Have a ton of stunning eyeshadow palettes but not sure what to do with them? You’re not alone! Eyeshadow palettes can be intimidating, but creating beautiful eyeshadow looks is easier than you think.
This friendly guide to simple eyeshadow hacks for beginners will take you from nervous newbie to confident creator. Let’s ditch the frustration and dive into some easy tips and tricks to make your eyes pop!
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Prep & Prime Eyeshadow Hacks For Beginners and Beyond
- Eye Primer is Non-Negotiable: Skip the primer, and you’re setting yourself up for creasing, fading, and a general eyeshadow meltdown. Invest in a quality eye primer to create a smooth, even canvas and enhance pigment longevity.
- Concealer as a Primer Alternative (with caveats): If you’re in a pinch, a touch of concealer on your eyelids can work like an eyeshadow primer. It also creates a even canvas to apply your makeup to. However, opt for a matte, lightweight formula to avoid excess oiliness. Set it with a translucent powder.
- Set Your Base: After priming, lightly dust a neutral, skin-toned powder over your lids. This helps with blendability and prevents patchiness and can help absorb oils if you have oily eyelids.
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Eyeshadow Application & Technique: The Art of the Blend
- Invest in Quality Brushes: Your tools are your allies. A fluffy blending brush, a flat shader brush, and a small detail brush are essential. Don’t underestimate the power of a good brush.
- Build in Layers: Start with a small amount of product and gradually build the intensity. This prevents harsh lines and allows for better control.
- “Windshield Wiper” Motion: When blending, use a light, sweeping “windshield wiper” motion in your crease. This creates a seamless, diffused effect.
- Tap, Don’t Swipe: When applying shimmer or glitter shadows, tap the product onto your lid rather than swiping. This minimizes fallout and maximizes sparkle.
- The “V” Technique: For a defined outer corner, create a “V” shape with a darker shade, blending it into the crease and along the lash line.
- Tape for Sharp Lines: Use eyeliner tape along your outer eye corner to achieve a crisp, clean line for winged eyeliner looks.
- Spoon for Precise Crease Definition: Place the edge of a clean spoon against your eye socket to guide your crease application for perfectly curved lines.
- Color Placement Matters: Light shades highlight, dark shades add depth. Place lighter shades on the inner corner and brow bone, and darker shades in the crease and outer corner.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: It bears repeating. Blending is the key to a professional-looking eyeshadow application. Never leave harsh lines.
Enhancement & Finishing Touch Eyeshadow Hacks: The Defining Details
- Wet Your Brush for Intense Pigment: For shimmer or metallic shadows, dampen your brush with setting spray or water before dipping into the product. This intensifies the color and creates a foiled effect.
- White Eyeliner for Pop: Apply a white or nude eyeliner to your waterline to brighten your eyes and make them appear larger.
- Matching Lower Lash Line: Extend your eyeshadow look to your lower lash line for a more dramatic and cohesive look. Use a small detail brush for precision.
- Mascara is Your Best Friend: Don’t underestimate the power of mascara. It completes any eye look and adds definition and volume.
- Setting Spray is Crucial: Lock your eyeshadow in place with a setting spray to prevent creasing and fading throughout the day.
- Concealer Cleanup: Use a small amount of concealer and a precise brush to clean up any fallout or stray eyeshadow.
- Cotton Swab Correction: For quick fixes, dip a cotton swab in makeup remover and gently clean up any mistakes.
- Practice Makes Progress: Don’t be discouraged by initial attempts. Eyeshadow application is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you.
Bonus tip: Find some online inspiration! Personally, I love watching Instagram makeup pros and YouTube makeup tutorials for applying eyeshadow and getting inspired with looks and color combinations. Find some great makeup artists to follow for some in-depth eyeshadow makeup tutorials.
I hope these eyeshadow hacks for beginners were helpful to you!
Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to try new techniques or use new tools to get the eye makeup look you’re after.
