tones. Playing with shades that complement your skin tone can help inform what colors work best for you.
Tailoring Looks to Eye Shape
The best eye makeup depends on the look you're trying to create. For a bolder look, play with intense and highly pigmented shades, while soft and matte shades work well for a natural or minimalist look. Considering your eye shape is a great place to start when thinking about what will look best. For example, cut-crease styles enhance almond, monolid, and hooded eyes best, while a cat-eye effect looks great on protruding and close-set eyes.
Everyday Eye Makeup Routine
A simple eye makeup look is perfect for everyday glam. Choose natural and matte shades that complement your skin tone and apply the shadow to your entire lids, layering color for more intensity. To make your eyes appear bigger, define your creases with a shade darker than your base eye shadow. Blend the shadow before lining and defining your eyes with eyeliner or other eyeshadow. Use a highlighter to add definition to your brow bones and inner eyes to brighten them up more. Finish the look with mascara, which adds length and volume to lashes.
