Eye makeup has been proven to completely transform the appearance of your eyes, making them more defined, expressive, and gorgeous. As a beginner makeup wearer, learning the basics of eye makeup will be your lifesaver. This simple step-by-step guide will have you a pro at achieving a flawless eye makeup look in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Cleanse & Moisturize
You must start with a clean face before applying makeup. Use a light cleanser to wipe away grime, oil, and dirt on your eyelids. Next, apply an eye cream or a light-textured moisturizer to keep the thin skin around your eyes hydrated. This gives you a smooth canvas and prevents makeup from settling in fine lines.
Prime Your Eyelids
An eyeshadow primer is the secret to keeping your eye makeup fresh all day long. A primer prevents creasing, brings out your eyeshadow color, and keeps your makeup fresh for hours. If you do not have an eyeshadow primer, a thin layer of concealer or foundation will work.
Step 2: Choose the Right Eyeshadow Shades
Light Shade: Base Shade
Your base shade will be the lightest shade in your eyeshadow palette. This shade will be closest to your skin tone and provide you with a neutral, even base for the other shades. Soft beige, nude, or pale shades are best for most beginners.
Medium Shade: Define the Crease
You will use a medium-toned shade to define the crease of your eyelid. This adds depth and dimension in your eyes, giving them the illusion of being bigger. Use warm brown, taupe, or soft peach shades for a natural finish.
Dark Shade: Add Depth to the Outer Corners
A darker shade is applied at the outer corners of your eyes for a dramatic or smoky eye. Charcoal, deep brown, or plum color is ideal for this. This step adds depth and structure to your eye makeup.
Step 3: Apply Eyeshadow
Apply Base Color Across the Eyelid
With a flat eyeshadow brush, apply the light base color across your eyelid in an even layer. This step makes it easy for other colors to blend and your eyeshadow is smooth in texture.
Blend Medium Shade in the Crease
With a fluffy blending brush, sweep the medium shade into the crease with a windshield-wiper motion. Blending is the key to a soft, natural color transition.
Add Dark Shade to the Outer Corner
With a small blending brush or an angled brush, apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Blend it softly into the crease for a gradient look. This step adds depth and makes your eyes appear more defined.
Highlight Brow Bone & Inner Corners
To make your eyes pop, apply a shimmery or matte light shade to your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes. This hack opens up the eyes and gives a lifted look to the brows.
Step 4: Apply Eyeliner
Use Pencil for Easy Application
Beginners will find the pencil eyeliner easiest to apply. It gives a soft, smudgy look and is ideal for a low-key day look.
Gel Liner for Smooth Application
Gel eyeliner gives a smooth application and is ideal for a defined look. Use gel liner with an angled brush along your lash line for a sophisticated look.
Liquid Liner for Sharp, Precise Lines
If you desire a dramatic, crisp appearance, liquid eyeliner is the ticket. It produces crisp lines, so it’s perfect for winged eyeliner or a dramatic eye.
Begin by Starting Thin at Inner Corner & Building as Desired
No matter what you’re using for eyeliner, begin with a thin line at the inner corner of the eye and then build outward toward the outer corner. Add thickness as desired.
Step 5: Curl Your Lashes & Add Mascara
Use an Eyelash Curler
Curling your lashes makes your eyes look larger and more alert instantly. Hold the curler at the base of your lashes and hold for a couple of seconds before releasing.
Apply Mascara from Root to Tip in Zigzag Motion
To prevent clumps, apply mascara in a zigzag motion from roots to tips. This motion spreads the mascara around evenly and adds volume.
Apply Two Coats for Extra Volume
For the added volume in your lashes, apply a second coat of mascara after the first coat dries. Don’t apply too many coats, though, or clumping will be the result.
Step 6: Define Your Eyebrows
Use Pencil or Powder to Fill Sparse Spots
Eyebrows that are well-groomed frame the eyes and complete your look. With an eyebrow pencil or powder, fill sparse spots with light, hair-like strokes.
Brush with Spoolie for a Natural Finish
Once you’ve filled your brows, use a spoolie brush to blend the product for a soft, natural finish.
Set with Clear or Tinted Gel
To set your brows in place all day, apply a clear or tinted brow gel. This step keeps the shape in place and prevents smudges.
Conclusion
Eye makeup is intimidating initially, but with the proper techniques and practice, you can achieve a stunning eye look. With these simple steps—preparing your eyes, choosing the correct eyeshadow shades, blending like a pro, applying eyeliner and mascara, and defining your brows—you can achieve a flawless eye makeup look. Experiment with colors and styles and discover what works for you. Practice and be bold, and you can achieve eye makeup looks like a pro.