A Step by Step Eye Shadow Application Guide

Hello Babes:
Here we are plugging through the week like the bosses that we are.
Go us!
We all have a favorite cosmetic. For many of you, its lipstick . For me though, it's eye shadow and always has been.

I was taking a trip down memory lance recently. I was looking at pictures  of junior high school me. I loved makeup even back then.
Back then though...I really didn't know what I was doing, like at all.  I used to use the foam applicators that came with the eye shadow. Yes, it was cringe worthy. 
I decided to put together this step by step to protect you guys out there for making the same mistakes that I did!

Tools of The Trade 101

Before even attempting to master eye shadow application, you'll need to get the proper tools to get the job done.   A few decent brushes are the difference between a well blended makeup application versus stripes of color across your eye lids.

However though, you do NOT need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on brushes. Here is what you actually will need to get started.   Read How To Clean Them Here

• A flat, small dense brush to hold plenty of color
• A fluffy blending brush
• A spare brush for when you're applying multiple colors at once

Click to expand

When to apply eye shadow in your makeup routine

Once you're ready to work some eye shadow magic, the question remains: Should you apply your eye makeup before or after foundation? It's all personal preference, really.

Personally, I do my eyes first. This way, I don't need to worry about getting fallout of my foundation or concealer.

If you're more daring and prefer to take care of your concealer and foundation first, you can always save eye shadow for later. Be sure to put some translucent powder onto a brush or pad and dab it under your eyes. Make sure to apply enough powder, so that if there is any eye shadow fallout it lands on the translucent powder. Then you sweep it off when finished.

How to apply eye shadow

There are many different ways to apply eye shadow and, with practice, you'll develop a few shortcuts of your own to help achieve the look you're craving. But there are a few basic tips that can get you started.

Prepping for eye shadow application:

1.       Prep the skin: Wipe the eye area down with micellar water before you start makeup to remove anything that could be on the face. You want a completely clean canvas to begin with.

2.        Start with an eye shadow primer: It’s good to set your eye shadow by starting with a primer. This helps to not only hold the shadow in place, but also preps the eyelid, getting rid of discoloration.

3.       Concealer: Still have some dark spots? Use a neutralizing concealer to hide any dark circles.

4.       Set the eye shadow:   Finish with translucent setting powder dusted over the look.

Basic eye shadow application:

1.       Use an eye shadow the color of your skin all over, from lashes to brows.

2.       Follow up with a neutral color all over the lid up to the crease (you can use a matte or satin finish)

3.       Add dimension with a slightly darker color in a matte finish to the outer corner of the crease and blend well.

4.       Add an eyeliner of your choice.

5.       Take a highlighter or shimmery eye shadow lighter than your skin tone on the inner corner of the eyes to brighten things up.

More advanced eye shadow application tips:

• Do you want to add depth and dimension? Try using a small flat brush and dark shadow pressed into where the lashes grow.
• Do you want to make an area stand out more? Use a lighter color. Want to add more intensity? Apply loose shadow with a slightly damp brush.
• Consider your eye shape, If you have hooded eyes, you want to create the appearance of depth and a crease. You would add eye shadow just above the fold of the eye, to give a pushed back appearance. If you have more round eyes you want to soften a little and create a wider look. You would use eyeliner to draw along the lash line and push just based the outer edge.
• Using a fluffy brush and a windshield wiper motion to apply color all over the eye.

Eye shadow for your eye color

Previously, I did an entire post about finding the right make up shades for your eyes. You can read that Here

Essentially though, you want to enhance your eye color, by wearing shades that are opposite. An example is if your eyes are blue then use warmer shades with hints of orange or coral. If you have brown eyes use blue shades, and if you have green eyes use violet  and plum shades.

Here is a quick run down of what shades pair best with each eye color.

• Blue eyes: Try brown, gold or yellow tones.
• Brown eyes: Aim for gold, purples and other warm tones.
• Hazel eyes: Pink, purple and green eye shadows are your best bet.
• Green eyes: Warm tones like gold and lavender will complement your emerald eyes.

Whew!

This was a LONG one today!

Hopefully, it will be useful.   I hope the rest of this week is fantastic!

XO,

SheShe