Mastering eyeshadow application. Why and how you should wear it

Ever been seduced into buying a new eyeshadow palette of tantalising shades only to discover the majority of them are unwearable? Or you simply have no idea where to start when it comes to applying them?

Let’s face it, applying eyeshadow correctly, I’m talking multiply layers of varying shades to create stand out eyes, is an art form! So it’s no surprise that many of us either get it wrong or simply shy away from shadow! But wearing eyeshadow correctly can have a big impact on the way we look…and for the better! It has the power to enhance, define and complement your eyes in all but a few simple sweeps, you just need to know how!

So read on to discover our top tips and become the master of your own eyeshadow destiny in next to no time. You won’t be disappointed with the results, trust me!

 

1. Go neutral

If you’re starting out on your eyeshadow journey its best to keep things simple. By using just a few neutral shades you can contour your eyes and add depth and dimension in a soft and subtle way. We are in love with the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios. A choice of not one, but four palettes in a combination of three beautiful earth tones to suit everyone! The soft and subtle powder shadows apply smoothly and effortlessly and since they are pigment packed, every shade delivers rich, opaque colour for hours of crease-resistant wear!

2. Use the right brushes!

Know those little foam wands or brushes that come in some eyeshadow compacts? Ditch them! They are awful for applying product with precision!

Flawless eyeshadow application is ALL in the brushes! So investing in a good eyeshadow brush (or three!) is paramount as it’ll help laydown powder shadows, setting them in place for the day. Opt for a dense base shadow brush to impart colour on the lid first, a blending brush for blending and highlighting and a flat definer brush to line and define your eyes! Don’t worry we are about to tell you how to use them!

 

3. Apply shadows in the correct order (follow our diagram)

Have your palette at the ready but unsure which shade should go where? This handy diagram should become your go to;

1. Lightest ‘highlighting’ colour
2. Medium shadow colour
3. Darkest ‘smokey’ colour

 

Start by applying the lightest shade (a white or nude) from your palette over your entire lid, all the way to the inner corner, using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow to perfect your look as it’ll help open up your eyes and make your colour ‘pop’. Just be sure to use your brush in a dabbing not dragging motion though as this is the key to applying ‘streak-less’ shadow!

Next use a tapered blending brush to apply a medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards.

Use the same brush to apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Extend it outwards and upwards to create a smoky effect so to speak, then blend it inwards slightly. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes.

Additional tip: If you want to take your look from day to night up the anti! Don’t let the neutral shades fool you. By dampening your brush you can add intensity, just be sure to apply your foundation after your eyes are finished so any eyeshadow fallout can be easily dusted off.

 

4. Complete your look

Eyeliner, when applied correctly can make your lashes look thicker and your eyes wider. So to complete your look, instead of using an eyeliner, you can use the darkest shade of your shadows to create an impactful, well defined eye. Simple use a flat definer brush and press the dark shadow along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin and along the lower lash line. The finish with lashings of mascara.

 

Yes it’s that simple! And with practice comes perfection.