How to Apply Eyeshadow for Beginners
Applying eyeshadow involves more than swiping some color on your eyelid. Beginners often get patchy application that creates a muddy look, or they accidentally use too much eyeshadow. A simple eyeshadow routine involves choosing shades that match your style, applying color lightly, blending well, and adding dimension. The right tools can make eyeshadow easier, with Sigma eyeshadow brushes delivering smooth, seamless application every time.
Our eyeshadow tutorial for beginners covers the best products and tools for eyeshadow application and gives you a step-by-step guide.
What Do You Need to Apply Eyeshadow?
Before you learn how to apply eyeshadow, invest in the right tools. You will need:
- An eyeshadow palette that complements your personal style and natural features
- A blending eyeshadow brush
- A shader brush
- An optional primer
When it comes to choosing your first eyeshadow palette, look for something versatile and neutral. Sigma Beauty's Cool Neutral Eye Collection is an ideal option for those who are new to eyeshadow, because it features more than a dozen neutral tones in both matte and shimmer shades. A blending brush and shader brush are the two essential eye brushes that you need for a quick and seamless application. Both are available as part of Sigma's Basic Eye Brush Set (along with several other critical eye brushes that you will need as your skill set and collection grows).
Primer, while optional, plays an important role in your eye makeup routine. Typically, primer is applied first before you ever add any eyeshadow, and it helps set your makeup in place for the day. When used properly, primer prevents creasing and smearing, supporting easy eyeshadow looks. Sigma Beauty's Bright-Eyed Essentials Set includes an eyeshadow primer as well as a versatile eyeshadow quad and a mini eye brush set, letting you take your routine on the go.
Beginners can get started with just a few shades and brushes, letting them perfect their routine before they invest in more advanced tools and more extensive palettes.
How to Apply Eyeshadow for Beginners: 5 Easy Steps
Follow this step-by-step eyeshadow tutorial to get started:
Prepare Your Eyelids
For the best results, start with a clean, smooth eyelid base to prevent a patchy look. If you are applying makeup in the morning and want it to last all day, start with an eyeshadow primer. Primer helps to keep makeup in place and preserve color, preventing unseemly creasing or smearing later in the day.
Choose Your Eyeshadow Colors
This is the fun part: choosing the shades that will set the tone for your look that day. For beginners, it's best to start with 2 or 3 complementary neutral shades. A neutral base, subtle transition shade, and deep accent color can create a layered, natural look that still adds depth and dimension.
Sigma's eyeshadow palettes are beginner-friendly because they offer a wide range of matte and shimmer shades.
Apply Your Base Eyeshadow
Your base eyeshadow goes on first. Lightly apply a neutral matte shade to your eyeshadow shader brush, and gently blend it over the entire eyelid. Your base layer should go from eyelid to crease, but in some cases, you may want to take it all the way up to your brow. A shader brush works best for the base layer because it allows for controlled application.
Blend Eyeshadow Into Your Crease
Use a shimmer transition shade to soften harsh edges and add a flourish of color to your look. Choose a shimmery shade that complements your neutral base. Use gentle blending motions with a Sigma blending brush to apply the transition shade along the crease.
Add Definition and Blend Everything Together
Optionally, you can add a deeper shade to the outer corner or crease for added dimension. The key is to use a detail blending brush to blend the shades together and create a seamless finish. Always build color gradually to avoid a muddy look.
Which Eyeshadow Brushes Should Beginners Use?
The eye brushes that you use have a big impact on your final look. These are the essential eye makeup brushes that you need:
- Shader — This is the brush that you will use to apply your neutral base layer, making it essential to have on hand.
- Blending — This powerful brush leads to a seamless application.
- Crease — Necessary for adding depth and dimension, the crease brush lets you apply deeper shades with precision.
- Detail — Used along the crease or in the outer corner, this brush gives you creative control over your eyeshadow look.
Common Eyeshadow Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Knowing how to apply eyeshadow is important, but you also need to know which mistakes to avoid. These are the top mistakes that beginners sometimes fall victim to:
- Applying too much product.
- Skipping blending.
- Using the wrong brush.
If you make a mistake and your eyeshadow looks patchy or muddy, don't worry. You don't need to wash your face and start over. You can achieve a smoother finish by applying a transition shade to your blender brush, and gently press the eyeshadow onto your lid. Using the right brush here is important, as it can help you achieve a more cohesive and even application without starting fresh.
Easy Eyeshadow Looks to Try as a Beginner
Here's a few easy eyeshadow looks to try first:
- One-shade neutral — This simple and seamless application involves primer and a neutral base layer over the lid. It lets you grow confident in your technique before trying more advanced looks.
- Soft everyday glam — Using a two-shade approach, you can add a touch of glamor to your everyday look. To achieve this, apply a neutral matte shade over your eyelid, and add a complementary shimmer shade along the crease and upper lid.
- Subtle smokey eye — Use warm brown tones and a blending brush to start learning how to achieve the coveted smokey eye look, which is perfect for your next night out.
FAQ
Beginners should use a set of basic eye makeup brushes, and rely on the two-color trick for a simple yet gorgeous eye look. This involves applying a neutral base layer in a matte shade and then adding a touch of shimmer on top for definition and color.
Start with a primer, which will prevent your eyeshadow from smearing or creasing throughout the day. Then, apply a neutral, matte shade to your upper eyelid. A shimmery shade on top can add a pop of color. If you are hoping to elevate your eye look, apply a deeper matte shade to the crease of your eyelid and the outer corner.
Beginners should stick with a two-color application until they become more comfortable with their tools and familiar with their simple eyeshadow makeup routine. Generally, a matte shade and a shimmery shade pair well together.
The key to proper eyeshadow blending is to have the right tools on hand. A basic eye brush set will have the exact brushes that you need for a full eyeshadow application. With a fluffy blending brush, lightly apply eyeshadow and gently blend it onto the eyelid along the edges.
Yes, you can apply eyeshadow without primer, but primer is recommended for all-day wear because it helps prevent creases and smearing throughout the day.
Master the Basics With Sigma Beauty
With a few shades, the right brushes, and basic blending techniques, you have the tools you need for easy eyeshadow looks that are both simple and stunning. Sigma Beauty's eyeshadow palettes and eye brush collections are designed for beginners and makeup enthusiasts alike, providing you with high-quality, lasting makeup and durable tools that support an effortless style.