Eyes To The Right – How To Apply EyeShadow Fast and Accurately

How To Apply EyeShadow Fast and Accurately

Applying eyeshadow is one thing; applying it correctly and professionally another.  There is the question of getting the specific shade to match your unique skin tone and eye color.  There is also the question of how many brushes to have at your disposal.  And not forgetting there is the question of how many of those colors (in your palette) to use in order to get the job done.  Whether it’s these questions or others about eyeliners, mascaras, shadows, or whatever, here is a short ‘how to’ guide to make your eyes the most striking and memorable feature of your overall appearance.

All About The Brush

A few good cosmetic brushes can make all the difference, because your face is a delicate and relatively small area which requires the best, most precise, professional tools.  Synthetic brushes are actually preferable to their natural-fiber originals.  They’re also cheaper, lower maintenance, and allergy friendly.  Professionals, when tested, can’t actually tell the difference.  So, while you might want to get a quality product it’s not necessary to go au naturel.  Synthetic rules.

Base To The Lid

First, take your eyeshadow brush then apply your favorite base shade to your eyelid.  If you have brown eyes, you might consider using shimmer.  Celebs like Mandy Moore make fantastic use of it, so why not you.  You might not be on the red carpet anytime soon so won’t necessarily want to apply the base beyond the crease of your eye.  A professional cosmetologist might place the color into the crease of the eye when your eyes are open, and then work down toward the lash line. Why?  So that you’ll never overshoot your crease or end up with messy lines.  For that more alluring, mysterious look bring the base color right up to your brow bone.

Shadow In The Crease

Ensuring that you put a darker tone of shadow in the crease of your eye will create that striking look, adding mystery and depth to your eyes, because dark colors attract light.  You will need to use a domed brush and dip it into a dark shadow, sweeping it over the eye socket.  Follow the contour between your brow bone and eyelid.  A dark brown like Thunderbird or Urban Decay Eyeshadow will tend to work well with all eye colors, so give that a go.

If your eyelids are quite prominent then consider higher placements to the crease shadow, because the color will simply disappear along the eye socket when your eyes are open.  Start with your eyes wide open, then mark out with your brush where you want the color to commence so as to be visible.  Next, shut your eyes and move the brush across, smoothing out hard lines.  Make sure you focus the color on the outermost corner of your eye, using a ‘V’ shape.

Press In Super-Dark

The goal is to have luscious, thicker-looking eyelashes, and to widen out the gateway to your precious eyes.  A super-dark eyeshadow should work comparably, if you’re not comfortable with applying eyeliner.  Start off with a short-bristled brush, which you use to press in the dark color along the edges of your upper eyelid, ie. where the eyelashes start, and also along the lower eyelash line.

Maybe you like a bit of liner on your waterline (the inner-most rim of your eye).  Be extra careful not to irritate the eye.  If this happens, use a pale nude liner to the waterline which will make your eye appear wider and more alert.  Take care to choose waterproof option, for obvious reasons.

Shimmery Shadow Highlight

You can create striking brows through the use of a shimmery pale eyeshadow or pencil which is applied directly under the brow.  An easy-to-use pencil is your best bet, although you can also try other products for extra shimmer.  A pearly light color can be placed in the inner corner of the eye to brighten it, and some mascara can be used as a finishing touch.

All About The Blend

Your piece de resistance is to learn how to blend eyeshadow.  This marks the difference between being an amateur and becoming a pro.  When varying the colors which actually make it onto your face the goal is to reduce harsh lines and render the shift from one color to another as smooth and unnoticeable as possible.  A blend brush is a must; use it in small circular motions precisely where the two different colors collide.  Continue doing this until you can no longer see a line dividing them.  When it comes to the outer eyeshadow area, a more diagonal windshield wiper-like motion is advisable.

Experiment.  You’ll get better with more practice.  It’s your chance to transform yourself without paying someone else a small fortune to do it for you.  There’s no reason why you can’t create powerful yet subtle styles all of your own.  It can also be quite therapeutic to focus on the moment, and use clam, slow movements to appreciate your own face.  After all, others have been staring at it all day.  Why not stare at it yourself for a while and see what you might find.  You never know; you might be pleasantly surprised.  These six tips can help you to get started.  Now it’s all about having a go for yourself, and once you’re satisfied you can help your girlfriends, sisters, daughters; even your own mom!