A must-have in every make-up bag, eye shadow embellishes the eyes, offering a multitude of styles to adopt. Iridescent, matte or creamy, this intense blend of pigments can be intimidating if you don't know how to apply it. To make sure you never have to leave your palette behind, we've put together a few tips on how to apply eyeshadow. 

To begin with, let's set the scene. Eye shadow 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 make-up looks, from natural to glamorous to whimsical to dramatic. It can be found in a variety of forms, including pressed powder, loose powder, cream, gel or pencil. There's also a wide variety of colors and finishes, from matte shades to metallics, shimmers and glitter. It's all about finding the perfect match. 

The basics of eye shadow application 

It's important to avoid preconceived ideas and video tutorials, which can clearly give the impression that eye make-up (including eyeshadow) is a real headache to apply. That's not true, or at least it isn't. There are some very simple ways to enhance the look of your eyes without having to resort to the precision of a smoky eye or a color gradient. 

What you need to apply eye shadow 

For beautiful eye make-up, you need to be able to apply it. For this, you need to have the right tools in your vanity:

A palette of eyeshadows: this is obviously the basis. To have fun with eye make-up, you need a palette. There is a plethora of them available, covering every conceivable color (dark, light, metallic, gold, copper...). For an everyday look, a nude palette is ideal, punctuated with matte and iridescent blushes to switch between day and night looks. Don't forget to carry a few mono shadows in your handbag for unexpected touch-ups. 

Eye brushes: essential for applying and blending eyeshadow with precision. You'll need different types of brush, such as a flat brush, a blending brush, a rounded brush for the crease, a flat beveled brush, a ball brush, a shadow brush and more, depending on your affinity for make-up. 

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

Eyelid primer: an eyelid primer is a base that helps set eyeshadow, prolong its hold and prevent it from running into creases.

Du sparadrap ou un outil d'aide à l'application : c'est une astuce toute simple et pourtant si efficace. Pour réaliser de beaux cat eyes avec son fard à paupière, le sparadrap ou l'outil d'application est infaillible. 

For a complete make-up look, from eye shadow to mascara and eyeliner, discover our beauty guide : How to apply eye make-up? 

Eye shadow application steps 

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Maintenant que le bon matériel est recensé, il est temps de passer à l'application de son ombre à paupières. Pour un maquillage réussi, il est préférable de suivre ces quelques petites étapes : 

Eyelid preparation 

Start by cleansing and moisturizing your eyelids and upper lashes (you can even add a few drops of eyelash serum to fortify them). You can apply a small amount of eyelid primer if you wish. This will help eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing.

The choice of colors 

Select the eyeshadow colors you wish to use. You can use one or more colors to create the look you want. Lighter shades are particularly popular for light, fresh make-up looks, while darker shades make excellent glamorous, intense make-up, ideal for an evening look. 

Base application 

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

Applying transition shades 

Use a slightly darker transition shade in the crease of the eyelid with a rounded brush or ball brush (the hollow above the mobile eyelid). This shade adds dimension and helps blend 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 in the outer corner of the eye (outer corner of the upper lid) or under the lower lash line to create depth. Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines. To enlarge and brighten eyes, add a touch of iridescent blush in the inner corner.

La touche finale, l'highlighter :

To illuminate the brow bone, you can apply a small dab of a light, shimmering eyeshadow or highlighter under the brow bone.

Make-up is all very well, but there comes a time when you have to remove it properly. To make sure you don't miss a thing, discover our beauty guide: How to remove make-up?