Eyeshadow is tricky. The makeup looks so good on palettes, but translating the beauty of the palette onto our eyes is another ballgame altogether. I have been so determined to learn how to apply eyeshadow that I did a video on it. After endless attempts of trying not to look like I punched myself, here are my tips on how to apply eyeshadow for dummies (like me).
TIP ONE: SKIP THE PRIMER
Yes, trust me on this. Primer is great for making sure your eyeshadow stays for hours, but if you’re a dummy trying to get the colours right – skip it. When applying eyeshadow in the beginning, you’re bound to make mistakes. And the setting properties of a primer make it very difficult to correct errors. It is easier to deal with an oily lid than a streak of eyeshadow that just won’t come off.
TIP TWO: KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES
The rule of thumb in applying eyeshadow is knowing the limit of where the shadow should go. More often than not, people always end up applying colour beyond the eye crease. Doing so will make it look like someone punched you, so be sure to only apply eyeshadow within the eye socket (i.e. where your eyeball is).
TIP THREE: START SMALL
When I first started applying eyeshadow, the first thing I wanted to learn was how to do create a smokey eye. The sultry look is great and versatile, but it is difficult to accomplish. So for starters, opt for simple looks that require the use of two to three colours.
My favourite method is to pick a light base, such as a pink or nude, and cover my entire lid up until my crease. I then use a medium brown and draw a thick liner along my lash line, blending upwards. The two-toned dimension gives my eyes a pop of colour, and can be done in under five minutes.
As I really hate brushes, I often opt for creamy formulas such as Clio’s Gelpresso Waterproof Shadow or Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick (now available in a limited edition mini version!). The gel-based creams work great as the colour glides onto the lid and is easily blendable with fingers.
TIP FOUR: GLITTER IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
If you aren’t a friend of glitter, now is the time to be. The iridescent nature of glitter makes it forgiving for beginners, as mistakes aren’t marked by a harsh streak of colour. And unlike matte shades that are one dimensional, glittery shades are two-dimensional in nature, making your job of creating texture a whole lot easier.
What’s more, certain eyeshadows can be used either wet or dry, giving you two colours for the price of one. NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow is one such product. The chic product already looks two-dimensional when applied dry, but when used with a damp brush, the colour changes to a new level of intensity.
TIP FIVE: BLEND VERY WELL
Almost all the makeup artists I speak to say that the key to applying great eyeshadow is to blend well. Even if the colours don’t necessarily mix, blending well will give the illusion that they do.
Invest in a good blending brush such as Urban Decay’s Naked Basics Double-Ended Brush or any eyeshadow brush with a rounded head and soft bristles. Both synthetic and animal-based brushes are great, but synthetic brushes are easier to clean, whereas the latter will need to be taken care off very carefully.
With these tips, you’ll be on the way to using the eyeshadow palettes you’ve neglected!
Mini Bobbi Brown Trio Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, $63, is available from November at all Bobbi Brown counters and stores. For more information, visit www.bobbibrown.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Shadow, $19.90, is available at selected Watsons stores. For more information, visit and follow the brand on Facebook.
NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow, $44, is available at all NARS counters. For more information, visit www.narscosmetics.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Twitter.
Urban Decay Naked Basics Double-Ended Brush, $28, is available from October 30 at Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.urbandecay.com and follow the brand on Facebook.