EYESHADOW

The main purpose of eyeshadow is to add color to your lids. Using subtle neutral colors can help define your eyes for a soft, natural eye makeup look, while bolder, brighter hues are ideal for creating statement eye makeup looks.

How you apply eyeshadow depends on the type of formula you’re using.

• Liquid eyeshadows typically come with an applicator and can be applied to the eyelids directly out of the tube.
• Cream eyeshadows typically come in a stick format. Use the tip of the eyeshadow stick to color in your lid space, then blend the edges with your fingers for a soft, diffused feel.
• Powder eyeshadows are typically applied with an eyeshadow brush. Sweep the brush onto your powder eyeshadow to pick up product, then lightly buff the color onto your lid as desired.

For an easy (but impactful) beginner eyeshadow look, try this:

• Apply a neutral-toned cream eyeshadow all over your eyelid.
• Apply a darker shade to your crease and outer corner to add depth and dimension.
• With your fingers or an eyeshadow brush, lightly pat the spot where the two shades meet to blend the boundary between the two colors together.

The best eyeshadow comes down to your personal preferences. We recommend beginners start with an eyeshadow that’s easy to apply and blend, like our Jumbo Eye Pencils. Once you get a sense of the colors and styles you like best, you can begin experimenting with liquid and powder eyeshadows.

The most flattering eyeshadow colors are often those with the same undertone as your skin. For example, if you have cool-toned skin, cooler eyeshadows like silvers and blues are ideal; for those with warmer skin, we recommend opting for warm eyeshadow shades like golds, bronzes, and browns. If you have a neutral skin tone, there is a wide range of shades that will flatter your skin.

The easiest way to blend eyeshadow is with a small fluffy brush.

• After applying your chosen hue, buff the brush over the area you want to blend.
• Lightly sweep the brush back and forth over the area until the color is diffused and blended.
• If you’re using a cream eyeshadow, you can use your fingers to blend. Simply pat the shadow with your fingertip to diffuse the color.

If you don’t have a brush on hand, we suggest using an eyeshadow stick.

• Using the eyeshadow stick like a crayon, color your lid where you’d like to add definition.
• After applying your shadow, lightly pat your finger over your lid to blend and diffuse the color.
• If you’re using a liquid eyeshadow, we suggest working quickly—you’ll want to be sure to blend out the color before the liquid shadow dries.

If you have hooded eyes, consider these tips when applying your eyeshadow:

• Prime your lids to help your eyeshadow grip.
• Opt for waterproof formulas that won’t smudge or budge.
• Place your eyeshadow onto your brow bone rather than your lid.
• Stick with one eyeshadow color to make smudging and transferring less noticeable.
• Set your look with a long-lasting setting spray.

How long you can expect your eyeshadow to last depends on several factors, including your skin type, eye shape, lifestyle, and the eyeshadow you’re using. To help extend the wear time of your shadow, we suggest prepping your lids with an eyeshadow primer and completing your look by misting your face with a long-lasting setting spray (just remember to keep your eyes closed when spraying).

Not all eyeshadows can be used as blush, but some can. Our Ultimate Glow Shots Liquid Eyeshadows, for example, are formulated for use on the eyes and face. For a vibrant flushed look, use your fingers to tap a pink shade, like Raspberry Rave, onto your cheeks. If you’d prefer a more subtle flush, try a softer hue, such as Grapefruit.