1. Use a primer

A primer is absolutely crucial to easy and beautiful application of eyeshadow for a few reasons. First, it helps with color vibrancy by giving the eyeshadows something to contrast on top of. This is especially true with primers that are white, though I don’t recommend those for an all-over primer. Second, a primer helps with blending by creating a smooth base for your eyeshadows. Third, your eyeshadows will last longer because powder on top of a liquid or cream gives the powder something to grip to. Win, win, win, amirite?

My Recommendations: 

Nars Smudge Proof Base ($25 – Sephora)

Urban Decay Primer Potion ($12-20 depending on size – Sephora)

NYX HD Primer ($6.99 – Ulta)

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk ($4.49 – Ulta)

2. Invest in brushes

I use the term “invest” loosely, because you can get some damn good brushes on the cheap these days. When it comes to your face, it’s easier to skimp on brushes because your fingers are pretty competent as is. But for eyes, your choice in tools is a deciding factor in the outcome of your makeup. I recommend starting out with at least four types of brushes: a basic shader, a smaller dome/definer brush, a fluffy blending brush, and a thin smudger brush (see examples below). These are really all you need to create most looks. Shader brush applies eyeshadow over the lid and is great for larger areas, a small dome/definer brush helps you concentrate color in a certain area and is create for crease or outer V work, the fluffy blending brush helps blend out any harsh lines and edges, and a thin smudger brush can be used to work in smaller areas and to smudge shadow around eyes in an eyeliner fashion.

Recommendations:

Real Techniques “Starter Kit” ($17.99 – Ulta)

Sigma Brushes E55, E30, E25, E21 ($14 each – SigmaBeauty.com)

3. Use a base shade

A base shade is a matte eyeshadow that is close to the skin tone of your eyelid. After applying your primer, swipe the base shade from your lashes all the way up to the brow bone – basically anywhere that you are going to apply more eyeshadow. This helps your colors pop even more, but more importantly, it makes blending even easier.

I’m not going to recommend anything specific here, because the ghostly shades that work for my pale skin tone most likely will not work for yours ;).

4. Consider the quality of your eyeshadows

At the end of the day, it’s possible that you just have some less-than-stellar eyeshadows. Don’t fret, it happens to the best of us. Higher end eyeshadows tend to be better (but not always). Quality is determined mostly by two factors: texture and pigmentation. Good eyeshadows will feel soft, creamy, or even buttery when you swipe your finger over them, and will deposit deep color with minimal effort. If your eyeshadows are dusty or powdery and you can’t build up color to save your life, then it’s probably time to get new eyeshadows.

Recommendations:

Wet N’ Wild Color Icon Collection Palettes ($2-5 depending on palette – CVS)

Make Up Forever Artist Shadows ($21 each – Sephora)

Coastal Scents Revealed Palette ($20 – Coastalscents.com)

Lorac PRO Palette ($42 – Ulta) … seriously guys if you can swing it, get this palette because IT IS LIFE

5. Practice, practice, practice

There really is no substitute for familiarity and experience. Makeup is just like any other skill: generally speaking, the more you do it, the better you are it. Play around with different techniques at night when you have nowhere to go, and master a go-to look for the days when it’s not coming together and you just need to get on and get out of the house. Personally, I like to take pictures of my eye makeup with the front camera of my iPhone, as the fresh perspective helps me notice things about my application that I normally wouldn’t.

Good luck ladies!

xx Biggers

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