Do you want to apply eye makeup like a pro? After beauty school, working in the field, taking makeup classes, and years teaching clients how to apply their own makeup, I learned a few tricks that especially relate to eye shadow. I learned that you don’t have to be a pro to do your own makeup like a pro. The key is using the right tools and the right techniques. Here are my best tips and techniques for applying your eye makeup like the pros do.
Choose the right tools. Forget about using those itty bitty applicators that come with eye shadow pallets. They are ok in a pinch or for a touch-up on the go, but for your regular makeup application you need to use a good, quality brush. I like small, squarish eye applicator brushes, small, stiff eye liner brushes, and a slightly larger brush to blend, if needed. I keep several of the small eye applicator brushes on hand so that I can change colors without having to clean and dry my brush. I like brushes by Robert Jones, Sonia Kashuk, and Sephora.
Use the right technique. Never apply eye shadow like you’re painting! Instead, dab the side of the brush in your color and gently press it onto your eye lid where you want the color to be. Work it into the skin gently, but do not brush back and forth or you will flick shadow everywhere. Dip your liner brush into a bit of water, then dip it into your shadow and gently line your eyes. Apply a second coat of dry shadow for extra staying power. Look on YouTube for videos of eye shadow techniques.
Choose the right colors. You can use color to contour your eyes. If your eyes are deep set, use lighter colors to bring them forward. If your eyes are too forward, wear darker shadows to push them back, with some darker shadow in the crease for emphasis. Use a bit of white shadow, blended well, in the inner corners of your eyes to make them look more open and farther apart. A super-skinny liner of black eye liner along the lash line will help make your lashes look fuller. Ask an honest friend for advice if you need help trying out new colors.
Use more than one mascara. For years, I was told to never mix brands and products, always stick to the same line. But this isn’t always true, especially for mascara. If you want your natural lashes to look as thick and full as false lashes, try mixing two formulas of mascara. First, apply a lengthening mascara to max out the length of your lashes. Then apply a volumizing mascara to get those lashes nice and full. Experiment until you find the right mix of lashes. I love old-fashioned Maybelline mascara in the green and pink tube, mascara by Sephora, and Mary Kay’s Ultimate Mascara.
Alcohol to fix a broken eye shadow. Here is a tip that I’ve never tried, but I have seen it posted to Pinterest. If you’ve ever dropped your compact, you know how the product breaks up into small chunks and falls apart. Supposedly, you can wet these down with pure rubbing alcohol, smoosh them back in place, and let them dry. They should be nearly as good as new, and at least, usable again. I’ve been told that this is very safe for your makeup – a beauty school buddy of mine, now a well-known makeup artist, sprays her makeup down with hospital grade alcohol in between uses to make sure it’s sanitary for the next person.
The most important part of learning to apply your eye makeup like a pro is….practice! Look for techniques online, especially YouTube, and then try them. Experiment with different colors, and always use great makeup brushes.
