When it comes to enhancing your eyes, whether they are blue, brown, or green, a simple swipe of eyeshadow can make them truly pop. However, working with raw colour pigments might feel intimidating, especially for beginners. I remember struggling to apply eyeliner and worrying about looking like I raided a toddler’s Caboodle, but learning a few strategic swiping techniques changed everything. The key is understanding that there isn’t one correct way to apply eyeshadow. Eye makeup is meant to be fun, with no strict rules—but there are fundamental techniques that can guide you. For example, start with a neutral shade to create a smooth base and gradually build colour.
If you’re just starting out, skip advanced styles like cut crease, halo eyes, or gradient eyes. Focus on mastering an everyday look that enhances your entire look, whether you’re aiming for something natural or dramatic. In this blog, we will guide you through step-by-step eye makeup, so let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Eye Makeup
A step-by-step guide can help—apply a light shade on your lids, deepen the crease with a darker tone, and add a touch of shimmer to the inner corner for a subtle highlight. Use a good eyeliner to define your lash line and finish with mascara to make your eyes stand out. Remember, makeup pros started as beginners too, and with practice, you’ll learn and have fun perfecting these techniques. As you progress, you can explore bolder colours and textures to decorate the windows to your soul with stunning looks.
Always start with a primer
The first step in achieving flawless eye makeup is prepping your eyelids with a primer. A good eye primer ensures your makeup lasts longer and prevents it from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. After you’ve cleansed and moisturised your face, take a small amount of primer and apply it evenly over your eyelids using your fingertips or a brush.
This step creates a smooth, even surface, perfect for your eyeshadows to adhere to, enhancing their staying power and making your colours look more vibrant. If you don’t have a dedicated eyeshadow primer, a tiny dot of foundation or concealer works just as well. This not only helps in concealing redness or darkness on your lids but also ensures your lids match the rest of your face colour.
Skipping this non-negotiable step can cause your shadow to move or smudge when exposed to heat, moisture, or excess oil.
To apply, use your ring finger, which has the lightest touch, and gently massage the product into your entire lid, including the brow bone and inner corner near the tear duct, where oil tends to settle. This will give your eyeshadow a flawless base and ensure your makeup products stay in place all day without creasing. Trust me, this small effort makes a big difference in your final look!
Set the primer with a base colour
After applying a primer, take the lightest matte eyeshadow shade from your eyeshadow palette and gently apply it over your eyelid to set the primer and eliminate any stickiness. This step will prevent your eyeshadows from creasing throughout the day.
Use a flat, stiff brush for precise application, or if you prefer, use your finger to pick up the eyeshadow and gently press it onto your lid. For a touch of natural-looking colour, opt for a soft pink or blush shade from a palette like the Blushed Nudes Palette.
If you’re looking to intensify the base, consider a cream-coloured shadow base such as the NYX Lid Lingerie Liquid Eyeshadow, blending it from your lash line to your brow bone. Finish by setting it with a coloured, loose pigment to create a smooth base tone for the final look, as suggested by expert Velazquez.
Using eyeshadows:
Using eyeshadow is an essential part of enhancing your eye makeup. Begin by applying an eyeshadow base evenly across your eyelid to ensure the colours stay vibrant and don’t settle into the creases. For a seamless transition, choose shades that blend well together.
If you’re looking for a dramatic look, add a darker eyeshadow to the outer corner and crease of your eye to create depth. Remember to blend thoroughly for a natural effect.To add a touch of brightness and make your eyes glow, apply a highlighter to your brow bone and the inner corner. Experiment with techniques like a cut crease or a smokey eye to elevate your eye makeup.
For beginners, matte shadows are ideal since they hide mistakes and work with any skin type. For a festive look, use loose powder shadows for extra impact. If you’re short on time, liquid shadows are perfect—they offer intense pigment with just a single swipe, require no extra tools, and stay in place for long-term wear. Finally, if you want a bit of sparkle, try metallic shadows to achieve a subtle shine without the mess of glitter.
Define your crease
To add definition to your look, use a medium brown or taupe shade to create the perfect crease. A simple eyeshadow technique involves loading a small, fluffy blending brush with colour and running it gently across your crease in a windscreen wiper motion. Use a light hand to avoid harsh lines or a patchy finish. For extra dimension, go for a slightly darker shade on the outer half or three-fourths of your crease, or try a deeper pink tone for a softer vibe.
Blend the base shade and crease colour with a clean brush for a seamless finish. To make your look more dramatic, add a darker eyeshadow to the outer corner for added depth or apply a highlighter to the brow bone and inner corner for a touch of brightness.
For bold looks, experiment with a cut crease or smokey eye, or use a copper shade like the one in the Code8 Iconoclast Eyeshadow Palette for a standout effect. Don’t forget to define your lash line for a polished finish.
