HOW TO APPLY EYESHADOW THE MAKEUP ARTIST WAY

Ever wondered how to apply eyeshadow like a makeup artist? Whether you love sultry, smokey shades or a glitter cut crease, eyeshadow has the power to transform your look in one sweep. So, pick up your favourite eyeshadow palette, grab a blending brush or two, and follow our makeup masterclass to achieve the most flattering eye looks in a flash.

1. PREP FOR EYESHADOW

If you want to know how to apply eyeshadow that lasts from day to night, the answer is in this underrated must-have: an eyeshadow primer. We love Miracle Prep Eyeshadow Primer, which creates a silky-smooth canvas, allowing eyeshadow to glide on easily and effortlessly.

The multi-tasking potion also holds on to the pigment in your chosen eyeshadow shade, boosting the intensity of the hue and increasing your shadow’s staying power. Simply dot and blend over lids for the dreamiest base.

2. USE TWO EYESHADOW BRUSHES

To perfect your eyeshadow look, have two makeup brushes to hand: one to apply the colour and another for seamless blending. Apply your eyeshadow shade with the first brush, tapping across the lid and into the crease. Try to sweep it on in the shape you’re looking to create, like a rounded ‘cloud’ or a dramatic, smokey wing.

Then, take a clean, fluffy eyeshadow brush to buff and gently smoke out the colour. Some makeup artists also use fingertips to pat on shimmer shadows when highlighting the centre of the lid.

3. HOW TO APPLY NATURAL EYESHADOW

No-makeup makeup doesn’t mean skipping eyeshadow altogether. In fact, a shimmery, sheer wash can enhance your glowy, barely-there look while appearing undetectable. Simply choose nude eyeshadows that lean close to your natural skin tone, like the hues in the Smokey Eye Drama Kit in Opulent Nudes.

Use a soft, fluffy brush to apply one of the shades, sweeping it from the lash line to the crease, then tap the very lightest peachy colour on the inner corners of eyes to brighten. Finish with a swipe of Masterpiece Kohl Kajal Pencil in Beige on the waterline to neutralise red rims and signs of fatigue. No-makeup makeup eye, perfected.

4. HOW TO APPLY SMOKEY EYESHADOW

If you want an eye-awakening boost from your eyeshadow, opt for a subtle smokey eye look using the Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Cappuccino Nudes.

To start, apply the one of the deepest shades from the palette first. Yes, we said the deepest. While some believe that starting with the lightest shade is best, it can actually result in a heavier, flatter finish. By shading the crease at the outer corner of your eye to begin with, you create a ‘frame’ for your lighter shades, preventing you from going over areas and piling on too much eyeshadow.

Once you’ve defined the crease and smoked shadow up to the brow bone, use a clean eyeshadow brush to tap a lighter shade in the palette from the inner corner of the eye to the centre of the lid. Buff upwards to the crease and brow bone to meet the darker shade and leave a seamless, flawless finish.

5. HOW TO APPLY BOLD EYESHADOW

To take your eyeshadow look to the next level, you don’t need to wear a multitude of shades. Instead, choose one statement colour of Wild Shadow Pot and intensify it with a wet eyeshadow brush. Warm tones - like Burnt Bark or Auburn Envy - are perfect if you want to stay on the smokey spectrum, while Turquoise Fury and Sapphire Rage help you achieve the colour block trend.

For an even richer finish, swap out your brush and wet your eyeshadow with your index finger. Then, use it to press on the pigment in a solid, bold rectangular shape or a floating glitter cut crease.

QUICK EYESHADOW TIPS

Looking to perfect your eyeshadow in a hurry? Follow these quick tips for a flawless look in no time…

Apply foundation after eyeshadow: For smokey looks, apply foundation after you’ve cleaned up any drop-down shadow. This ensures your eyes and base will both look completely flawless.

Dust powder under eyes: If you’re in a rush, dust Miracle Veil Loose Powder beneath your eyes before applying eyeshadow to catch any drop-down. Once the eyeshadow is on, sweep under-eye powder away with a big, fluffy brush.

Enhance with highlighter: Add a dot of highlighter, like Colour Corrector Stick: The Illuminator, to the inner corner of the eye and eyebrow arch to lift and illuminate any eyeshadow look.

Spritz, spritz, spritz: The finishing touch? Mist Lasting Performance Setting Spray onto face and eyelids to set eyeshadow and makeup into place.

WANT MORE EYE MAKEUP INSPIRATION?

READ OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO APPLY A SMOKEY EYE OR, IF YOU HAVE BLUE EYES, DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT SHADES.