How to Apply Eye Shadow: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Learning how to apply eyeshadow can feel intimidating, especially when you start incorporating multiple shades and brushes. But mastering a few simple eye shadow looks is easier than you think. With the right techniques and a clear eyeshadow tutorial, you can avoid common frustrations and apply shadow as if you have been doing it for years.

Below, we break down the fundamentals of how to do eyeshadow, from the tools you need to the techniques that deliver a flawless finish. Keep reading to find your go-to resource for learning how to apply eyeshadow with confidence.

Your Essential Eye Makeup Toolkit

When it comes to how to apply an eyeshadow as a beginner, it all starts by stocking up on the basics before diving into your eyeshadow tutorial. Grab these eyes and makeup necessities, then let’s get to work.

• Eyeshadow primer: If you want to help ensure your makeup look lasts, you’ll need an eye makeup primer that locks everything in place. This essential creates a smooth base that prevents your natural eye makeup from creasing or fading throughout the day.
• Eyeshadows: You can go for the usual eyeshadow palette, or choose creamy stick formulas, such as the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks, which are incredibly beginner-friendly. These creamy eye shadow stick options offer a smooth, smudge-proof formula that stays put for up to 24 hours.

• Shading brush: Shading brushes are perfect for picking up pigmented products and applying shadow to larger areas.
• Blending brush: Harsh lines and edges are a no-no for a seamless eyeshadow makeup look. Use this soft, tapered brush to buff away transitions until they look perfectly natural.
• Pencil brush: The small head of a pencil brush is just right for placing shadow in super-specific spots.
• Eyeliner: Depending on the look you’re going for, you might need different types of eyeliner. TheL'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner features a fine felt tip that allows for incredibly precise application and sharp wings. The L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner provides a soft, blendable texture that is ideal for creating a lived-in, smoky effect. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner offers intense, long-lasting color that won't budge from the waterline.

• Mascara: Complete your look with the right lashes game. Go for the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara to lengthen lashes with clear separation. Or choose the L'Oréal Paris Extensionist Washable Mascara for extra-long, lifted lashes with a fiber-infused texture.
• Setting spray: This is a non-negotiable for a lasting look. Try theL'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, a lightweight mist that will keep your eyeshadow makeup looking fresh for up to 36 hours.

How To Apply Eyeshadow Step by Step

You do not have to be a master artist to manage an exceptional application. Follow these simple steps for a seriously striking look.

Step #1: Apply eye primer

To help keep your shadows from smudging and creasing throughout the day—all the while punching up their pigmentation—start with the eyeshadow primer we encouraged you to pick up earlier. Blend a thin layer of primer onto your lids and up to your brow bones.

Step #2: Brush on your base

Pick up your eyeshadow quad and apply the base color. This is typically the second lightest shade in a palette. Using your shading brush, apply the light shadow all over your lids.

If you’re using the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks, go for the Alluring Rose shade for a soft pink foundation.

Step #3: Darken the outer and inner corners

Coat your pencil brush in the next color in your palette—a darker shade. Use the brush to place that color on the outer and inner corners of your lids, creating “< >” shapes. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy, as you will get to blending soon.

For a soft everyday look, you can try the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss. If you’re planning a night out, try Celestial Taupe.

Step #4: Define your crease

To enhance your eye shape, bring a small amount of that same darker shadow into your crease. This technique adds depth and dimension, making your eyes appear more defined and open. Use your blending brush to softly sweep the color back and forth in the socket to avoid any harsh lines.

Step #5: Blend, blend, blend

Blending can help solve all your eyeshadow makeup problems. Take a blending brush and blur the edges between the two eyeshadows you’ve used so far. Employ a windshield wiper motion with your brush to effortlessly smooth any harsh lines.

Step #6: Highlight the center

Wipe off your shading brush and pack it with the third shade in your palette, the lightest shade. Place the color just on the centers of your lids, where the light would naturally hit.

If you’re using L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks, go for Twinkly Rose for a warm highlight or Ice Sparkle for a cooler shimmer.

Step #7: Use eyeshadow as liner

You’ve made it to your final color. This should be your darkest shade, making it perfect to use as a makeshift eyeliner. Dip your pencil brush into the color and smudge the shadow right up against your lash line.

