beauty fix
How To Apply Eyeshadow Like A Pro
There are a few things in life which are known to scare us; spiders the size of your palm (Straya), raindrops on freshly blow-dried hair, wasting a bangin’ makeup look or outfit on an unworthy occasion, and eyeshadow.
Ever wondered how to correctly apply eyeshadow? We’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to teach you how to apply eyeshadow like a pro.
Fear not, eyeshadow doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it deserve its long-held bad reputation. We’ve rounded up our best eyeshadow tips and tricks to have you throwing a whole lotta shade and take you through how to apply eyeshadow in order to ace your application. The best part? You don’t have to be a makeup pro to get it right.
Get to know eye primer
An eye primer will not only help your eyeshadow appear more vivid, it also assists in a smooth application, eliminates creasing and ensures your shadow lasts from am to pm. Don’t own an eye primer? Double your concealer as an eyeshadow base.
Add definition with neutral shades
No matter what look you have in mind, begin by creating a soft contour and add dimension by using a neutral shade applied to the crease of the eye. Buff out to nothing along the edges.
Dark vs light shades – what goes where?
Traditionally speaking, darker shades are to be applied to the outer corner of the eye to create a smokey, sultry look, while brighter, lighter shades are applied to the inner corner of the eye and brow bone to give a wide-awake effect. When it comes to makeup, rules are made to be broken (according to us, anyway) so if you feel like applying the same shade from the inner to outer corner of your eye, you do you, boo.
Tools of the Trade
Every single thing you’ve read up until this point about how to apply eyeshadow is completely redundant unless you’re using the correct brushes. True story. To put it simply:
Flat shader brush – Deposits and builds eyeshadow. Use a tapping motion to build intensity of colour.
Fluffy blending brush – Perfect for sculpting and blending, this brush is your BFF when it comes to eyeshadow application.
Angled chisel brush – Cuts and defines with ease. Ideal for applying eyeshadow to the upper and / or lower lash line and can also be used to smudge and blend gel or pencil eyeliners.
Blending In
There’s no easy or polite way to tell you this, but unblended eyeshadow can literally ruin a whole makeup look. The goal is to create a smooth, diffused finish. The trick? Using a clean, fluffy blending brush, adopt a light-handed windscreen wiper motion to blend away any harsh lines. It’s like a panty line; nobody needs to see that, you know?
Pressed, Cream or Loose Eyeshadow?
Each are fun and eye-catching, but it essentially comes down to the effect and finish you want to achieve. Cream eyeshadow is great for those who take a no-fuss approach to makeup. For the best result, simply apply and blend using your fingertip. However, cream shadows aren’t ideal for those prone to shiny eyelids. Pressed powder is your go-to beauty beginner must-have as it’s versatile and the easiest texture and formula to layer multiple shades. Loose Eyeshadow on the other hand is a little trickier as most contain glitter or shimmer and you run the risk of looking like a shiny disco ball if you don’t have the time to get it right. On the plus side, loose eyeshadow is perfect for achieving a strong, pigmented and opaque finish. Practice makes perfect!
Next Gen Eyeshadow
Still not convinced you can nail the perfect eyeshadow look? We’ve got a little somethin’ somethin’ we think (okay we know) you’re going to love. Our new Luxe Lids Eye Stix are THE easiest, most foolproof way to achieve no-limit eye looks. Simply scribble, blend and go! You can be as messy as you like, and these bad boys will still deliver cool-girl colour that looks like you spent all morning perfecting your look.
Pump it up!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, have a little fun and experiment with pumping up your eyeshadow finish. Mixing your shadow with an eyeliner sealer or moisture mist works a treat for creating a radiant and super pigmented effect. Complete the look and add the ultimate finishing touch with a pair of lashes.
Feel like you’ve learnt the tricks of the trade on how to apply eyeshadow?
Find everything you need to achieve the perfect eye look; with our range of high-quality eye makeup.
