How to Apply Eyeshadow for Beginners

Eyeshadow can be a powerful tool for enhancing your eyes and creating a variety of looks. But if you're new to wearing eyeshadow, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Don't worry, we're here to help! In this ultimate guide to how to apply eyeshadow for beginners, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right colors to applying them like a pro. So whether you're looking to create a natural everyday look or a more dramatic evening look, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know for applying eyeshadow.

Where Do You Apply Eyeshadow?

Every eyeshadow application starts on the eyelid, from the lash line to the crease. Always apply your eyeshadow to closed lids to ensure nothing gets into your eyes. You can also apply it to the brow bone and underneath the lower lash line, but these areas are optional. Light eyeshadow is also sometimes applied to the inner corners of the eyes to create a wider-eyed, more awake look. It all depends on what eyeshadow look you want to create!

How Do You Choose
an Eyeshadow Color?

When choosing an eyeshadow color, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your skin tone and eye color. Certain colors will complement your natural features better than others. For example, if you have fair skin and light eyes, you might want to choose softer, more neutral shades. If you have darker skin and eyes, like brown eyes, you can usually wear bolder colors.

Second, think about the occasion. Are you going for a natural look for everyday wear, or a more dramatic look for a special event? If you're not sure what to choose, a neutral palette with a variety of shades is always a safe bet.

Everyone looks good in natural eyeshadow colors like beiges, creams, and browns—which is why we love our Shadow Blocks™ in shade North 3rd & Bedford Ave. A good basic trio of eye shadow colors to have is 1) a neutral, nude tone that matches your skin, 2) a paler neutral shade to use along the brow bone and as a highlighter, and 3) a dark neutral shade to use as a liner or to create darker, sultrier looks. These three simple light-medium-dark shades are the cornerstone of almost any look.

But what if you love color? Then reach for our other Shadow Block™ palettes Broadway and Prince St, West 4th and Perry St, 82nd and Park Ave, and 26th and Madison Ave. These bold, blendable eyeshadows offer all-day pigmented color and wear! And with their travel-friendly packaging, they are the perfect accessory to any makeup bag for on-the-go application!

Color Tattoo® Eye Stix are another great option for bright color, including shimmer shades. These easy-to-apply eyeshadow sticks are great for bold, vibrant looks.

Try on all of our eyeshadow shades today with our Virtual Try-On tool.

Do You Apply Dark
or Light Eyeshadow First?

Whether you’re working with creams or powders, the first shade you apply should be a neutral shade that matches your skin tone. Always prime your full eyelid with a layer of neutral shadow to even out skin tone and give shadows a base to rest. Eyelids can be a bit moist, and a base is needed to keep color smooth and even. This is true even if you’re attempting a non-neutral look. When applying eyeshadow, it's generally best to start with a light shade and then add darker shades to define your crease and add depth. This will help you to create a smooth, blended look.

Can You Use Just
One Color for Eyeshadow?

Absolutely you can use just one color! A single eyeshadow color can be used to create a variety of looks, from a simple wash of color to a more dramatic smoky eye by blending the color outward. If you're using just one color, be sure to blend it well and add some definition to your crease. Go with a single swipe of matte, or choose a shimmer shade for some extra fun!

How to Use Different
Eyeshadow Formulas

There are three main types of eyeshadow formulas: powder, cream, and stick. Each formula has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

How to Apply
Powder Eyeshadow

Powder eyeshadow is still the most popular format of eyeshadow. It’s silky, stays put, and comes in—no joke—every color, shade, finish, and depth you could imagine. It’s the professional makeup artist’s favorite for its versatility and range. There’s no better place to start with powder eyeshadow than with our best matte eyeshadow palette. These pocket-size palettes stack big color. Each palette comes in 2 matte shades and one shimmer shade and are inspired by the city streets in some of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods!

When working with powder eyeshadow, you can apply with your fingertips or choose your favorite makeup brush. If using a brush, be sure not to load it up when applying—whisk the brush across the shadow 2-3 times, then tap off any excess powder in a clean tissue before brushing onto lids from the inner to the outer corner of the eyes. Voila! Eyeshadow applied.
  • Shadow Blocks™ Eyeshadow Palette Makeup
    West 4th and Perry St
    Buy now
  • The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
    Eye Shadow Palette
    Buy now
  • Expert Wear® Eyeshadow Quads
    Natural Smokes
    Buy now
  • The City Mini® Eyeshadow Palette
    Rooftop Bronzes
    Buy now
  • Expert Wear® Eye Shadow
    Nude Glow
    Buy now

How to Apply
Cream Eyeshadow

Cream eyeshadows are a newer and more finger-friendly form of eye color. They slick on easily and require buffing into lids with a clean finger. You can layer them to build intensity or stick with one light wash for a natural kiss of color. Cream eyeshadow is a great option for people with dry skin. It's more emollient than powder eyeshadow, so it won't dry out your skin.

To apply cream eyeshadow, use your finger or a brush to apply it to your eyelid. Blend it well and then add powder eyeshadow to set it in place. Another option to explore is creamy powder formats. Swipe the cream/powder fusion across your lid with a makeup brush to deposit a rich layer of smooth, even color across your eyes.
  • New
    Color Tattoo® Eye Stix Multi-Use Eyeshadow Stick, Liner, & Primer
    I am Authentic
    Buy now

How to Apply
Stick Eyeshadow

Stick eyeshadow is a convenient option for people who are on the go. It's easy to apply and it doesn't require any brushes. Stick eyeshadow like Color Tattoo® Eye Stix can be used as a primer for your powder eyeshadow, as your primary eyeshadow, or even as eyeliner.

