If you’re just getting started with makeup, eyeshadow can feel daunting. There’s a lot to learn and know—where do you put the shadow, what are the different shades called, does the inner corner highlight really do anything?
Luckily, there are some simple techniques that can help you get a handle on things and make you look like a pro in no time. The key is blending, which “marries as many colors together without being able to tell where one begins and the other ends,” says beauty expert Jeannie Giannone. Using a clean dome brush and a little bit of translucent powder, blend your base shade over your entire lid until there are no hard lines where the shadow meets your skin. You can also use a lighter shade to highlight your brow bone and inner corner, which helps open up the eyes even more.
Once you have a handle on those basics, it’s time to start experimenting with more advanced eyeshadow looks. YouTuber Smitha Deepak demonstrates how to slay a dark glitter cut crease, which is the perfect transition look for those looking to move beyond their basic everyday eye makeup. It requires a darker transition shade and a shimmery middle shade, both of which you can easily find in any palette. The most important thing is to build your look slowly and not go overboard, as it’s easy to overdo it and end up with panda eyes.
A good crease can add depth and definition to your eyes, which is especially helpful for those with monolids. YouTuber Beautification by Marta explains how to create a gorgeous cut crease with any palette, as long as you know the basics of applying your eyeshadow. You’ll need your lightest shade to cover the entire eyelid, your middle color to define your crease, and your darker color to add depth at the outer corner of the eye. The trick is to be soft and subtle, as too much eyeshadow can close up the eyes and make them look smaller.
Adding an eyeshadow highlight is a great way to brighten up your look, whether you’re rocking lash extensions or just want to give your eyes a pop. In this tutorial, glam and lifestyle blogger Kitabeautty walks you through how to do it with any color of your choice.
Another way to add depth and dimension to your eyes is to define the crease with a darker shade, as explained in this video by makeup artist Jaclyn Hill. You’ll need a light to medium eyeshadow shade for your base, a transition shade, and a darker brown or gray for the crease.
Creating a smoky eye is a classic and timeless look that can be worn on any occasion. To get this look, you’ll need your darkest shade, a transition shade, and a matte (non-shimmer) light color to highlight. To finish off, you’ll need to apply a black liquid liner to the upper lash line and white cream eyeliner to the lower waterline. Make sure to use a quality eyeshadow primer beforehand, as it will help your eyeshadow last longer and prevent it from creasing or moving around too much throughout the day.