How to Apply Eye Makeup

When eye makeup is applied correctly, it can give your face a pretty polish for an interview or sultry drama for a fun night out. Once you get the basics down, you can use your creativity to enhance your eyes in a way that uniquely fits who you are and where you’re going. To apply eye makeup, first create a blank canvas with primer, foundation, and concealer. Then apply your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, and you’ll be ready to go rock your look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Creating a Blank Canvas

Before you get out your makeup, you’ll need to clean your face. Gently massage a cleanser into your skin to remove oil and dirt from your pores. Use a cleanser that’s made for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or somewhere in between. Rinse the cleanser off and pat your face dry with a clean hand towel.
Hydrate your face so that it looks attractively nourished and dewy underneath your makeup. Pick a moisturizer that’s good for your skin type and also has an SPF, and massage it into your skin.
Next, cover your face with a foundation primer. This will create a barrier between your skin and your makeup, which will keep your skin looking smooth and your pores looking small.
4
Apply your foundation. Foundations come in different colors, consistencies, and finishes, so you’ll need to try a few different ones by applying them to a section of skin on your face. Once you’ve picked a foundation, apply it to your face with a big makeup brush and then blend it in with a makeup sponge.
- Don’t forget to apply the foundation to your ears, neck, and decolletage as well to ensure attractive uniformity.^{[1]XResearch source}
5
Put concealer on your blemishes and undereye area. Use the pad of your finger to gently dot concealer underneath your eyes where you see darker and/or bluer coloration.^{[2]XResearch source} Blend by continuing to gently pat the area with your finger. Then use your finger to carefully dot and blend any blemishes or red areas you have.
- Don’t try to rub your concealer in; this will only remove it from the area.
- If you have major discoloration that’s difficult to even out with regular concealer, try using color correcting concealer.^{[3]XResearch source} Apply this to your problem areas after you apply foundation primer and before you put on your foundation.
Eye primer will keep your eyeshadow intact for hours, possibly even if you have a tough workout at the gym or get stuck in a thunderstorm. Use your finger to apply some primer to your eyelid to keep your eye makeup on point all day.^{[4]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Applying Eyeshadow

1
Choose the right brush to create the look you want. Different brushes can create different looks. For example, a larger brush works best for using a lighter layer of color all over your lid, while a smaller brush can create a darker, thicker layer of color. Often, you will need to use more than one brush to create the look you want.
- A large shadow brush is best for lightly coating your eyelids with a thin layer of natural looking color.
- A medium brush provides more coverage.
- A small brush provides the greatest color intensity and precision.
- Angle brushes are best for lining and detailing.
2
Pick three eyeshadows that are similar in color. To create smooth, attractive, transitions with your eyeshadow, you’ll need to use three colors that are similar in hue, but different in shade. Choose shades that range in lightness and darkness.
- For example, consider using a light lavender, a shimmery plum, and a bold deep purple.
Use a tapered precision eyeshadow brush to prevent messiness. Lightly dab the eyeshadow with it and tap off the excess.^{[5]XResearch source} The eyeshadow should not be caked onto your brush, but rather lightly coating the bristles.^{[6]XResearch source} It’s always easier to start with less and add more than the other way around.
With a clean eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest shade to your eyelid until you reach your tear duct. Also apply the shade just below your eyebrow to bring a pretty brightness to the right parts of your eye.^{[7]XResearch source}
Use another clean eyeshadow brush to apply the darkest of the three colors you’ve selected to the outside corner of your eyelid, just above your top lashes.^{[8]XResearch source} Then sweep the color into your crease, focusing more heavily on the outer half, in a back and forth motion.
Use yet another brush to apply the middle shade to your entire eyelid. This should pull the light and dark colors together in a seamless, fluid way.^{[9]XResearch source}
Finish creating your color transition by blending everything together with a small, soft brush. Work the brush in small circles to get the best result.^{[10]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Applying Eyeliner and Mascara

