A makeup bag essential, eyeshadow enhances the eyes by offering a multitude of styles to choose from. Shimmering, matte, or creamy, this intense blend of pigments can still be intimidating when you don't know how to apply it. So you never have to leave your palette aside again, here are some great tips for applying eyeshadow. 

To start, let's define the terms. Eyeshadow is a cosmetic product used to add color and dimension to the eyelids. It is generally applied to the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a variety of makeup looks, from the most natural to the most glamorous, as well as the most whimsical and dramatic. It comes in different forms, notably pressed powder, loose powder, cream, gel, or pencil. There is also a wide variety of colors and finishes, ranging from matte shades to metallic, shimmering, or glittery shades. Everything is designed to help you find the perfect match. 

The basics of applying eyeshadow 

You should ignore misconceptions and video tutorials that can clearly give the impression that eye makeup (including eyeshadow) is a real headache to apply. This is false; at least, there are very simple methods to enhance your eyes without having to achieve the precision of a smoky eye or a color gradient. 

The equipment needed to apply eyeshadow 

For beautiful eye makeup, you first need to be able to apply it. For this, you need to have the right equipment in your vanity, namely:

An eyeshadow palette: this is obviously the foundation. To be able to play around with your eye makeup, you need a palette. There are plenty of them, featuring every color you can think of (dark eyeshadow, light colors, metallic, gold, copper shades...). For an everyday look, a nude palette is ideal, punctuated with matte and shimmering eyeshadows—the perfect combo for switching between a day and night look. Always remember to have a few single eyeshadows, which are practical to carry in a handbag and allow for unexpected touch-ups. 

Eye brushes: they are essential for applying and blending eyeshadow precisely. You will need different types of brushes, such as a flat brush, a blending brush, a rounded brush for the crease of the eyelid, a flat angled brush, a dome brush, an eyeshadow brush, and more depending on your makeup preferences. 

A foam applicator: this little foam sponge is useful for applying powder eyeshadow, especially metallic or glittery shades.

Eyelid primer: an eyelid primer is a base that helps set the eyeshadow, prolong its wear, and prevent it from creasing.

Tape or an application tool: this is a very simple yet highly effective trick. To create beautiful cat eyes with eyeshadow, tape or an application tool is foolproof. 

For a complete makeup look, from eyeshadow to mascara, including eyeliner, discover our beauty guide: How to do your eye makeup? 

The steps for applying eyeshadow 

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Now that the right equipment has been listed, it is time to move on to applying your eyeshadow. For a successful makeup look, it is best to follow these few small steps: 

Preparing the eyelids 

Start by cleaning and moisturizing your eyelids as well as your upper lashes (you can even add a few drops of an eyelash serum to strengthen them). You can apply a small amount of eyelid primer if you wish. This will help prolong the wear of the eyeshadow and prevent creasing.

Choosing the colors 

Select the eyeshadow colors you wish to use. You can use one or more colors to create the desired look. Light shades are particularly popular for light and fresh makeup looks, while dark shades make excellent glamorous and intense makeup, ideal for an evening look. 

Applying the base 

With a flat brush, apply a matte eyeshadow shade slightly lighter than your skin tone over the entire mobile eyelid. This will serve as a base to even out the color of the eyelid and help the other colors blend more easily.

Applying the transition shades 

Use a slightly darker transition shade in the crease of the eyelid with a rounded brush or dome brush (the hollow above the mobile eyelid). This shade adds dimension and helps blend the darker colors.

Applying the main color 

Apply the main color of your choice to the mobile eyelid. You can use a brush or even your fingers for this. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and blur the color.

Adding depth 

For a more dramatic look, add a darker color to the outer corner of the eye (outer corner of the upper eyelid) or under the lower lash line to create depth. Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines. To enlarge and brighten the eyes, add a touch of shimmering eyeshadow in the inner corner.

The finishing touch, highlighter:

To brighten the brow bone, you can apply a small touch of a light and shimmering eyeshadow or a highlighter under the brow bone.

Makeup is beautiful, but at some point you have to remove it. To make sure you don't miss anything during your makeup removal, discover our beauty guide: How to remove makeup?