How to Apply Eyeshadow

Simple steps to wow-worthy eyeshadow

Think of your eyelid as a canvas—you’re the artist. Seize this opportunity, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your palette. For a more natural vibe, use colors closer to your skin tone. To go glam, work up to those bold colors. Finally, don’t forget to step back every once in a while to look at the big picture (aka your beautiful face).

Step 1: Start with your primer

Prep your lids & the surrounding area with primer. If you want your makeup to last and stay radiant, this is the most important step. Don’t worry if the primer doesn’t match your skin color—blending will even it out.Brush to use: Primer Brush or Small Eyeshadow Brush Eyeshadow Primer

Step 2: Create depth with eyeliner

With a pencil, add your eyeliner. Make sure to stay close to the lash line, starting around the inner edge of your iris. Don’t worry about making the line perfect—this step is about creating a guideline for the finished look.Brush to use: Eyeliner Pencil Pencil Eyeliner

Step 3: Carefully apply your eyeshadow

Start light, work to darker shades

Start with an eyeshadow that’s a little lighter than your skin tone. Holding your brush far from the bristles, gently move in a circular motion. Repeat, transitioning to darker and darker shades until you’re feeling it. Dab & tap: Each time you dab your brush into the eyeshadow, tap it gently against the counter to ditch the excess. Brush to use: Large Eyeshadow Brush

Darken the outer edge of your eyelid crease

Dark creases create a smoky statement. With precision, add a dark color to outer edge and crease of lid. The method? gently rock your hand back & forth in the crease area until you’re satisfied with the intensity. Brush to use: Small Eyeshadow Brush or Smudge Brush

Find your palette

Choose eyeshadow by finish

Step 5: Highlight to create contrast

The opposite of dark is…light! Clean up the edges of your eye and make it stand out with a highlighting shade (lighter than your skin tone). Hit below your eyebrow and close to your nose, using precise strokes.Brush to use: Small Eyeshadow Brush Highlighter

Step 6: Blend the transitions

Don’t go crazy mixing all the colors together once you’ve got them set. The key to blending is easing the transition between colors (between the highlights and the dark crease, for instance).Brush to use: Smudge Brush

Extra credit: Revisit your eyeliner

Stop, look up into the mirror and smile. You’re blended, bright & beautiful! To add an extra punch, revisit your eyeliner. If you’re feeling ambitious, create a cat eye by continuing the liner line past your lash line. Subtly blend it with a winged eyeliner brush or eyeliner sponge.Brush to use: Winged Eyeliner Brush & Pencil or Liquid Eyeliner Liquid Eyeliner

Shop the essentials

Shop eyeshadow brushes

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