Applying eyeshadow is probably my favorite step in my makeup routine, although it is one step I may skip if I only have 5 minutes to get ready. This is especially true when my husband stands at the bathroom door staring at me, asking “Are you ready YET?” Yes, annoying, but understandable. To me, applying eyeshadow resembles a spiritual moment, where I unleash my creativity on my eyelids and I need time! What about you?
Eyeshadows have the ability to enhance your entire face; the colors and the applications can make your eyes appear bigger, smaller, closer or wider apart. This post however, will walk you through the very basics of eyeshadow application. Don’t forget to check my video tutorials for ideas on eyeshadow placement application and other tips. I recommend the Sephora Holiday Green Eyes tutorial to see how you can play with different eyeshadow placements and the Nicole Richie Cat Eye tutorial where you will not only learn how to do a fun cat eye, but where you’ll learn an eyeshadow application placement to make your eyes appear bigger.
Brunette and Pink Basic Eyeshadow Application:
- Prime your eyelid with a primer. This will ensure your eyeshadow will last all day and your eyeshadow color will appear true.
- Tap your eyeshadow brush onto your eyeshadow and pick up some color. Tap off or shake off the excess powder; this will help you have less fallout, which are the speckles of eyeshadow dust that suddenly show up on your upper cheeks after applying eyeshadow.
- Brush the eyeshadow onto your lid. I normally start in the inner corner of the eye and move outwards when applying eyeshadow all over my lid.
- Where to stop? It depends on what you want to do. If you are looking to apply a flesh toned eyeshadow for a quick out-the-door look, then you apply eyeshadow all over the eye. If you want to apply eyeshadow just to the crease, then with your brush “feel” your eyeball. Hello crease, nice to meet you! Apply eyeshadow up to the crease in a windshield wiping motion – back and forth.
- Stand back and compare you eyes to make sure that your eyeshadow application is even.
- Eye primer: I rotate between Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I’ve found both work great, although I feel I am able to get every last drop out of the Too Faced Shadow Insurance because it comes in a toothpaste-like tube, where as with the Urban Decay Primer Potion, I feel I can’t get it all out because of the shape of the tube.
- Eyeshadows: If you are getting started, I recommend purchasing palettes. I am a HUGE fan of palettes; they offer a great variety of colors and are mostly portable. I have been extremely happy with my Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig and I recommend trying her eyeshadow palettes; the pigmentation is incredible and they stay put. For even more vibrant colors, you can always count on Urban Decay’s smooth eyeshadows. I love my Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol II, but I am not sure if it is still available as it was limited edition. The Urban Decay Show Pony Shadow Box is a great option, with your basic bronzes, golds and browns and fun turquoise and purple shades. If you are on a budget, I recommend Milani Runway Eyes Fashion Shadow palettes; they offer great value and they come in tons of color combinations to choose from (see my review here).
