The basic concept behind applying eye shadow, of any design, is that it’s well balanced and well blended between the light to dark colours.
A few key points to eye shadow application are:
- Dark colours minimize fuller, prominent areas.
- Lighter colours will highlight and emphasize shallow areas.
- Only load your brushes with a little colour as it’s easier to add than it is to remove.
When to Apply Eyeshadow
Everyone has their own routine of how the apply their makeup. But if you apply your eyeshadow first, then apply your foundation etc to the rest of your face, this will allow you to remove any excess shadow that has flaked onto your cheek and under eye area. It’s best to finish any eye makeup with either eyeliner and/or mascara.
For a Two Colour Design
This is a classic eyeshadow design. The common design for this, is to apply the lighter shade to the lid and then the darker colour into the crease and blend upwards. When you apply the lighter colour to the lid, this will create the illusion of a larger and brighter eye.
- With a large eye shadow brush, apply the lighter colour from the lashline and blend up to the brow.
- With a defining brush, apply the darker shade into the crease and blend out towards the outer corner of the eye.
- To keep the darker colour in and just slightly above the crease, will create a natural looking highlight under the brow.
- If you want a softer look, use a clean blending brush and diffuse the darker colour out in circular motions.
Three Colour Design
The three colour design is just like the two colour design but with an added darker third shade for shading.
- Follow the steps for the Two Colour Design above.
- Once that is completed, use the defining brush for the third shade to the true line of your crease.
- Blend out to the outer corner of the eye.
- Blend out and up rather than going with the natural curve of your eye.
Four Colour Design
This builds on the steps from the two and three colour designs, from above. It adds in a fourth dark colour for an intense shading effect. This colour will be applied skillfully to the back corner of your eye. You will also be able to use this to create shade and shape.
- Follow the steps from the three colour design above.
- Apply the fourth dark shade with an eyeshadow brush, using small strokes, into the back corner only.
- Add colour little by little until you have mastered your effect.
- You may also want to go back to the third dark colour and apply again to the crease, this will intensify your look.
Extra Tips
- For a classic sophisticated look, use matte powder eyeshadows. They are the best at accenting the eyes shape and the colour of your eyes.
- Add shine to your browbone to make your eyes pop.
- Use multiple brushes for your eye shadow designs.
- Prep your eyelids, under the brow area. This will ensure a smooth, even application.
- Tap off excess shadow to minimise flaking.
Feature image credit: mizmareck via Flickr.
