How to Layer Eye Shadow for the Perfect Eye Makeup Look

When it comes to eye makeup, you could argue that eye shadow is the center of any look. But for a truly eye-catching look, it isn’t as simple as smearing a single shadow across your lids. Being able to properly layer different shadows is the key to perfecting your eye makeup look, which in turn can be responsible for tying together your entire beauty look. Ready to learn how to play up your peepers with properly applied eye shadows? Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to layer eye shadow.

STEP #1: PRIME YOUR EYE

Before swiping on any shadow, it’s important to apply an eye shadow primer. This will keep your shadow in place all day long!

STEP #2: CREATE A BASE…FOR YOUR BASE

Yes, you read that right. Placing a white or nude eye shadow on your lid prior to your base color, especially when you’re planning to wear an intense shade, will allow the color of your shadow to be as vibrant and rich as possible. This technique is also great when you’re working with colors on the opposite end of the spectrum, such as a very light pink shadow. For this step, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Paris Beach or Petite Perle.

STEP #3: APPLY YOUR BASE COLOR

After creating a white or nude canvas for your eye shadow, apply your base color all over your lid with a flat eye shadow brush.

Editor’s note: Liked the idea of using a pretty pink shadow? Consider using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Always Pearly Pink or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Mademoiselle Pink as your base.

STEP #4: ADD SOME DEPTH

To add some depth to your look, layer a lighter eye shadow shade on the center of your lid. This will create a spotlight effect. To really highlight the center of your eye, opt for a shadow with a shimmery finish rather than a matte one.

STEP #5: DEFINE YOUR CREASE

Defining your crease is an essential part of layering eye shadow. Use a shade that’s darker than your base color, choosing the level of contrast based on how dramatic you want the look to be. If you’re creating a daytime look, opt for an eye shadow shade only one to two shades darker than your base color. If you’re creating a nighttime look, you can go for a more intense shade.

STEP #6: BLEND YOUR CREASE

Of course, you’ll need to blend your crease color out. To help blending go smoothly, dip your blending brush into a matte eye shadow that matches your skin tone before going over the edges of your shadow. This will soften any harsh lines, creating a pretty gradient effect.

STEP #7: INTENSIFY YOUR CREASE

Next, reach for a shadow that’s slightly darker than the color you used in your crease—this will help add more dimension to your look. Apply the deeper shade to the outer “V” of your eye.

STEP #8: HIGHLIGHT YOUR EYE

Remember how you highlighted the center of your eyelid? Now, it’s time to highlight other areas of your eye in order to bring together your eye makeup look. Apply a white or nude eye shadow to the inner corner of your eye for a brightening effect, then brush the same shadow below the arch of your eyebrow.

STEP #9: COMPLETE YOUR EYE MAKEUP LOOK

Complete your eye makeup look by dragging your base color along your lower lash line. Then, apply eyeliner and mascara as finishing touches.

STEP #10: USE A SETTING SPRAY

One last step: Spray the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray in an “X” and “T” shape over your face to keep your eye makeup (and any face makeup you choose to wear) looking freshly applied all day long.

Want more eye shadow application tips and tricks? Head over to our article, 5 Common Eye Shadow Mistakes You Could Be Making