How to Apply Eyeshadow Step by Step: A Beginner's Guide

A new palette can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. Which shade goes first? How do you blend without ending up with a smudge? The key is understanding the zones of the eye and working patiently, from lightest to darkest.

This guide takes you step by step to a pretty gradient, even if you have never used eyeshadow.

Get to know the zones of the eye

• Lid: the part that moves when you open and close your eye.
• Crease: the hollow between your lid and your brow bone.
• Outer corner: forms a sideways "V" at the end of the eye; that is where the darkest shade goes.
• Inner corner: perfect for a touch of light.
• Brow bone: just below the brow, for a light matte shade.

The brushes you need

• Flat brush: to pack color onto the lid.
• Fluffy blending brush: for the crease and for softening edges.
• Small tapered brush: for the outer corner and lower lash line.

Step by step: a basic gradient

1. Prep your lid

Apply eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of concealer and set it with powder. This helps shadows blend better, keeps color true and stops it from collecting in the crease.

2. Transition shade

Choose a matte shade slightly deeper than your skin (light brown, peach or caramel). With the fluffy brush, apply it to the crease using windshield-wiper motions. This is the shade that makes everything look blended.

3. Depth in the outer corner

With the small brush, apply a deeper matte shade in a "V" shape at the outer corner. Blend it toward the crease with the clean brush from the previous step.

4. Color on the lid

With the flat brush, press (do not drag) a satin or shimmer shade onto the center of the lid. Slightly dampening the brush intensifies metallic shadows.

5. Light on the inner corner and brow bone

A touch of light shimmer on the inner corner and a very light matte under the brow open up your eyes.

6. Lower lash line

Take a little of the transition shade and the deep shade under your lower lashes to balance the look.

7. Finish with liner and mascara

A thin line of eyeliner and mascara complete the look.

Pro tips

• Tap off excess from your brush before touching your lid to avoid fallout.
• Do your eyes before foundation if you are using dark shades or glitter; that way you can easily clean up anything that falls.
• Build color in layers: it is easier to intensify than to remove.
• Blend with a clean brush at the end to tie all the shades together.
• Look straight into the mirror with your eyes open to check how the shadow looks on your eye shape.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the transition shade: the result looks like blocks of color.
• Using shimmery shades in the crease, which can emphasize texture.
• Taking the dark shade too high or too far inward.
• Not prepping the lid, which makes color fade or crease.

Find it at BeautyRosee

In our makeup collection you will find eyeshadow palettes in every size (from compact palettes with a few shades to booklets with dozens of colors), eyeshadow primers, gel shadows and blending brushes. Check out the Kevin & Coco palettes with warm chocolate tones and the ones from Beauty Creations, plus options from Oz Lab.

FAQ

Do I need eyeshadow primer?

It is not a must, but it helps a lot if you have oily lids or live in a humid climate, since it keeps shadow from creasing.

Which eyeshadows work best for daytime?

Neutral, matte shades like soft browns, beige and peach, with a touch of satin on the lid if you want some light.

How do I keep eyeshadow from falling onto my under-eyes?

Tap off your brush, apply a generous layer of powder under your eyes while you work and then sweep it away with a clean brush.

Can I apply eyeshadow with my fingers?

Yes, especially metallic and cream shadows. Fingers melt the product and give more intensity.

With practice, blending eyeshadow becomes natural and fun. Pick your favorite palette in our makeup collection.