A beginner’s guide to eye makeup: Mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner

When it comes to eye makeup, a glamorous well-blended eyeshadow, a smudge-free mascara, and perfect winged eyeliner are everyone’s dream. However, it might take years of practice to become pro in achieving each one of them. If you have been dreading eye makeup and skipping it for years, here is a complete guide for every question you might have about mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and their application.

1. Eye primer

The very first step to a perfect eye makeup is using an eyeshadow primer. These primers come in liquid or cream-based forms and create a smooth, even surface for your eyeshadow and eyeliner by absorbing excess oil on the eyelids. It also helps beauty product last longer and is a key to a smudge-free eye makeup. If you have an eyeshadow with subtle colors and you need bolder hues, applying eye primers underneath it will also help enhance makeup hues by making them brighter and more visible. This is especially helpful when you are using an eyeshadow with glitter and need that extra sparkle.

How to apply eye primer

start by putting a dab of primer on an eyeshadow brush or your fingertip, then apply a thin layer on the upper eyelid by gentle and rapid tapping. If you want to apply makeup under the bottom lashes, you will have to do the same underneath the bottom lash line.

2. Eyeshadow

How to choose eyeshadow color?

Choosing the right shadow that matches your eyes can be tricky. This task can be done simply by following some general rules and a bit of knowledge about color charts. First thing you should know is never to choose an eyeshadow in the exact same color as your eyes. Then you have to consider the skin tone of your eyelids; as a general rule, choose a shadow that is 2 shades darker or lighter than the skin of the eyelids. You could opt for complementary shades that are the opposite shade of your eyes, or you could choose monochromatic shades which have the same colors as your eyes but in different hues. To know which colors match your eyes the best, read the following instructions.

Eyeshadow for brown and black eyes

• Green with reddish undertones

• Purple with golden or yellow undertones

Eyeshadow for blue eyes

• Orange undertones like peachy shades

• Rich browns

• Terra-cotta

• Bronze

• Copper

Eyeshadow for green eyes

• Colors with reddish undertones

• Bronze

• Reddish brown

• Maroon

• Mahogany

• Eggplant purple

Eyeshadow for hazel eyes

Hazel is a combination of brown and green; if your eyes have more brown in them then you should use colors suitable for brown eyes. If the green in your eyes is dominant, then choose a shade that matches green eyes.

Eyeshadow for grey eyes

Grey eyes have blue or green undertones; therefore, you should follow the instruction for blue eyes if the blue dominates the color of your eyes and choose the shades suitable for green eyes if it’s bolder. To enhance the color of your grey eyes, you could also use silver shades or brownish greys.

The tools you need

• Stiff flat brush to apply shadow to the entire lid

• Crease dome-shaped brush

• Eyeshadow palette with some neutral colors

How to apply eyeshadow

1. With the help of a flat brush or just your fingertip, sweep the shade of your choosing across your upper lid; concentrating on the outer corner. Don’t ever use to much dark shadow on the inner corner. It is totally up to you the extent of which you want to apply your shadow. It could be drawn to your brow bone for a bold look, or it could end at the crease for a more subtle one.

2. Apply a darker shade on the crease, using a crease brush. This gives your eyes an attractive depth and dimension.

3. Apply a lighter shade (even glittery) on your inner corners as a highlighter.

4. Gently blend everything to avoid any visible harsh lines.

Common eyeshadow mistakes

— using the wrong brush

— applying too much eyeshadow

— not blending enough and creating harsh lines

— applying foundation before eyeshadow

— not using eye primer

— ignoring your eye shape

— matching the eyeshadow with eye color

— applying too much eyeshadow under the bottom lashes

— using dark shadow at the inner corners

3. Eyeliner

Eyeliner is what most people dread about eye makeup. There is also confusion about the options available: pencil, gel, liquid, and powder. A pencil eyeliner might be best for beginners due to its easy application. Do not forget to sharpen it though before you start. First, tilt your head backward to create a flatter surface on your lids. Then draw a thin line as close to your lashes as possible. If you want a thicker line you can extend it later. Don’t forget to fill in the gaps between your lashes to make your lashes look fuller.

How to apply eyeliner

Drawing the wings is where most people struggle. Simply trace the angle of your lower lid and draw a straight line from the outside in, connecting it to the line you have already drawn on your lashes. Make the wing thicker or fill any gaps at the end. You can follow the lines of the pencil with a liquid eyeliner afterward since it’s much easier than drawing a line with liquid or gel from the start.

A useful tip: if you have shaky hands while applying an eyeliner, makeup artists recommend clenching your toes. We are not sure exactly why it works, but it does.

4. Mascara

Different types of mascara

Mascaras come in various wand applicators; each serving a specific purpose. Therefore, you should choose one based on your preferences and lash priorities. Here are the four most popular types of mascara:

Thick wand: it helps add more volume to the lashes and makes them look fuller.

Thin wand: it is used to have longer lashes.

Curved wand: it gives length and volume to your eyelashes at the same time.

Micro wand: it is used for lower lashes.

A mascara can be either normal or waterproof. Choosing either one of them depends on your personal needs; for instance, if it is expected to rain or you are facing a situation that you think will make you cry, it is best to go for a waterproof mascara then. However, keep in mind that washing these kinds of mascaras is much harder than normal ones.

How to apply mascara

First, make sure you have a clean base for mascara. We recommend you use micellar water before starting your makeup. Then, start by the root of lashes and wiggle the wand up, apply an even amount of the product to avoid a clumpy look. If you have applied to much, don’t worry, you can brush the excess product out with a spoolie.