Eyeshadow: The Do’s, Don’ts, And How to Use it Like A Pro

People often say that eyes are the windows to the soul, so it's no wonder that many people use eyeshadow to showcase fabulous makeup looks. Eyeshadow is a versatile cosmetic product that comes in a variety of colours and textures and can be applied in many different ways to create an endless range of masterpieces. Whether you lean towards bold and daring, or more natural subtle makeup, eyeshadow can be the key to creating your desired outcome. Today we’ll explore how to best use eyeshadow to achieve your perfect look, from techniques and trends to tips and tricks, so get your brushes ready and get in the know about how to create the perfect eyeshadow look...

Colours

Eyeshadow comes in practically every colour under the sun, it is simply up to you to choose the best tones to suit you and the look you’re wanting to create. If you are wanting to complement your eyes and make them pop, it is a good idea to consider your eye colour. Brown eyes look great with a variety of eyeshadow colours. Warm shades like gold, copper, and bronze can make brown eyes pop, while cooler shades like blues and greens can provide a nice contrast. For blue eyes, earthy tones like browns and taupe are very complimentary. Peachy shades can also work well to provide a soft, subtle contrast. For those with green eyes, just like on the colour wheel, reds and pinks can help your eyes to pop, as well as purple and plum tones. If you have hazel eyes, figure out what the dominant colour in your eyes and opt for shades that bring it out, however earthy tones are always a safe option.

Application and brushes

Applying eyeshadow is certainly an art, but with some helpful advice anyone can create a seamless look! First things first, a great look starts with a great base, so prep your eyelids with an eyeshadow primer or concealer to create a smooth, even base for your eyeshadow. This will help your eyeshadow colour pop, and it will stay in place for longer.
Next choose the colours you’ll be working with. A good rule of thumb is to choose three eyeshadow colours, light, medium and dark, for a balanced and defined look. Get yourself acquainted with the right eyeshadow brushes, you’ll need a flat brush to pack on pigment, a fluffy crease brush to sweep and blend, and a small, angled brush for precision. Apply the base colour using your flat eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest shade of eyeshadow all over your eyelid, from your lash line to your brow bone. This will act as a base colour and help blend the other shades. Next apply the crease colour. Use your crease brush, apply to the medium shade of eyeshadow in the crease of your eyelid. Blend it outwards and upwards towards your brow bone to create a gradient effect. Then using a small, angled brush, apply the darkest shade of eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eyelid. Blend it into the crease color for a seamless transition. Highlight the inner corner of your eye using a small eyeshadow brush, apply a shimmery or light eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye. This will brighten up your eyes and create a more awake and alert look. Finally, blend, blend, blend! Use a fluffy blending brush to blend out any harsh lines and create a seamless look. This step is crucial for a professional-looking finish.

Techniques

Using bronzer as eyeshadow is a great trick for creating a natural, no-makeup makeup look. Bronzer adds warmth and depth to the eyes, without looking heavy or overdone. To create this look, simply sweep a warm-toned bronzer across the eyelids, focusing on the crease and outer corners. Use a fluffy brush to blend the color well, so it looks seamless and natural. This technique is especially effective for those with fair to medium skin tones, as it adds a subtle hint of color to the eyes that looks flattering and effortless. To finish the look, add a coat of mascara and a natural-looking lip color, and you're good to go!

Smokey eye

Smokey eyes are a classic and versatile makeup look that can be adapted to suit a range of occasions and styles. This look typically involves using darker shades of eyeshadow, such as black, grey, or brown, to create a smudged and blended effect around the eyes. To achieve a smokey eye, start by applying a neutral base color to the eyelids, then use a dark shade to define the crease and outer corners. Blend the color well, using a fluffy brush, and gradually build up the intensity until you achieve the desired level of smokiness. For added drama, line the upper and lower lash line with a black eyeliner, and finish with multiple coats of mascara. Smokey eyes are a great way to add depth and glamour to any makeup look and can be customized to suit your eye shape and personal style.

Cut crease

Cut crease is a popular eyeshadow technique that involves creating a sharp line of contrast between two different shades of eyeshadow. This look is achieved by applying a light-colored eyeshadow to the eyelid and then using a darker shade to create a sharp line in the crease. This line is then blended upwards and outwards, creating a defined and dramatic effect. The cut crease technique is particularly effective for those with hooded or smaller eyes, as it helps to open up the eye area and make the eyes

appear larger. To achieve the perfect cut crease, it's important to use a small, precise brush and blend the colours seamlessly to avoid any harsh lines. With a little practice and patience, anyone can master the cut crease technique and create a bold and beautiful eye look.

Soft glam

Soft glam eyeshadow is a popular makeup look that combines the elegance of glamour with the subtlety of natural beauty. This look typically involves using soft, muted shades of eyeshadow to create a sophisticated and feminine effect. Common colours used in soft glam eyeshadow include warm browns, soft pinks, and subtle shimmers. To achieve this look, start by applying a neutral base colour to the eyelids, and then use a medium-toned shade to define the crease and outer corners. Next, use a lighter shade to highlight the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes. Finally, add a touch of shimmer to the centre of the eyelid to create a subtle pop of sparkle. The soft glam eyeshadow look is perfect for any occasion and can be adapted to suit different skin tones and eye shapes. With a little practice, anyone can achieve this timeless and sophisticated makeup look.

Grunge girl

Darker shades of eyeshadow can be used to create a grunge girl eyeshadow look. This is a very fluid look so feel free to ditch the idea of perfectionism and have a go at creating a rock n roll look that breaks the rules. A good guideline however is to take a black or dark grey eyeshadow along your lash line and dragging it outwards to create a wing. You can use a pencil eyeliner to create more definition and a smudge brush to blend and smoke it out. Play around with this look by making the line as think or thick as you like. Play around with depth by adding some lighter colours in to give your look some dimension. Add some contrast by applying a lighter eyeshadow to your inner corners and browbone. The great thing about a grungy look is that you can experiment with different tones of black, grey, and even green to create a gunmetal effect. A grungy smokey eye is a dark, edgy, and bold makeup look that is perfect for creating a dramatic statement.

Tips

Although eyeshadow is a great way to get creative, we have some helpful tips to ensure that you are sporting a makeup look that is sure to turn heads (for all the right reasons!). Many people can go wrong with eyeshadow. You want to look bright, awake and youthful when you’re finished, so it is important to know how to avoid the tired and heavy look. Make sure that if you are applying a dark colour, do not simply apply one dark shade to your whole eyelid... it’s all about balance and blending! Use a few different shades to give the look dimension to avoid your eyes looking flat and heavy. Sometimes using too much dark eyeshadow and liner can also make your eyes appear smaller and less awake. This can give a more aged appearance, so a good tip if to use a white or champagne coloured eyeliner along your waterline to give you a more bright and alert look. Finishing with a mascara on your top and bottom lashes is always essential to nail your eye look every time.

Eyeshadow is the key to embracing the art of makeup, and allowing you to express yourself and make a statement. Understanding the basics of eyeshadow colours and techniques, as well as having the ability to conjure up some fabulous looks, can really take you from being a cosmetics rookie to a makeup maestro. 

Choose from the warm and cool shades as per your day and mood.