Hey Lykkers! Eyeshadow is a powerful tool in makeup, capable of adding depth, enhancing eye color, and creating bold looks for every occasion.
But with so many types, colors, and techniques, eye shadow can also be a bit of a mystery. If you’re curious about what eye shadow can do and how to use it like a pro, here’s everything you need to know.
Types of Eyeshadow:
Powder Eyeshadow: Powder is the most common form of eyeshadow and is great for building color and blending. Available in single shades or palettes with multiple hues, powder eyeshadows come in matte, shimmer, and satin finishes to create versatile looks.
Cream Eyeshadow: Cream eyeshadow offers a bold, smooth color that’s easy to blend. While it’s great for creating a quick, single-color look, it may crease on oily eyelids without a primer. Cream eyeshadows are ideal for adding a natural glow or dewy finish.
Liquid Eyeshadow: With an easy-to-apply wand, liquid eyeshadows are loved for their intense color and shimmer. They’re perfect for a quick pop of color or metallic look. Liquid eyeshadow can be trickier to blend than powders, so it’s often used as a bold base color.
Pencil Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow pencils are super convenient, allowing precise application for a smoky look or as a color liner. These pencils often have creamy formulas and are great for both beginners and pros, especially for creating defined shapes.
Finishes and Their Effects:
The finish of your eyeshadow determines how it interacts with light and complements your look.
Matte: Matte eyeshadow has no shimmer or shine, making it ideal for adding depth and creating shadows. It’s perfect for contouring and blending and is often used as a base or transition shade.
Shimmer: Shimmer shadows have a subtle sparkle that catches the light, adding brightness to your eyes. They’re great for highlighting the inner corner or center of the eyelid for an eye-catching effect.
Glitter: Glitter eyeshadow adds bold sparkle and shine, perfect for special occasions. It can be tricky to apply and usually requires a sticky base or glitter glue to stay in place.
Metallic: Metallic finishes mimic the look of metals like gold, silver, or copper and add a rich, reflective look. This finish is great for a dramatic, glamorous eye and is often found in liquid or cream formulas.
Colorful eyeshadow Do's and Don'ts
Video by Alexandra Anele
Choosing Colors for Your Eye Color:
One of the key secrets to making your eyes pop is choosing the right eyeshadow colors.
For Brown Eyes: Brown eyes can rock almost any color. Shades of gold, bronze, green, and even purple look stunning. Warm tones bring out the depth of brown eyes, while cooler hues like blue create contrast.
For Blue Eyes: Warm shades like peach, bronze, and copper enhance blue eyes by creating contrast. Earthy colors like browns and taupes also complement blue eyes for a softer, natural look.
For Green Eyes: Purple shades, including plum and mauve, bring out the vibrancy in green eyes. Earth tones like brown and taupe also look great, while gold can add a touch of glam.
For Hazel Eyes: Hazel eyes can vary between brown and green, so earthy tones like gold and olive are stunning choices. Plum, pinks, and burgundy can also make hazel eyes stand out.
Application Techniques:
Blending: Blending is crucial for a seamless, professional look. Use a fluffy brush to blend colors together, focusing on the crease for depth and the outer corner for definition.
Layering Colors: Layering different colors allows you to add dimension to your look. Start with a neutral base, add a deeper shade in the crease, and finish with a pop of shimmer on the lid.
Using Eyeshadow as Eyeliner: If you want a softer look, try applying a darker eyeshadow along your lash line with an angled brush instead of liquid eyeliner. This technique works well for smoky eyes.
From picking the perfect shade to mastering the right technique, there’s an art to eyeshadow that can elevate any makeup look. By understanding the different types, finishes, and application methods, you can enhance your eyes with a personalized touch. Either you’re going for a subtle day look or a bold evening glam, a little knowledge about eyeshadow can go a long way in achieving the perfect effect!