Simple Pretty Eyeshadow Tips

It can look all blotchy, like a little chalky strip of color sitting right in the middle of our face. Sometimes it looks to dark, or too pale, or just wrong. Other times, our application is crooked and even mismatched.

* What’s the color of your eyes? One trick is to chose an eyeshadow that’s close to it, which will actually bring out the color. (See it for yourself on the model used for this photo.) Another trick is to chose a contrasting color, which will also make it stand out. For example, if you have blue eyes, choose blue or gold.

* Makeup primer makes it easier to blend your foundation and your eyeshadow, and also helps makeup lasts for hours. It’s particularly helpful in preventing eyeshadow from smearing—the reason why, in the middle of the day, you end up looking like a black-eyed raccoon.

* You should only use your highlighter (the darkest color in your eyeshadow palette) near the crease up to just below the brow bone. Never, ever actually “hit” the bone or extend past it. That’s just too overpowering and will make you look like a circus clown.

* Shimmer eyeshadow adds a gorgeous but subtle sparkle to the eyes. Unfortunately, it can also emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. If you want to use shimmer but are worried about aging skin, apply regular eyeshadow in a neutral or nude color, then use gold shimmer just below the brow bone.

* One common mistake is to load the makeup brush with too much color, so it scatters all over the eyelid and right below it. Tap the brush against a canister or the side of table, so you get just the right amount of color.
Another tip? Dust a little baby powder under your eyes. So, if any eyeshadow particles happen to scatter on your cheeks, it won’t cling to your makeup. Then, when you’re ready, take a big makeup brush (the type you use to apply foundation) and swish off the baby powder.

* Throw away the blenders that come with the eyeshadow. These cheap things distribute color unevenly, and don’t really help with blending. Plus, these pull on the skin, contributing to wrinkles.
Invest in a high quality makeup brush made of soft bristles. Yes, it’s expensive, but you’ll use it forever—and we swear you’ll see the difference it makes.

* The smokey look is sexy, but if overdone, can make you look like someone punched you. The trick is to keep the color below your eyelid crease, and really close to your lower lashes. The subtle shadow makes your eyes look bigger (but not bulging).