1. Skipping on eye primer
I know it may seem like an annoying extra step, but prepping eyelids with a primer will ensure makeup applies smoothly and looks even. The primer acts as a magnet for shadow pigments, holding onto the colour and keeping it from smudging, fading or creasing. There’s plenty of eye primers out there to choose from, but I love Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray Dhs130. The tinted formula doubles up as a concealer, correcting discolouration and hiding any veins on the lids.
2. Using the wrong brushes
Step away from that spongey shadow applicator… I know most makeup palettes come with a small plastic device that features a foam triangle on either end, but honestly, they’re rubbish when it comes to blending out a killer smoke. If you want a professional finish avoid the free sponge blender, and instead, invest in some decent eyeshadow brushes. This doesn’t mean dropping half your overdraft on a fancy set from likes of Bobbi Brown (although…) no, there’s plenty of affordable and amazing brush kits on the high street, plus they won’t make your bank account weep. My favourite? Spectrum’s brushes; they’re wallet-friendly and high-quality.
3. Your eyeshadow doesn’t deliver
Not all eyeshadows are made equal. Whilst some can look patchy or uneven, others are super-pigmented, buttery and blendable. If you’re looking for high-quality shadows to invest in, read up on our favourite neutral eyeshadow palettes, here.
4. Up & Out = Winner
When applying eye makeup blend the shadow up towards the tail of your brow. Concentrate the majority of the pigment on the outer corner and then blend and diffuse the colour up and out, this will give the flattering illusion of a lifted eye.
5. Find the right undertone for you
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to eyeshadow undertones, after all, makeup is for experimenting with. That being said, it is worth working out the most flattering shades for your skin tone…
It may sounds obvious but if your skin has yellow or gold undertones, chances are, a warmer colour palette will look amazing with your complexion. If you have pink undertones experiment with cool-toned shadows as they’ll flatter you the most.
Cool-toned eyeshadow palette: MAC Eyeshadow x 15 Cool Tones, Dhs285
Warm-toned eyeshadow palette: Zoeva Caramel Melange Eyeshadow Palette, Dhs105
6. Opt for a colour that flatters your iris
If you want to enhance the colour of your eyes, be sure to swot up on the chart below.
The most flattering shade for your eyes tends to be the one that sits directly opposite on the colour wheel.
Blue eyes: Copper, peach and orange-based eyeshadows
Brown eyes: Cobalt blue, navy, purple and indigo shades
Green eyes: Wine-tones, purples and berry hues
7. Remember your lash line
You’ve spent forever blending those eyeshadows to perfection, but for some reason they still look a little unfinished (sound familiar?)
It’s crucial not to forget about the lash line. Remember to take the eyeshadow that you have used across the majority of your lid, and blend it along the lower lash line with a pencil brush, this will tie the look together.
Liner will enhance your shadow work and leave eyes looking polished. Grab a black kohl pencil and trace the upper and lower waterline, then, use a smudger brush to buff the pigment along the lash lines as well.
8. Know your shimmers, from your mattes
Just as you’d highlight and contour your cheekbones, when it comes to eyeshadow the same rules apply. Light shimmery shadows will emphasise, whilst matte tones will add shadow and definition. Bearing this in mind, if you place shimmer on the centre points of your eye it will attract attention to the iris. If you want to give definition to an area, e.g. the socket or lash line, opt for a dark matte eyeshadow.
9. Always highlight the inner corners
Brightening up the inner corners of your eyes with a highlighter or shimmer will instantly make your peepers appear bigger and wider. (Plus, it’s a great way to cheat a wide-awake look).
10. Don’t forget the brows
A defined brow will act as a frame for your eyeshadow. Whilst this doesn’t mean you have to go HAM with the Dip Brow, try running a pencil through your arches and filling in any sparse spots, it’ll take your eyes up a level and ensure they look finished.
11. Banish the bags
If you have dark circles a heavy eyeshadow can end up emphasising them. Avoid this by opting for the best concealer to cover any bags, I’m hooked on Too Faced’s Born This Way, Dhs135, the brightening formula is perfect for disguising a late night…
12. Avoid dry eyes
If your eyes are dry or flakey it can lead to shadows looking uneven, keep the delicate skin hydrated by applying an eye cream every morning and night.
Originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.co.uk