A Beginner's Guide to Applying Eye Makeup

Applying eyeshadow can feel as intimidating as attempting winged eyeliner. But with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, everyone can master an MUA-worthy eye look at home – yes, even you! From the tools you need to get started, to how to actually apply eyeshadow, we tell you everything you need to know in this quick five-minute read.

The Tools You’ll Need...

Makeup Brushes

First things first, you’ll need the proper kit. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about dropping an entire month’s salary on a new set of eyeshadow brushes. You can nab your own pro-worthy tools (without breaking the bank) with our range of premium-quality eye brushes. From shadow applicators and liner brushes, to smudging and blending tools, you can gradually begin to build up your collection.

Or, if you’re ready to go all-in on a new set, you’ll find everything you need in our eye brush sets. It’s easy to master beautiful creations when you have the right tools, and our sets are available in a range of bold and colourful designs to match your style.

Eyeshadow

Of course, you’ll be needing some eyeshadows too, and an eyeshadow palette is the way to go. With a number of shades to choose from, you can create so many different looks with just one palette. We’d recommend having a neutral palette and a bold palette in your makeup kit, that way the possibilities are endless!

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is optional, but absolutely essential if you want to create dramatic and sultry looks. If you’re starting out with eyeliner, we recommend picking up a black or brown eyeliner first, as these will enhance any eye look. You can always experiment with different colours later!

Mascara

And of course, the finishing touch to any eye makeup look is to add length and volume to your lashes. You can’t go wrong with black mascara. Brown mascara is a good option too if you want something a little more subtle, and is great for paler skin tones.

Our Top Tips on How to Do Eye Makeup 

1. Use a primer
   
   Always start your routine with an eye primer, this prevents your eyeshadow from creasing throughout the day. And it’ll increase the intensity of your eyeshadow too, meaning you won’t have to pack on as much product.
   
   
2. Always do your eyes first
   
   There’s nothing worse than ruining your foundation with eyeshadow fall-out (the excess shadow that drops onto your cheek). But it’s easily avoided by starting with your eyes first. Then you can correct any mistakes with your foundation and concealer afterwards.
   
   
3. Wet your brush
   
   Dampening your brush a little will help to deepen your eyeshadow’s pigment. You can use water or a setting spray for this.
   
   
4. Apply light to dark
   
   Start with a neutral base, then apply your makeup from light to dark shadows. Typically, aim for light shades in the corner, and darker colours towards your outer crease and brow bone.
   
   
5. One colour works too
   
   If you’re in a hurry or want to go for something a little less complex, you can also just apply your favourite eyeshadow shade all over your lid.
   
   

How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger with Makeup

Whether you’ve got hooded eyes or just need to energise a tired-looking complexion, we’ve got all the tips you need to nail that Bambi-like, doe-eyed look.

1. Highlighter is your friend
   
    Highlighter isn’t just for your cheekbones. Applying a stroke across your brow bone, in the corner of your eyes and on the middle of your eyelid will instantly brighten your peepers.
   
   
2. Cleverly conceal dark circles
   
   Apply concealer over dark circles, and on the inner and outer corners of your eyes if needed, to even out your skin tone and emphasise your eyes.
   
   
3. Brighten your waterline
   
   One of the oldest tricks in the book – use a white or beige eyeliner pencil along your bottom lash line to make your eyes pop.
   
   
4. Lift and lengthen your lashes
   
   You’ll need a lash curler and a lengthening mascara for this one, but it’ll instantly make your eyes look wider – no matter your eye shape. Be sure to apply mascara to both your upper lashes and bottom lashes for maximum effect.
   
   You could also get an LVL lash lift from your local salon – you’ll have the look of longer, darker and lifted lashes without mascara for 6–8 weeks!
   
   
5. Tightline your upper waterline
   
   Use a dark eyeliner pencil to line your upper waterline. This gives the effect of a fuller set of lashes while enhancing the natural shape of your eye.
   
   

How to Do Smokey Eye Makeup

There’s no need to be scared of doing a smokey eye. This glamorous look is actually way easier to do than you might think. Follow our simple step-by-step guide and you’ll nail the perfect smokey eye every time.

1. Start with a neutral base – choose a light-mid tone shadow and blend it all over your eyelid.
2. Tightline your upper waterline with a black or brown eyeliner pencil.
3. Then take the same eyeliner and apply it like you would a normal eyeliner.
4. Create a smudged, hazy effect by buffing this out with a smudging brush.
5. Next, apply a dark eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eyes.
6. Blend this upwards and outwards towards your brow bone.
7. Add some sparkle to the centres of your eyelids.
8. Don’t forget to highlight your brow bone and the inner corner of your eye – this will really make your smokey eye pop.
   
   

The Takeaway

Now you’ve got all of our top tips and tricks for getting started, our last piece of advice is to enjoy it. Experimenting with different makeup looks should be fun, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There are no strict rules when it comes to creating eye makeup looks, so you really can’t go wrong!