Applying eye makeup may seem simple in theory until you try it yourself. First-timers probably know the struggle that comes with blending eyeshadows properly and the universal experience of liner smudging even before leaving the house. But don’t give up just yet. This guide will show you how to prep, place, and blend so you’ll end up with eye makeup that looks fab and lasts all day.
Quick Beats: Your Eye Makeup Kit
- Eye primer or concealer
- One fluffy blending brush
- A tapered crease brush
- A flat shader brush (or just your fingertip)
- A small detail brush
- Pencil eyeliner
- Mascara
- Optional: lash curler
Step-by-Step Eye Makeup Routine for Beginners
Good eye makeup starts with preparation and structure. Each step builds on the last, moving from base to detail so the result feels balanced and finished. With a few essential tools and the right application order, beginners can achieve a great eye makeup that lasts throughout the day.
Step 1: Prime Your Eyelids
A good base is the secret to long-lasting eye makeup. Apply a pea-sized amount of eye primer or concealer over your lids and blend from lash line to brow bone. Letting it sit for 30–60 seconds allows it to grip well and avoid creasing.
| Little Fixes: If you have oily lids, use a matte primer to lock down shine. If you don’t own a primer, dab some concealer then set the lids lightly with translucent powder. Always tap and never rub the lids to avoid dragging the delicate skin. |
Step 2: Sweep on a Neutral Base Shadow
Think of your eyelids as a canvas that’s ready for some fine art. Using a fluffy shadow brush, apply a nude, ivory, or soft beige shade across the entire surface up to the brow bone. This step evens out discoloration and makes every other shade blend more smoothly.
| Little Fixes: Select a matte shade that closely matches your skin tone for a natural finish. Pat color on with the brush before sweeping to avoid fallout. Pro Tip: Hold the brush at the end of the handle for a lighter hand. |
Step 3: Define Your Crease with a Medium Shade
Defining the crease helps your eyes look bigger and more lifted. Pick a mid-tone brown, taupe, or soft mauve. Using a tapered blending brush, sweep it into the crease in windshield-wiper motions. Apply extra color at the outer corner for a subtle lift.
Little Fixes:
| Little Fixes: Tilt your chin up slightly to easily spot the crease. For hooded eyes, place the shadow just above the crease so it stays visible. Blend in small circles after your side-to-side sweeps for a soft finish. |
Step 4: Highlight the Inner Corner and Brow Bone
A touch of brightness instantly makes your eyes appear more awake. Use a small detail brush to apply a champagne or pearl light shimmer on the eyes’ inner corners. Then, sweep a tiny amount of matte ivory or pale shimmer just under your brow arch for a lifted effect.
| Little Fixes: Our mantra here is less is more. Too much shimmer near the brow can make the eyes look dated. Use your pinky finger if you don’t have a detail brush. For mature skin, opt for satin or matte finishes instead of frosty shimmer. |
Step 5: Deepen the Outer Corner (“Outer V”)
Now, let’s deepen the eyes’ outer corners to make your gaze stand out even more. Choose a deeper brown, plum, or gray. With a small angled brush, apply shadow in a sideways “V” on the outer lid: one line along the lash line, one line up into the crease. Blend the V inward softly using a blending brush to avoid harsh edges.
| Little Fixes: Start with a tiny amount as dark shades are easier to build than erase. For round eyes, extend the outer shadow slightly outward for elongation. It’s okay to make mistakes! Just clean up edges with a bit of concealer using a flat brush. |
Step 6: Line Your Eyes with Eyeliner
Eyeliner frames the eyes and gives lashes a fuller look. Start with a pencil liner to control the liquid formula. Rest your elbow on a table, gently stretch your eyelid, and draw small dashes along the upper lash line. Next, connect the dashes into a smooth line.
| Little Fixes: Gently smudge the pencil with a cotton swab for a well-blended look. For small eyes, keep the liner thin and only place it on the outer half of the lid. Use brown liner for a natural daytime look or a black one for a dramatic effect. |
Step 7: Finish with Mascara
Mascara ties everything together by lengthening and opening up the eyes. Curl the lashes first for lift. Using your mascara wand, start at the lash roots, wiggle slightly, and sweep upward. Then, apply one or two coats to the top lashes. Move the tip of the wand vertically and gently comb the lower lashes.
| Little Fixes: Avoid pumping the wand into the tube to prevent trapping air and drying out the liquid. If you see clumps, comb through with a clean spoolie while the formula is still wet. Waterproof mascara holds curl best but you’ll need a gentle remover to wipe off the product. |
Your Turn to Try this Routine
A little practice can help turn these eye makeup steps to feel like second nature. Start with simple colors, then add shades and finishes that complement your style. Keep at it and you’ll be a pro in no time!
Ready to practice this glam regimen and add your own twist?
FAQ
Q: Do I need a primer for eye makeup?
A: Primer helps shadow stay put, but if you don’t have one, a dab of concealer set with powder works as a quick fix.
Q: What’s the easiest eyeshadow color for beginners?
A: Neutral tones like taupe, beige, or soft brown are the most forgiving and blendable.
Q: How do I keep eyeliner from smudging?
A: Use short strokes close to the lash line, set with matching eyeshadow, and avoid applying too heavily on the lower lash line.
