How to Apply Eyeshadow

Some of the most popular makeup looks to create and recreate include a dazzling eye transformation. Our eyes are the window to the soul, and it should be fitting that our souls are extra gorgeous, colorful, and shimmery! So with all these makeup tips to be found online, where do we start?

You might have already mastered applying mascara or eyeliner, but applying eyeshadow is a whole other ball game! Everyone’s eyes are shaped differently. While it can seem a bit daunting to try and get that perfect eye makeup on the first try, it’s a skill that, with time and effort, will give your eyes the depth they deserve. Plus, with changing makeup trends, you’re bound to find an eyeshadow style that will not only be easy to create but lets you express yourself, too!

Here, we’ll give you basics of how to apply eyeshadow, the right kind of eye brushes to use, tips on how to apply eyeshadow according to your eye shape, and more.

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How To Apply Eyeshadow Step by Step

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t actually take a seasoned makeup artist to learn how to apply eyeshadow! These eyeshadow tips work great for any eye shape and skin tone. In just a few steps, we’ll teach you how to apply eyeshadow in a simple way that’ll create a versatile makeup look.

Start with the brows

An overlooked part of having the perfect eyeshadow and eye makeup in general is the brow area. You’d want to keep that area clean and trimmed, so one of our makeup tips is before starting on your eyeshadow, grab a pair of tweezers, an eyebrow shave, or thread and get to work on those brows.

Loosen your grip on your brush

Eyeshadow needs an eyeshadow brush to apply, and one common mistake beginners make is holding their brush a little too close to the ferrel or the area near the bristles. I’ve definitely been guilty of this one, but now that I’ve read more makeup tips, it makes sense to loosen your grip on the brush a little.

Even though holding your eyeshadow brush closer makes it easier to control, it actually makes your makeup look patchy! The best way to use it is to position your fingers nearer to the bottom of the eyeshadow brush so that the eyeshadow is easier to blend.

Prime your eye and add concealer

We want our eye makeup to really pop, and applying the eyeshadow directly onto the eye usually doesn’t do it. The trick here is to use concealer, or eyeshadow primer if you have it, and apply it to your lids and under your brow bone. Our skin also has indentations and fine lines that make blending eyeshadow a bit of a pain, so we suggest getting a skin tone-colored powder on your beauty blender and using it to set your eyeshadow. This makes blending a lot easier!

Create a gradient

This is what makeup artists call a “transition shade.” Take an eyeshadow color from your palette and apply it to the outer part of your eyelid — this is the area that is visible when the eye is open, just above your crease. Use a fluffy brush to apply this shade in a sweeping motion around your crease.

Apply highlight

Apply a bright color to the inner corner of your eye in order to make it pop! This is one of the tips that makeup artists have used for ages, and it’s definitely a flattering look. Take a light shade and apply it to the inner corner of your eye. This is a great way to shield your eyelid from any eyeshadow fallout from the darker color that’s sitting on top.

Apply a darker shadow to the outer corner

Now, go into your eyeshadow palette and choose a shade that’s a little darker than your transition color. Start to apply this on the outer corner of your eye to give definition.

You should be packing on color here, so for this step, holding your brush closer to the bristles is advised. This helps you apply eyeshadow in a more precise way.

Blend away!

Take your blending brush and pull the colors on the outer corner of your eye slowly into the middle. Make sure you’re holding the lower end of your brush for this step! Use a gentle, circular motion with your blending brush and slowly bring in the color. You can also go back to the outer corner of your eye and blend out any harsh lines from the previous step.

Apply more color!

For this part, you can apply eyeshadow that can intensify your look. Go for the ‘outer V’ area of your eye’s outer corner and add a darker or more colorful shade to give your eye makeup some added depth.

Retouch your highlights

Apply more highlight to the inner corner so that it still pops. You can also opt for a shimmery eyeshadow for that added sparkle. Feel free to extend this all the way through your lash line or on your brow bone.

To make your eyeshadow pop even more, go ahead and add a winged-eye eyeliner or some false eyelashes.

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How to Apply Eyeshadow According to Your Eye Shape

Here’s the tricky part. If your eyes don’t look the same way those popular eyeshadow tutorials do, it might be a bit of a challenge to try and apply eyeshadow perfectly. We give you some quick makeup tips and tricks on how to apply eyeshadow suited to your eye shape.

Almond Eyes

Try to apply smokey eye makeup using a medium matte brown color with an eyeshadow color that’s a few shades darker. This classic makeup look is the perfect way to highlight your eye shape. For this look, get an eyeshadow palette with dark matte eyeshadows.

Round Eyes

Try to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner contour to elongate your eyes. This eyeshadow makeup style has been popularized by a ton of celebrities, including Bella Hadid. It’s one of the beloved makeup tips that will make your eyes look wider and more fox-like.

Upturned Eyes

Apply eyeshadow that’s a little bit darker to your lower lash line. Next, apply medium-toned eyeshadow on the lid. Add highlights to your inner corner, and you’re good to go!

Monolid Eyes

Try to apply a gradient on your eye to give it depth. Start with a dark color for your lash line, then move upward to a brighter eyeshadow color near your brow bone. This makeup look works wonders for giving depth to your eyes! Experiment with different eyeshadow colors for this makeup look by adding a bright or even neon color.

Downturned Eyes

Apply natural, almost bright colors as these can help open up your eyes! One of our tips is to get an eyeshadow palette with matte beiges and browns. You can apply a bright or colorful eyeshadow on your lash line, too.

Hooded Eyes

The trick to apply perfect eyeshadow on hooded eyes is to carry the eyeshadow up to the brow bone. This makes it look like there is a lot more space on your lid and gives your eyes a lighter feel. Just make sure to keep your eyeshadow neat and blended.

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If you’re still unsure about how to apply eyeshadow that’s perfectly suited to your eye shape, then don’t worry! We guarantee you that once you have these basics down, you’ll be able to do more advanced makeup looks in no time.

Eyeshadow, like any other part of makeup, should be an avenue for self-expression and creativity. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful makeup looks in no time!

For more beauty tips and tricks for newbies, check out our article on makeup must-haves for beginners.