Written By Online Makeup Academy
Your eye shape
Eye color
Must-have brushes guide
Perfect makeup application
Our expert tips
Top 10 Mistakes
A step-by-step guide for correct eye makeup application.
When it comes to eye makeup, the main desire is to attract attention to the eye, making your art (and natural beauty) stand out!
The main element you will have to take into account first will be the eye shape.
It took me a while to understand why a certain makeup look doesn't look as good on me as on someone else. The reason? I have deep-set eyes, and for example, I was attempting to create a makeup look that was modeled on a girl with almond-shaped eyes. This attempt resulted in my prominent brow bone creating shadows in the areas where I didn't want these shadows to be, which made my version very different from what I was trying to replicate. This example was a long time ago, when I first started my journey into professional Makeup Artistry, and I have come a long way since then – and I’m eager to share these important tips for achieving your best eyeshadow application with you!
The soft and fluffy brush is for creating shadows i.e., dimension in the crease, and for blending.
A slightly firm and rounded brush is for a more controlled eye shadow application and blending.
A flat, dense brush is for applying pigmented color onto the lid.
A flat and sharp brush is for precise application (you can use it for highlighting your inner corner and brow bone, or for defining your lower lash line, or even for tight lining and eyeliner application.
Eyeliner brush, which is the primary option that can be used for tightening and eyeliner application.
Below are some tips for a perfect eye makeup application, an example of a professional classic smokey eye:
The darker eyeshadow, the smaller the brush should be. This will make your application more precise to the areas which need to be darker to emphasize your eyes (outer corner, for example). Smaller brushes will give you more control and this is exactly what you need when working with a darker shade.
Don’t apply too high on your upper eyelid or too low on your lower eyelid with dark eyeshadows. This exception is if you are looking to achieve a ‘messier’ look with your eyeshadow for the specific style (ie: grunge, goth, rocker, etc).
Don’t take too much product on your brush. You can always add additional color later; it is much easier to add than subtract color!
If somehow you applied more eyeshadow than you needed and want to dilute it, take a matte light (ecru or nude) eye shadow on a fluffy brush and go along the area you want to make lighter. It will really help you to blend everything. Sometimes light shimmery eyeshadows or pigments can help you even out and blend color even better than matte ones.
Tap off the excess every time you grab the eyeshadow from a pan. It will save you from fallouts.
Don't be afraid of tight lining, it will create a huge difference and will make your lashes look thicker and deeper. It is especially helpful for those with hooded eyes as the skin over the eye will hide the eyeliner. With a hooded eye, you can even skip the eyeliner and go straight for the tight lining instead.
A Few More Tips
Top 10 Mistakes
Mistake #1: Putting too much product on your brush.
This is the number one cause of eye shadow fallout. To avoid it, wet your brush, take a little glitter, and gently press it into the areas you want.
Mistake #2: Not using a primer before applying powder eye shadow.
Primer serves many purposes, including moisturizing dry lids, helping shadow stay on longer, and preventing loose shadow from falling on your cheeks. You can use a fragrance-free lip balm, salve, or eye cream as a substitute if you don't want to purchase a separate primer.
Mistake #3: Applying concealer to your lids before shadow.
Concealer can be too cakey, which changes the color of the eye shadow and doesn't look good.
Mistake #4: Buying nude shades that "match" your skin tone.
You're better off reaching for something metallic to make your eyes stand out.
Mistake #5: Skipping shadow underneath your eyes.
Putting shadow on the small lid underneath your eyes can complete your look. Use a small tapered brow brush to get in that delicate area, and then take the color you're using back up to the crease in a sideways V-shape for a messy but put-together look.
Mistake #6: Limiting your eye makeup to traditional eye shadow products only.
We suggest experimenting with other types of makeup to add depth and dimension to your lids. For example, try using wet blush to create a sunset-inspired look, or use your bronzer to add a sun-kissed effect. And don't be afraid to play around with different textures and finishes, like using a highlighter to add a subtle shimmer to your lids.
Mistake #7: Applying eye makeup before foundation.
It's best to apply foundation before any eye makeup so that your skin looks perfect and you don't have to use multiple eye shadows.
Mistake #8: Using only a makeup brush to apply eye shadow.
Your fingers are your greatest secret weapon and can do a lot of things that even fancy brushes can't. Please note: as a response to the COVID pandemic, safety protocols have been implemented that involve obtaining client consent and visibly sanitizing hands before providing services.
Mistake #9: Thinking you need four different shades of eye shadow for a proper look.
You can get away with using just one shadow shade.
Mistake #10: Using black eye shadow to create a smoky eye.
A smoky eye can come from many different colors, such as a subtle brown, dark gray, or plums and navy shades.
Be creative, experiment with different techniques, and find what works best for you and your eye shape and color! Once you’ve perfected these techniques, it will take less than 10 minutes to perfectly blend your eyeshadows and make your eyes beautifully stand out!
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