Do you find eyeshadows intimidating? It’s difficult to sort through the dozens of palettes available. Don’t worry if you feel a little out of your depth; you’re not alone. Many individuals make mistakes with their eyeshadow because, let’s face it, it’s not as simple as applying lipstick. When done correctly, though, it may completely convert you from blah to gorge.
You’ll be able to apply your shadow like this lady once you’ve finished reading our pointers:
So, let’s get this party started. The following are some common blunders to avoid:
1) Not properly mixing your eyeshadow
Blending is crucial. Blending multiple colours, one or two on the lid and another on the brow bone, appears simple enough but may quickly become a big, fat mess if not done correctly. Keep wrinkles and sharp lines at bay by blending and creating a smooth gradient.
Verrolyne’s expert tip: Use your blending brush to practise blending with smooth sweeps. You can also start by drawing a definite outline with an eyeliner brush and then gradually blend it out. Use windshield wiper motions to smooth any harsh lines that appear after applying colour to your crease. When it comes to mixing, don’t be afraid to use your fingertips.
2) Not being aware of your undertone
Are you stumped as to what your undertone is? Just finished reading this. Have you ever had the feeling that some colours, despite matching your skin tone, just don’t seem right on you? This could be due to the colour you chose not complimenting your undertone. Certain hues may be more flattering than others depending on your undertone. If your skin has a yellow undertone, a warmer colour pallet will look better on you, while cool-toned shadows look better on pink undertones.
3) Uncertainty about what complements your eye colour
Many of us are guilty of attempting to match our makeup to our eye colour. However, instead of complementing our eyes, it really works against them. Knowing which colours complement, rather than match, your eyes will make them stand out. Brown eyes stand out against blues and purples, whereas blue eyes stand out against copper, peach, and orange tones. Green eyes look fantastic with golds and berry hues.
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Always choose makeup colors/shades that are on the opposite side of the colour wheel from your eye colour, according to Verrolyne.
4) Not using an eye primer
Using a primer to prep your eyelids ensures that your eyeshadow glides on smoothly. If you’re using cream shadows or powders that are on the denser side, it’s a must. Primers also help the shadows last longer and prevent them from dropping on your face.
Verrolyne suggests:
If you’re on a budget, try NYX Professional Makeup Eyeshadow Primer. Those who want to splurge a bit more can try the cult favourite Urban Decay Primer Potion.
5) Applying makeup using the incorrect applicator brush
A decent set of eyeshadow brushes that allow you to gently add product and blend as you go is always a wonderful investment. And don’t worry, they don’t have to be prohibitively expensive.
There are a plethora of economical and fantastic brush kits available. If you’re just starting off, a fluffy blending brush and a tapered flat brush will suffice. A dense fluffy brush works best for cream shadows and is ideal for crease application. For blending and application on the eyelid, a flat brush is ideal.
6) After applying foundation and concealer, apply eyeshadow.
Before they begin their eye makeup, most people like to start with base make-up like foundation and concealer. This is an absolute no-no. It not only changes the colour of the eyeshadow and makes it look cakey, but it also makes cleaning off any extra product that may have dropped into your face after application extremely difficult. After you’ve perfected your eyeshadow, don’t forget to apply your foundation and color-correct/conceal.
Verrolyne’s pro tip: Dab concealer just below the lower lash line on the under eyelids. Also, don’t use concealer on your lids!
7) Failure to use the proper moisturiser
When it comes to skincare, hydration is crucial, and we cannot emphasise this enough! Always use an eye cream to properly moisturise your eye area. Your face cream, on the other hand, will not produce the same results.
For the greatest results, get two eye creams: one for the day and one for the night. There’s no point in attempting to wear shadow if your eyes aren’t well cared for! It’ll be a huge, bloated, flaky tragedy on the verge of happening.
Verrolyne recommends:
We adore how inexpensive and light Neutrogena’s HydroBoost Gel is, and how very nourishing and moisturising Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is for the eyes.
8) Using an excessive amount of product
With eyeshadow, it’s quite simple to go crazy. Crossing the line into the ‘too much’ region, on the other hand, results in stronger lines and creases, as well as uneven application, making it more difficult to fade out. It also raises the possibility of shadow fallout. Always start with a small amount of product and gradually build up the colour.
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Verrolyne’s pro tip: To avoid applying too much shadow, give your brush a tap to shake off the excess.
9) Excessive use of colour
There’s a fine line between being imaginative with your make-up and looking suspiciously like Ronald McDonald. It’s fine to make a statement, but don’t appear like you’ve had a rainbow painted over your eyelids. Even when attempting to achieve a more dramatic image, many colour combinations might be quite unattractive. Also, unless the situation calls for it, don’t use too many bright or fluorescent eyeshadows.
Are you looking for further advice? These make-up professionals’ view on eyeshadow dos and don’ts is something Verrolyne adores.