You’ll find it even easier to do if you’re using the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks. If you’re keeping your look on the lighter side, you can grab the Brown Abyss shade or go darker with Celestial Taupe. If you’re all in for the drama, choose All Night Black.

For more definition, you can always try using an eyeliner like the L'Oréal Paris Haute Precision Liquid Eyeliner or the L'Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner, depending on the look you want to go for.

Step #8: Tightline your eyes

If you want to make your lashes appear thicker and more intense, you’ll want to apply liner to your waterline. Choose a pencil that’s smooth enough to glide onto this delicate area, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyeliner. Gently pull up on your eyelid to reveal your upper waterline, then carefully apply the liner directly to the base of your lashes.

Step #9: Sweep on mascara

No eye look is complete without a coat of mascara. Place your mascara brush at the base of your lashes and gently pull upward to coat your lashes. You can go for lash by lash separation with the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara, or extra length with the L'Oréal Paris Extensionist Washable Mascara. This is the final touch that makes your eyes stand out.

Step #10: Set your makeup

After putting so much effort into your eye makeup, you want to make sure it stays put. Use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to seal your look. Hold the spray about eight inches away from your face and mist in a circular motion to ensure full coverage. This will prevent your eye makeup from smudging or fading as the day goes on.

Most Common Eyeshadow Mistakes to Avoid

Even when following an eyeshadow tutorial, it is easy to make a few errors.

• Skipping eyeshadow primer: This is the most common mistake beginners make. Skipping this step almost always leads to creasing and fading within a few hours.
• Using too much product at once: Diving in with a heavy hand causes patchiness and fallout under the eyes. It is always better to build the color in thin, manageable layers. If you do make a mess, you can learn how to use concealer to clean up the edges.
• Not blending enough: When you don't blend enough, you are left with harsh lines that look unfinished. Spend an extra minute with a clean brush to soften those transitions.
• Over-blending: On the other hand, over-blending can make all your colors look muddy and indistinguishable.
• Using the wrong brushes: Using a brush that is too large for your eye area makes precise application nearly impossible.
• Ignoring your eye shape: Techniques should always be adjusted based on your specific eye shape for the most flattering results. Explore more about flattering makeup for your eye shape to perfect your technique.

How To Blend Eyeshadow Like a Pro

Mastering how to apply eyeshadow is mostly about the art of blending. Here are a few tips to blend correctly:

• Use clean brushes: Always use a clean, fluffy brush just for blending to avoid muddying the colors.
• Blend the edges, not the center: Focus your blending motions only on the areas where different colors meet. Over-blending the entire lid can make the look lose its dimension.
• Use light pressure: Use light, sweeping "windshield wiper" or small circular motions. Heavy pressure will just wipe the shadow away.

Eyeshadow Tips for Different Eye Shapes

Your eye shape plays a huge role in how to do eyeshadow effectively.

• Hooded eyes: If you have hooded eyes, the fold of skin on the lid can hide your shadow. To make your work visible, keep darker shades slightly above the natural crease so they can be seen even when your eyes are open. You can find more targeted advice in our guide for makeup for hooded eyes.
• Almond eyes: Almond eyes are incredibly versatile because they are naturally symmetrical. Most techniques work well for this shape, so feel free to experiment with anything from a classic smoky eye to a simple halo look.
• Round eyes: For round eyes, the goal is often to create a bit of length. Focus on elongating the outer corners by winging out your shadow or liner toward the temples.
• Monolid eyes: Monolid eyes offer a beautiful, flat canvas for bold pigments. Gradient shading works best here, moving from the darkest shade at the lash line to the lightest at the brow bone.

How to Make Your Eyeshadow Last All Day

Long-wear eyeshadow makeup is the result of proper preparation.

• Always use primer: It creates a grippy base for shadow and prevents creasing.
• Layer powder over cream: If you use a cream shadow like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks, setting them with a light dusting of a similar-colored powder shadow can increase their longevity.
• Set with spray: A final mist of setting spray will lock everything in place.

Next Up: How to Craft The Perfect Smokey Eye for Your Eye Shape

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris