how to apply eye makeup

January 25, 2018

How to Apply Eye Makeup

Four Methods:Creating a Blank Canvas Applying Eyeshadow Applying Eyeliner and Mascara Creating Different Looks Community Q&A

When eye makeup is applied correctly, it can give your face a pretty polish for an interview or sultry drama for a fun night out. Once you get the basics down, you can use your creativity to enhance your eyes in a way that uniquely fits who you are and where you’re going. To apply eye makeup, first create a blank canvas with primer, foundation, and concealer. Then apply your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, and you’ll be ready to go rock your look.

Method 1 Creating a Blank Canvas

1

Wash your face. Before you get out your makeup, you’ll need to clean your face. Gently massage a cleanser into your skin to remove oil and dirt from your pores. Use a cleanser that’s made for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or somewhere in between.^[1] Rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a clean hand towel.
to Apply Eye Makeup

2

Moisturize your face. Hydrate your face so that it looks attractively nourished and dewy underneath your makeup. Pick a moisturizer that’s good for your skin type and also has an SPF, and massage it into your skin.^[2]
to Apply Eye Makeup

3

Put primer on your whole face. Next, cover your face with a foundation primer. This will create a barrier between your skin and your makeup, which will keep your skin looking smooth and your pores looking small.^[3]
to Apply Eye Makeup

4
Apply foundation. Foundations come in different colors, consistencies, and finishes, so you’ll need to try a few different ones by applying them to a section of skin on your face. Once you’ve picked a foundation, apply it to your face with a big makeup brush and then blend it in with a makeup sponge.
- Don’t forget to apply the foundation to your ears, neck, and decolletage as well to ensure attractive uniformity.^[4]
to Apply Eye Makeup

5
Put concealer on your blemishes and undereye area. Use the pad of your finger to gently dot concealer underneath your eyes where you see darker and/or bluer coloration.^[5] Blend by continuing to gently pat the area with your finger. Then use your finger to carefully dot and blend any blemishes or red areas you have.
- Don’t try to rub your concealer in; this will only remove it from the area.
- If you have major discoloration that’s difficult to even out with regular concealer, try using color correcting concealer.^[6] Apply this to your problem areas after you apply foundation primer and before you put on your foundation.
to Apply Eye Makeup

6

Put eye primer on. Eye primer will keep your eyeshadow intact for hours, possibly even if you have a tough workout at the gym or get stuck in a thunderstorm. Use your finger to apply some primer to your eyelid to keep your eye makeup on point all day.^[7]

Method 2
Applying Eyeshadow

1
Choose the right brush to create the look you want. Different brushes can create different looks. For example, a larger brush works best for using a lighter layer of color all over your lid, while a smaller brush can create a darker, thicker layer of color. Often, you will need to use more than one brush to create the look you want.
- A large shadow brush is best for lightly coating your eyelids with a thin layer of natural looking color.
- A medium brush provides more coverage.
- A small brush provides the greatest color intensity and precision.
- Angle brushes are best for lining and detailing.
2
Pick three eyeshadows that are similar in color. To create smooth, attractive, transitions with your eyeshadow, you’ll need to use three colors that are similar in hue, but different in shade. Choose shades that range in lightness and darkness.
- For example, consider using a light lavender, a shimmery plum, and a bold deep purple.
to Apply Eye Makeup

3

Sweep an eyeshadow brush though some shadow and tap off the extra. Use a tapered precision eyeshadow brush to prevent messiness. Lightly dab the eyeshadow with it and tap off the excess.^[8] The eyeshadow should not be caked onto your brush, but rather lightly coating the bristles.^[9] It’s always easier to start with less and add more than the other way around.
to Apply Eye Makeup

4

Brighten your inner eyelid and brow bone with the light shade. With a clean eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest shade to your eyelid until you reach your tear duct. Also apply the shade just below your eyebrow to bring a pretty brightness to the right parts of your eye.^[10]
to Apply Eye Makeup

5

Create depth in your crease with the darkest shadow. Use another clean eyeshadow brush to apply the darkest of the three colors you’ve selected to the outside corner of your eyelid, just above your top lashes.^[11] Then sweep the color into your crease, focusing more heavily on the outer half, in a back and forth motion.
to Apply Eye Makeup

6

Use the middle shade to connect the two others. Use yet another brush to apply the middle shade to your entire eyelid. This should pull the light and dark colors together in a seamless, fluid way.^[12]
to Apply Eye Makeup

7

Blend your eyeshadow together. Finish creating your color transition by blending everything together with a small, soft brush. Work the brush in small circles to get the best result.^[13]

Method 3
Applying Eyeliner and Mascara

1
Choose an eyeliner. You can use liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner, or eyeshadow to line our eyes. Liquid eyeliner is better if you’re going for edgy and precise, or if you want to open up your eye more. Go with pencil eyeliner if you’re creating a softer or smokier look. No matter what type of eyeliner you choose, applying it correctly will make your eyes pop.^[14]
- If you want to have winged eyeliner, use a liquid eyeliner and look down slightly as you apply it.^[15] Draw a line that extends out and up past the outside corner of your eye.
- If you're lining your eyes with eyeshadow instead of liner, dip a small precision brush tip in some water and dab it in the color before starting.
- If you’re feeling bold, try applying some fun colored eyeliner.^[16]
to Apply Eye Makeup

2

Apply eyeliner to the tops of your eyes. Start on the inside and work your way out while staying as close to your upper lashes as possible. Move across your upper lash line in tiny, controlled strokes. Go back and fill in the blanks with more small strokes.
to Apply Eye Makeup

3
Apply eyeliner to your bottom waterline. While you can apply your eyeliner to just the top, applying to the bottom as well will give you a bolder, more intense look. Only put eyeliner on the outside ¾ of your waterline. Bringing it all the way to the tear duct can look overwhelming and unattractive.
- Just after you’ve finished applying all of your eyeliner, smudge your top and bottom eyeliner with a q-tip if you’re doing a smokey eye.^[17]
4
Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler. Curling your lashes will make them appear longer and also add drama to your eyes. Heat an eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple of seconds and then carefully clamp the curler down onto your lashes.
- Test the heat of the curler by holding the back of your hand about an inch (2.5 cm) away from it. Do this before using the curler so that you don’t burn yourself.^[18]
to Apply Eye Makeup

5
Put on your mascara. Hold a mascara wand just underneath your top lashes. Do a sweeping motion upward and outward a few times to effectively coat your lashes. Wiggle the wand back and forth slightly while your do this do prevent groups of lashes from clumping together.^[19] Do the same on your bottom lashes.
- Just do one coat of mascara if you’re doing natural everyday makeup and do two or three to add thickness for more boldness and drama.
- Consider gluing on false eyelashes with eyelash glue if you’re going for a glam look.

Method 4
Creating Different Looks

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