Eyeshadow isn’t just a moment; it’s a must-have in our go-to makeup looks. Trust us, we know eyeshadow can be confusing—where do you start, what shades go where, and how do you blend without making a mess? Don’t worry, love at first (eyeshadow) swipe begins here. Let’s run it back to the basics!
Why Eyeshadow Primer is Important with Any Eye Makeup Look
Our beloved MUAs and makeup experts taught us well, and starting with a good base is a step you do not want to skip! Priming your lids is the secret to long-lasting and smooth color; while it might feel like an extra step, a little prep goes a long way. The Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer is our preferred choice — your eyeshadow isn’t going anywhere or won’t budge with this eyeshadow primer.
Its transfer-proof formula not only helps grips the eyeshadow, but also helps to keep the color vibrant and crease-free for all-day wear. Once your eyelids are primed, you can dive into your shadows to add color. To simplify the application process, consider your eyelid in sections: lighter shades on the inner corner to brighten, medium tones across the lid for depth, and darker hues on the outer corner and crease for definition. Ready to break down your look? Shop our Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer, and let’s build from there!
How to Apply Eyeshadow in Your Inner Corner
If you’re looking to instantly enhance your eye makeup look, bringing some color to your inner corner will be your saving grace. Remember to work in sections for an easier application if you're new to eyeshadow. Applying a light or shimmer shade to the inner corners instantly brightens your eyes.
While powder eyeshadows work well, we prefer to use shadow sticks with creamy formulas for the inner corner like the No Budge Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick. Its formula glides onto the eyes effortlessly and is smudge-proof to ensure a long-lasting stay. Using shadow sticks ensures an easy application, especially in a small space. This simple step can make a significant difference in your eye makeup routine. Shine a bit brighter with a highlighted inner corner!
How to Apply Eyeshadow on Your Eyelid
The star of most eye looks begins at the eyelids! They’re our canvas, offering the most space to experiment with color and texture. Depending on the look you want, use any eyeshadow formula you prefer, whether powder, cream, or stick.
If you want to use powder or cream shadows, a dense brush like our Eyeshadow “C” brush works best to swipe and pat on color evenly. This brush is a great tool to ensure a smooth application and pigmented color!
The lids are the perfect place to brighten up the eyes for a little extra glow and sparkle! Serve all the looks and wear Fine as Fleck Glitter Eyeshadow for a dazzling topper or Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow for a high-shine, multi-dimensional, gel-based glow. Remember our Pro MUA tip: light-to-medium tones typically go on the lid to brighten your eyes. Next, we’ll explore how deeper tones are blended into the crease and outer corners to add depth and dimension.
How to Apply Eyeshadow on Your Outer Corner
With these lid basics, we’re onto our outer corners! Adding depth and definition to the outer corner is the key to defining your eye look. Two coveted eye formulas that our e.l.f. community loves, include the No Budge Cream Eyeshadow or The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette.
Add your darker shade with a dense brush, such as the Eye Contour Brush, to pack on pigment for that extra dimension. Then, switch to a fluffy brush, such as the Fluffy Eye Blender Brush, to gently blend the color into the crease for a soft, seamless transition.
How to Apply Eyeshadow on Your Crease
For a flawless finish, blending is everything! When applying eyeshadow to the crease, this step is critical to define and add seamless depth to your eye area. It’s okay to take your time with this step since you’ll want to ensure a smooth-looking transition to your eye look! For beginners, use the natural curve of your eye shape to help guide you in adding dimension.
The Eyeshadow Crease Brush helps to apply shadow precisely and blend. When adding color to your crease, look for a color that compliments your outer corner, or a deeper shade than your lid. When applying, use a crease brush in gentle blending motions to soften the application. This step can take some practice but helps to tie your eyes together!
How to Apply Eyeshadow on Your Brow Bone
Light up your eyes with a lifted-eye look! Like the inner corner, the brow bone is another area to add some shimmer and shine. To add extra dimension and brightness you can reach for the same product you used for your inner corner highlight.
This is the best simple trick to help tie the look together; making it cohesive, while also making your No Budge Eyeshadow Stick a 2-in-1! Pearlescent, champagne, and soft gold hues are beautiful tones to reach for when applying some shine to the brow bone. A well-placed brow bone highlight will quickly become your favorite step to polishing any eye look.
How to Apply Eyeshadow on Your Lower Lash Line
Ready to take your eye looks to the next level? Once you’ve completed your lids, next focus on your under-eye area. This area is often skipped, but we’re here to teach you that makeup in your under-eye area can instantly enhance the intensity and add some drama to the eye. If you’re looking for that final touch, a darker or more vibrant shade should do the trick.