Highlighting the Browbone and Inner Corners
To create a polished and lifted look, use the lightest shade from your eyeshadow palette and apply it just under the arch of your eyebrow to make your brows look clean and sharp. For added brightness, pick a light gold or champagne shimmer eyeshadow and apply it to the inner corner near your tear duct using a small, dense brush.
This step makes your eyes appear bright, refreshed, and wide open. Alternatively, you can use a cream, powder, or liquid face highlighter instead of a shimmery eyeshadow. Highlighting the brow bone, a small strip of skin beneath the brows, can also create the illusion of a lifted brow and make your eyes pop.
To counter darkness in the inner corner, add a highlighter for a wide-awake appearance. For a natural look, use a matte, bone-coloured shade, or go for drama with an ivory shimmer. Use an angled blending brush to smudge a bit of pigment on the brow bone and inner corner for a soft, glowing finish, perfect for a daytime look or as the base for a smoky eye.
Using Eye Liner
Creating a stunning eye makeup look starts with defining your eyes using eyeliner. Whether you’re aiming for a seductive look or something softer, the key is knowing how to enhance your upper and lower lash lines. Start by taking an eye pencil and drawing a thin line across your top lash line.
Don’t worry about it being perfect—a slight smudge can add a unique and dramatic effect. For beginners, tools like the Code8 Contour Eye Pencil in Black or using a thin brush like the Zoeva Smoky Liner Brush with eyeshadow work wonders for creating soft, blurred edges.
For those feeling adventurous, try adding a winged eyeliner or a tight line for extra definition. Flip your pencil to use its sponge tip for a smudge to make you look more versatile. You can even experiment with wings or flicks in different shapes once you’re more confident. To complete the look, defining your waterline with kajal and applying a coat of mascara will give you long, fluttery lashes, perfect for an effortless, minimal finish. With practice, you’ll master this step-by-step routine and feel ready to rock any makeup look with ease.
Using Mascara
Applying mascara is a must in any eye makeup tutorial for beginners, as it helps to open up your eyes and create a polished finish. Start by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler to give them a lifted look. Then, apply a coat of mascara, beginning at the roots and brushing to the tips for fuller, longer lashes.
If you prefer extra volume, opt for a volumising formula like Code8’s Lash Sophisticate Mascara, which is long-lasting, buildable, and enriched with vitamin E and vitamin A to help your lashes grow.
It’s also smudge-resistant, perfect for those whose hands aren’t always perfectly steady. For a natural, softer look, you might choose brown mascara over black, while gently touching up your lower lashes adds a subtle, defined look. To avoid an overly dramatic or spider-like appearance, apply sparingly to your bottom lashes, ensuring a balanced look that enhances your eyes beautifully.
Finish the rest of your Eye Makeup
When creating your eye makeup look, start with simple steps that are perfect for beginners. Brands like L’Oréal and Rivaj, etc., make it easier with their wide range of products and expert tips. A well-done face makeup, paired with striking eyes and irresistible lips, creates a truly picture-perfect look for any occasion.
For an everyday routine, focus on creating natural but bold looks using trusted tutorials and hacks. With practice, you’ll find it easy to create stunning styles that turn heads. Remember, beauty has no rules, so enjoy the process of experimenting and becoming your own makeup expert.
Tips for perfecting your Eye Makeup
Here are some tips for perfecting your eye makeup:
- Start by using a makeup fixing spray to help your eye makeup stay on longer and prevent it from fading throughout the day. This will keep everything in its place, giving you a fresh look.
- Apply an eye primer as a smooth base to help the shadows adhere better to your skin and stay fresh for longer hours.
- Use a light hand when applying eyeshadows to the crease. Hold the brush closer to the end of the wand to reduce pressure on the bristles for a softer, more delicate application.
- Always go from the lightest shade to the darkest, prepping the crease with a medium brown or light brown before adding dark brown or black eyeshadow for better blending. Use a clean brush to blend each shade and create a professional finish.
- Avoid using too much product on your brush. Start small and build up additional colour as needed. If you overapply, use a matte light shade like ecru or nude on a fluffy brush to soften the look.
- For a touch of shimmer, try shimmery eyeshadows or pigments, especially on the lids. A creamy white base will enhance the opacity of colours, while a powder black base can mute certain shades.
- Use metallic or foiled eyeshadows for a bold look, and finish with a bit of glitter to add sparkle to your eyes.
Conclusion
Mastering eye makeup step by step is all about practice and finding what works best for you. Start with the basics—primer, neutral shades, and blending—and gradually build your skills. Whether you’re going for a natural look or something bold, each step contributes to a stunning final result. Remember, makeup is meant to be fun, so don’t stress over perfection. Keep experimenting, and soon you’ll be creating eye-catching looks with ease.