To apply stick eyeshadow, simply swipe it across your eyelid and blend it with your finger. For ideas for more elaborate stick eyeshadow looks, check out our guide to how to use eyeshadow sticks.
  • Color Tattoo® Eye Stix Multi-Use Eyeshadow Stick, Liner, & Primer
    I am Extravagant
    Buy now

How to Apply Eyeshadow Step-by-Step

Now that you know the basics of eyeshadow application, let's go through the steps of how to apply eyeshadow like a pro. This guide is perfect for creating your own eyeshadow looks using the correct techniques, but if you want an easy eyeshadow look you can recreate exactly, there is a beginner eyeshadow look tutorial right after this one!

Step 1: Prime Your Eyelids

Before you apply eyeshadow, it's important to prime your eyelids. This will help your eyeshadow to adhere better and last longer. You can use Color Tattoo® Eye Stix in a neutral shade as eyeshadow primer or simply apply a thin layer of concealer to your eyelids.

Step 2: Apply a Matte, Transition Shade in Your Crease

The next step to applying eyeshadow is to apply a matte, transition shade to your crease. This will help to define your crease and create a smooth, blended look. Use a fluffy brush to apply the transition shade to your crease only.

Step 3: Apply Base Eyeshadow to Your Lid

Next, apply a base eyeshadow to your lid. This can be any color you like, but it's usually best to choose a neutral shade that will complement your skin tone. Use a flat brush to apply the base eyeshadow to your lid, blending it well.

Step 4: Add Additional Eyeshadow for Your Desired Look

Now it's time to add additional eyeshadow to your lid to create the look you’re going for, whether that’s a two-tone eye look, a smokey eye, a shimmer look, or a cut crease. You can use one color or multiple colors, depending on the look you're going for. Use a small brush to apply the eyeshadow to your lid.

(Optional) Step 5: Highlight Your Brow Bone & Inner Eye

To add a touch of brightness to your eyes, you can highlight your brow bone and inner eye. Use a small brush to apply a light, shimmery shade to these areas.

Step 6: Add Eyeliner & Mascara

Finish your eye look by adding eyeliner and mascara. Eyeliner will help to define your eyes, and mascara will help to thicken and lengthen your lashes.

Easy Beginner Eyeshadow Look Tutorial

Now that you know how to apply eyeshadow, let's go through a step-by-step tutorial for a simple beginner eyeshadow look.

Step 1: Prime Eyes With Concealer

Dab two dots of concealer on each lid and blend in with a makeup sponge to create the perfect eyeshadow canvas. This allows color to really pop and stay all day. You want it to feel a bit tacky!
  • Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
    122
    Buy now

Step 2: Apply Neutral Shadow On Crease

Next, apply a warm, neutral-toned eyeshadow shade to your crease. This will help to define your crease and create a smooth, blended look. You can use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply powder eyeshadow or use an eyeshadow stick like Color Tattoo® Eye Stix.
  • Color Tattoo® Eye Stix Multi-Use Eyeshadow Stick, Liner, & Primer
    I am Courageous
    Buy now
  • Expert Wear® Eye Shadow
    The Glo Down
    Buy now

Step 3: Apply Deeper Shadow On Outer Corners

Now, apply a deeper shade of eyeshadow just to the outer corners of your eyes and on the lower lash line for a “wrapped” effect. This will help to add depth and dimension to your look. Blend in well.
  • New
    Color Tattoo® Eye Stix Multi-Use Eyeshadow Stick, Liner, & Primer
    I am Cheeky
    Buy now
  • Expert Wear® Eye Shadow
    Cool Cocoa
    Buy now

Step 4: Apply Bright Shade To Center Of Lids

Next, add shine and make the eyes pop using a bright, shimmery eyeshadow shade right in the center of your eyelids. This will help to brighten up your eyes and make them look more awake.
  • Color Tattoo® Eye Stix Multi-Use Eyeshadow Stick, Liner, & Primer
    I am Shining
    Buy now

Step 5: Finish Eyes With Liner & Mascara

Finish your eye look by adding eyeliner and mascara. Apply a gel pencil eyeliner in black right along the lower lash waterline and smudge slightly. Do the same with the top lash line. Finish with 2-3 coats of mascara, teasing the mascara right at the base for a full, fluffy effect. Eyeliner will help to define your eyes, and mascara will help to thicken and lengthen your lashes.
  • Tattoo Studio® Sharpenable Gel Pencil Longwear Eyeliner Makeup
    Deep Onyx
    Buy now
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Washable Mascara Makeup
    Very Black
    Buy now

Eyeshadow Application FAQs

Eyeshadow should typically be applied from the lash line to the crease. You can also apply it to the brow bone and underneath the lower lash line, but these areas are optional. You can apply eyeshadow underneath your eye, but it's not necessary. If you do choose to apply eyeshadow underneath your eye, be sure to use a light shade and blend it well. You can apply eyeshadow with a brush or your finger, and each application style has its own benefits. Brushes are more precise, so they're better for applying detailed looks. Fingers are more convenient, so they're better for applying quick and easy looks. You can wet your brush before applying eyeshadow, but it's not necessary. Wetting your brush can help to intensify the color of the eyeshadow, but it can also make it more difficult to blend.

Shop Eyeshadow

Now that you know how to apply eyeshadow like a pro, it's time to shop for some new eyeshadows! Maybelline has a wide variety of eyeshadows to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect shades for you.

See More Eyeshadow Tutorials

For more eyeshadow tutorials, check out our collection of how-to blogs. We have a variety of tutorials for different eyeshadow looks, so you're sure to find something you love.