A precise makeup tool like the Short Smudge Brush is key to providing an even and controlled application. Simply follow the natural curve of your lower lash line, then smudge and softly blend the shadow for a smoky or defined look. A pro-MUA tip we love: add a subtle pop of color to your under-eyes for an unexpected touch that elevates any look. Don’t be afraid to play with color! Be bold and experiment.
How to Complete Your Eye Makeup Look Using Liner and Mascara
The final flourish to any eyeshadow look comes from mascara and eyeliner, which frame your eyes and add definition that makes your eyeshadow truly pop. Start with eyeliner, applying it as close to your lash line as possible—tight-lining the upper waterline can help create the illusion of fuller lashes without overtaking your eyeshadow work. For a cohesive look, match your liner intensity to your eyeshadow: subtle liner for daytime shadows and bolder, smudged liner for dramatic evening looks.
When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes before sweeping upward to separate and coat each lash evenly. A helpful trick is to look down into a mirror while applying upper lashes and look up for lower lashes, preventing smudges on your freshly applied shadow. For hooded eyes, waterproof formulas prevent transfer, while curling your lashes before application lifts the eye and showcases more of your beautiful shadow work.
Different Types of Eyeshadow
If you could only pick one kind of eyeshadow formula, which would it be? From stick, cream to powder, each feel-good eyeshadow formula offers its own unique finishes and preferred application styles. Stick eyeshadows are a great beginner-friendly option due to their mess-free and precise application. They’re formulated to function in just a few quick swipes and are ideal for those on-the-go who love a smudged, effortless eye look.
If you’re looking for a smooth, easy, blendable formula each time, cream eyeshadows are great for those one-and-done looks. Pro tip: you can also wear cream shadows as a base to intensify any powder shadow! Lastly, the most common and beloved formula is powder eyeshadows. The most versatile eyeshadows are powder due to their buildable and blendable performance, making them easy to use in multiple shades. If you’re not sure which will be your favorite, check our Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Eyeshadows for a deep dive into formulas!
e.l.f. Eye Makeup Favorites
If you’re looking for something new to add to your routine, let our e.l.f. community help you out! They don’t shy away from sharing all of their eye favorites. Simplify your routine with a curated collection of versatile palettes that cohesively work together to create effortless daytime routines to glamorous evening looks. Take us with you in the Bite Size Mini Eyeshadow Palette, if you’re constantly on the go, this compact palette has everything you need for a complete eye look.
For a bit of variety and more play, The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette features a mix of smooth, blendable, and ultra-pigmented formulas perfect that are the perfect switch between subtle or bold. Lastly, for our matte lovers and glow-getters, the Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette provides a balance of matte and shimmer options. This palette is ideal for those who love to transfer their makeup from day to night. Which eye look will become your go-to?
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyeshadow:
Q: How to apply eyeshadow step by step?
A: For a quick step-by-step guide to applying eyeshadow: start with an eyelid primer (/lock-it-down-eyeshadow-primer/81994.html), then layer colors from lightest to darkest—typically a light base shade all over, a medium transition color in the crease, and a darker shade on the outer corner, blending thoroughly between each step. Finish by highlighting the inner corner and under the brow bone with a light shade, then blend everything together for a seamless gradient effect before completing your look with eyeliner and mascara.
Q: Should dark eyeshadow go on the inside or outside of your eyes?
A: Typically, dark eyeshadow should be applied to the outside corner of your eyes to create depth and dimension. This placement can help to elongate the eye shape and create a lifting effect. Lighter shades work better for the inner corners as they brighten and open up the eyes.
Q: What forms does eyeshadow come in?
A: Eyeshadow comes in so many different forms including powder, cream, liquid, and stick formulas. Powder eyeshadows typically come in palettes or singles with finishes ranging from matte to shimmer, metallic, and glitter. Cream and liquid eyeshadows often come in pots, or tubes with applicators, offering more intense pigment and longer wear. Stick eyeshadows provide convenient, on-the-go application in a crayon-like format that is super blendable and easy to apply.
Q: Do you wet your eyeshadow brush before application?
A: While not required, some makeup artists do prefer to wet their makeup brushes with a setting spray to help their eye makeup look appear more vibrant and potentially stay longer. Here’s a quick guide to follow if you’re unsure when to wet your eyeshadow brush before application:
When to wet your brush:
• For metallic or shimmer eyeshadows to help intensify the pigment and create a more dramatic, high-shine finish
• When you want to use eyeshadow as eyeliner (wetting helps create a precise line)
• To minimize fallout with glittery shadows
• For a more vibrant color payoff
When to keep your brush dry:
• For matte eyeshadows, as wetting can create patchy application or even damage some formulas
• When blending transition shades in the crease
• For soft, diffused looks
• When building gradual color intensity