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How to Apply Eye Shadow

Need to Know How to Apply Eye Shadow? Even if you've been wearing make up for decades there are days when it seems impossible to apply eye makeup properly. Knowing how to apply eye shadow begins with a few helpful hints that can help avoid the shadow being mottled, uneven, or just over the top.

Tricks of the Trade

Any beauty consultant will tell you that the biggest means to applying eye shadow evenly is blending. You need to have a light hand for good blending. Start at the base of your eye using a light color. Add a darker color to the crease of your eye, then gently brush on your highlight color for your lid. Try using a makeup brush, your fingertip or cotton swab to blend these so you cannot tell where one stops and the other begins.

When you Apply Eye Shadow, you can use one, two, three or four different colors.

How to Apply Eye Shadow using one color: choose a neutral or slightly dark shadow and apply it from your lashline to the crease. Blend upward so that it gently fades.

For a two color look, apply the neutral or slightly lighter color from the lashline to either the crease or the bottom of the eyebrows. Apply a complementary darker color to the crease and blend very well. You can also apply the darker (crease) color over your eyeliner at the lash line and smudge well. (This is a great look - you will need a small brush or pointed sponge applicator.)

How to Apply Eye Shadow using three colors: apply your main (medium) color from the lashes to the crease. Apply the darkest color to the crease and apply the lightest color from the crease to the eye brows. Blend very well. You can also use the darkest color over your eyeliner for a great look.

Use four colors by applying the darkest either as an inverted "v" at the corner of the eye, on the outer end of the crease or over the entire outer lower lid and blend well.

Remember: you can always add more color if its too light, but its much harder to remove too much color and get an even, refined look.

Another important factor when learning How to Apply Eye Shadow is picking the right color and brand of eye shadow. You want a hue that compliments your eyes and skin without being overwhelming. For example, a little shine is fine but too much draws attention to your wrinkles and other fine lines.

Note that all eye shadows are not created equal. Some have great longevity and others smear or smudge easily. Even if you only buy one container at a time, invest in good shadow.

Remember: an eye shadow base can also improve the staying power of your makeup.

How to Apply Eye Shadow Recommended Products:
If you want to experiment with new eye looks or expand your eye makeup wardrobe - here are my favorite products:

Eye Shadow Palettes
If you do want to be able to experiment with new colors and looks, I recommend a high quality eye shadow palette. This will save you money in the long run because you will have so many choices in one collection, rather than multiple individual items.

My favorite eye shadow collection is this Pur Minerals Inspire, Reflect, Celebrate Eye Palette. It is pressed Mineral Makeup. You get 15 great colors for $25 - this is a great bargain.
It collection contains 15 signature Pressed Mineral Eye Shadows in both warm and cool shades to create an array of custom eye looks for any occasion and any skin tone. It also some with a booklet that illustrates how to create many great looks.
Here are two other great palettes that would be a great addition to any eye makeup wardrobe:

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