Applying Eye Makeup the Right Way

Makeup beginners tend to have the most trouble with the eyes, and it’s not hard to see why. Eye makeup involves a good bit of shading, blending, and color coordination, and with such as small space to work with, it requires a pretty steady hand. Often, beginners tend to overdo the eyes, or keep them bare and dull because they’re afraid to experiment or they don’t think they can pull it off. But that shouldn’t be the case. If you don’t know how to apply eye makeup, it’s all the more reason to give it a try and learn new tricks.

So how do you learn and master eye makeup? The first thing to remember is that it’s all about knowing what looks good on you. There isn’t just one way to go about it—two people working with the same palette can come up with completely different looks. The best way to start is by taking a good long look at the mirror, and picturing yourself with different eye makeup styles. Once you’ve got that down, the rest is just about technique. To help you get started, here are some quick tips and tricks on applying eye makeup.

Choosing eye colors

Eye makeup colors are mostly a personal choice, but before you go picking your favorite shades, make sure you know your skin tone. Every woman has a different skin color and undertone, and a color that works for one may not always look good on the other. One of the best makeup secrets is a color that really brings out the natural beauty of your eyes. A flattering eye shadow alone can really lift up your look, even if you don’t add much else.

For fair-skinned women, most eye shadows can work, but it also depends on what kind of environment you work in and what you usually wear. Pastel shades are great for casual and office getups, while jewel tones work well for parties. Peach, brown and yellow are usually recommended for light brown and olive skin, with a bit of shimmer whenever it’s appropriate. Women with dark skin should focus on earth tones and calm, neutral shades.

Applying colors

Once you’ve found the perfect color palette, the next step is to know how to put it on. Eye makeup usually involves a blending of colors rather than just a single swipe, and that’s what a lot of women have trouble with. Start by making sure you have the right tools: makeup pencils for outlining the eyes, fine brushes for the lids, and wider brushes for spreading out the color. Keep these three basics handy at all times for touchups.

The easiest way to apply eye makeup is to work in gradients, starting with the strongest shade at the bottom (usually the fold of the lid). Then you can simply work your way up with lighter and lighter shades, making sure to blend smoothly at the seams. You can use an applicator to blend, or just the tip of your finger. The latter is usually better for newer gel and cream eye shadows, while brushes work better with the usual powder products.

Doing the eyebrows

The eyebrows seldom need a lot of work, as most of the focus is on the eyelids and the shadow colors. However, when you do need to color your eyebrows, make sure it’s the right shade for your skin tone. A lot of women tend to overdo eyebrow makeup, or pick a shade that looks completely unnatural against their skin. A good trick is to match the natural color of your eyelashes, and to apply little by little so you know when it’s enough.

When choosing eyebrow makeup, make sure to try it out on the brow itself, not the wrist or any other part of the body. Your facial features affect how light reflects on your skin, so what may look fine on your arm or wrist may hardly look the same on your face. Also take note of the lighting, especially if you’re in a brightly lit shop. If possible, try it out with a warm daylight overhead to make sure the indoor lighting doesn’t distort the shade.

Removing eye makeup

The skin around the eyes is more sensitive than the rest of your face, so keeping eye makeup on all day can take its toll over time. And since most companies now make all-day makeup products, you usually can’t wash it all off with just soap and water. Look for an eye makeup remover specifically designed for the type and brand you use. Makeup removers can clean out from deep in the pores, so you can be sure there aren’t any residues that can cause blemishes later on. If possible, find one with a moisturizing or rejuvenating feature, which can help replenish the skin’s moisture and keep it healthy.

So you’ve just started experimenting with makeup, and you’re having a blast choosing colors, matching shades, and finding a palette that suits your look. But once that’s done, it’s time to get to the real work: applying the makeup. A lot of makeup beginners don’t realize that it takes a good hand and a good eye to put on makeup the right way. Many of them either overdo the makeup or apply it unevenly, so it looks more frumpy than classy. But it’s the kind of thing that comes with practice, and perhaps a bit of creative flair.

Applying foundation is one of the most important skills in makeup, and fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to learn. The hardest part is getting the right shade. If you’re using a powder foundation, apply a thin layer at a time to keep from putting on too much. If possible, use a liquid or gel foundation instead—they spread on much easily and don’t have too strong a shade, so you don’t risk looking overdone.

Eye makeup is probably the trickiest part for beginners, which isn’t very surprising. The main challenge with eye makeup is that there’s a lot of blending involved for such a small part. An easy trick is to take your color palette and start by applying the deepest color to the bottom of the lid, usually at the fold. Then apply the other colors in order of lightness, finishing with the lightest shade at the top. Make sure to blend evenly each time using an applicator or the tip of your finger.

For the lips, you may want to start by outlining the area with a lip pencil or lip brush. This helps you avoid going over the contours, which is a common problem with beginners. You don’t have to make it too dark, just enough to serve as a guide. You can wipe it off afterwards if it’s too visible. Start applying from the inside out. If you have trouble following the contours, use a lip brush to apply the lipstick—it gives you more control and helps you avoid over-application as well.