1
Choose an eyeliner. You can use liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner, or eyeshadow to line our eyes. Liquid eyeliner is better if you’re going for edgy and precise, or if you want to open up your eye more. Go with pencil eyeliner if you’re creating a softer or smokier look. No matter what type of eyeliner you choose, applying it correctly will make your eyes pop.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If you want to have winged eyeliner, use a liquid eyeliner and look down slightly as you apply it.^{[12]XResearch source} Draw a line that extends out and up past the outside corner of your eye.
- If you're lining your eyes with eyeshadow instead of liner, dip a small precision brush tip in some water and dab it in the color before starting.
- If you’re feeling bold, try applying some fun colored eyeliner.^{[13]XResearch source}
Apply eyeliner to the tops of your eyes. Start on the inside and work your way out while staying as close to your upper lashes as possible. Move across your upper lash line in tiny, controlled strokes. Go back and fill in the blanks with more small strokes.
3
Apply eyeliner to your bottom waterline. While you can apply your eyeliner to just the top, applying to the bottom as well will give you a bolder, more intense look. Only put eyeliner on the outside ¾ of your waterline. Bringing it all the way to the tear duct can look overwhelming and unattractive.
- Just after you’ve finished applying all of your eyeliner, smudge your top and bottom eyeliner with a q-tip if you’re doing a smokey eye.^{[14]XResearch source}
4
Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler. Curling your lashes will make them appear longer and also add drama to your eyes. Heat an eyelash curler with a hair dryer for a couple of seconds and then carefully clamp the curler down onto your lashes.
- Test the heat of the curler by holding the back of your hand about an inch (2.5 cm) away from it. Do this before using the curler so that you don’t burn yourself.^{[15]XResearch source}
5
Put on your mascara. Hold a mascara wand just underneath your top lashes. Do a sweeping motion upward and outward a few times to effectively coat your lashes. Wiggle the wand back and forth slightly while your do this do prevent groups of lashes from clumping together.^{[16]XResearch source} Do the same on your bottom lashes.
- Just do one coat of mascara if you’re doing natural everyday makeup and do two or three to add thickness for more boldness and drama.
- Consider gluing on false eyelashes with eyelash glue if you’re going for a glam look.
Advertisement

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Creating Different Looks

1
Smudge harsh lines to get a smokey look. Apply a black, gray, plum, or forest green eyeshadow from your upper lash line to your crease. Then use a small precision makeup brush to apply the same color to your lower lash line.^{[17]XResearch source} Carefully smudge any harsh lines with a smudge brush or q-tip. This will give your eye that smokey effect.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Don’t forget to line your eyes with a pencil and finish with a couple coats of volumizing mascara.^{[19]XResearch source}
2
Wear a shimmery neutral shadow during the day. Sweep a thin layer of shadow across your lid and then focus on simply defining your lashes as you apply one coat. Also, don’t forget to apply concealer to your undereye area to ensure an awake, aware appearance.^{[20]XResearch source}
- This look is perfect for work or school.
- If your skin is fair, try a shimmery champagne eyeshadow.
- If your skin is dark, try a metallic brown eyeshadow.
If you’re going out but want your eye makeup to be a little more minimal, the “clean” look is the way to go. Apply a thin stripe of liquid eyeliner to your top lash line and be sure to manicure your brows with a quality brow gel. Apply a coat or two of lengthening mascara to complete your fresh-faced look.^{[21]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How do you put on eyeshadow?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Apply eyeshadow with shadow brushes. Smaller brushes will provide a darker, cleaner line while large brushes give a softer hue and diffused edge. If you don't have shadow brushes on hand, you can use cotton swabs instead.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
Question
How do you put on eyeliner?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
For a classic eyeliner pencil, use short overlapping dashes to draw a line as close to the lash line as you can. Work from the outside corner in, stopping about three-fourths of the way to the inner corner.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 11
Question
How do you do eye makeup?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Begin by combing and shaping your eyebrows. Apply a primer, then follow with eyeliner, shadow, and mascara, in that order, skipping any products that you don't want to use.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Put white eyeliner on the inside of your eyes to make them appear bigger.
Thanks
Helpful40 Not Helpful3
If you are having trouble perfecting your winged eyeliner, try taking a piece of scotch tape and placing it on your eyelid. Use this as a guide to get perfect application.
Thanks
Helpful28 Not Helpful4
Practice a special occasion look beforehand, so that you're confident in the result when the time comes.
Thanks
Helpful29 Not Helpful5