Creating the perfect eye makeup look doesn’t have to be overwhelming and is easier than you think once you get the hang of it.
When done right, eye makeup opens up your eyes and gives new life to your features. Your makeup can give your eyes a bit of edge or soften them up. But if you don’t properly prepare, you may find yourself with raccoon eyes or a harsh, washed out look.
Practice is the name of the game, but with the right information and tools, you’ll be on your way to rocking the perfect eye makeup in no time!
Know Your Eye Shape
Working with your eye shape is the key to success for a perfect eye makeup application. The goal is to enhance the features you have, so your eye makeup application will be as unique as your shape.
A certain application on almond eyes won’t look the same on hooded eyes and may even look strange. Determine your eye shape to know how to apply your eye makeup.
Preparation
Before you start applying makeup, make sure to prep and prime your eyes for what’s to come. Starting with a good foundation to work on will help you create the best look possible.
Moisturize Your Eyelids/Under-Eyes
Always include an eye treatment in your skincare routine to avoid fine lines and wrinkles, dark bags, and to hydrate your lids for your makeup application. Dry eyelids are a bad surface for your shadow and eyeliner. It can make your eye makeup look dull and patchy.
For a fresh, smooth eye makeup application, don’t skip this step! It will make all the difference with how your makeup turns out.
Prime Your Eyelids/Under-Eyes
Priming is a must before applying any other eye makeup. It allows your eyeshadow colors to really pop the way you want them to. Eyeshadow primer will give all other eye makeup a surface to adhere to, giving you lasting coverage.
Apply primer to your lids and brow bone then set with a white or skin tone eyeshadow to avoid creasing.
Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion is one of the best primers out there and gives you all- day coverage.
Find a great primer that works for you and you’ll be on your way to stand-out eyes in no time!
Use concealer under your eyes to brighten the skin while covering any veins or dark bags. You could even use your concealer on your lids to prime if you wish.
Use a translucent powder to set your under-eye concealer. I’m currently loving Tarte’s Shape Tape Contour Concealer. It glides on smoothly and the applicator gives you easy control over where you apply it. I also always use an under-eye blending sponge to easily blend the concealer into all the right places.
Eye Makeup Tools
You’ll want to use eyeshadow brushes over the small applicators that come with many pallets. Brushes give you room for more creativity, control, and an evenly blended finish. There are many different types of eye makeup brushes you can use together to create the perfect look.
Eyeshadow
Consider your eye color before choosing a color to play with. You want to use colors that contrast your eye color.
Get to know your eyeshadow pallet before you begin applying. There are different kinds of eyeshadow pallets to keep an eye out for, but when in doubt, know the basics!
Your lightest color will look best as a highlighting shade for your brow bone.
The second lightest shade will work as a finishing shadow on your lid.
Your darkest shade should be applied to the outer corner of your eye, while your second darkest shade should be used in the crease.
All of the shades you choose should complement each other and help you achieve a gradient look.
For a daytime look, keep your lids light. Stick with 2 or 3 lighter colors to open up your eyes and let your natural beauty shine through.
For a nighttime look, feel free to experiment with darker, bolder shades to accentuate your eyes and really make them pop.
Easily transition your daytime look to a nighttime look by building upon your daytime shades with deeper tones in the crease and outer corner of your lids.
Eyeliner
There are many different types of eyeliner you can use to achieve different looks. Keep in mind the look you’re going for when choosing a color.
Black will enhance the overall appearance of your eye and make the details stand out. And depending on how you use it, it can change the shape of your eyes. Black is great for both daytime and nighttime wear but a dramatic cat-eye is a great style at night!
Keep it simple during the day and wear eyeliner on your upper lid or keep your daytime look liner free.
Brown and bronze are great eyeliner options during the day when you want your features enhanced without being too harsh.
If you’re going for a fun, playful feel, experiment with brighter colors!
Tightline your upper lash line to avoid patches and to give your eyes the boldest look you can.
Tightlining takes some practice, but I’ve found the easiest way is by working in downward strokes through the lashes as close to the lashline as possible.
Lash Curler
You can choose to curl your lashes either before your eyeshadow application or after but always curl before applying eyeliner to avoid smudging.
When used correctly, an eyelash curler opens up your eyes, bringing focus to your eye color.
Lift your lid gently and squeeze your lashes for a defined curl. Hold for 5-10 seconds.
Never curl your lashes after applying mascara. Always curl, then apply. You don’t want your lashes to be too wet or too dry when curling. You can cause lash damage or breakage.
Mascara
Mascara gives your eyes even more depth and really makes them pop. Black mascara is a great option for most, but you can choose to wear brown during the daytime for a softer, more natural look.
Feeling confident? Try rocking a colorful mascara at night for a more playful, vibrant appearance.
To apply your mascara, start at the root and wiggle your mascara wand back and forth in an upwards motion all the way to the tips. Repeat this 3 times to coat all of your lashes.
Go back through in a straight upward motion with a clean spoolie brush to fan out your lashes and remove any clumps.
Highlighter
Highlighter will make your eyes glow and really pulls together your entire eye makeup look.
Apply your highlighter at the inner corner of your eyes and the brow bone to make your overall eye makeup appear brighter and really stand out. Use a liquid or powder highlighter to achieve this affect.
Apply highlighter at the top of your cheekbones working backward and upwards to the temple for some extra shimmer.
For powders, I find it’s easiest to rub my finger in the pigmented shade and rub it back and forth into the desired areas. You could also use a highlighter brush and sweep it back and forth across the desired areas.
If you choose to wear a liquid highlighter, which is a great option during the winter time when hydration is key, use a small brush to paint it into the desired areas and blend.
Setting Spray
Use a great setting spray to ensure your eye makeup stays vibrant and in place all day long. My favorites to use are Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Setting Spray and Ulta’s Dewy setting spray.
Mist your setting spray all over your face about 6-8 inches away from your face to avoid running makeup.
Mist your face before applying your mascara to avoid it running down your face.
Achieving Perfect Eye Makeup
When it comes to makeup, there are no rules! It takes practice and patience, but with the right tools and understanding your eye shape and color, the options are endless on the different looks you can create.
These are simple basics and essentials you’ll need to get the ball rolling and to get the best eye makeup look you possibly can.
And remember, practice makes perfect!
What are your favorite products to use for your eye makeup? Let me know in the comments below!
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