Starting your makeup journey can be overwhelming. What’s with all the fancy terms like crease, blend, smoke, buff… and seriously, what does an eye primer even do? Don’t stress—we’re here with the tell-all on everything you need to know about eyeshadow, from formulas to types of eyeshadow makeup and the best eyeshadow palette options out there.
Types of Eyeshadows
What’s the deal with powders, creams, and liquids? Let’s find out what makes ethese types of eyeshadows unique:
1. Powders
Powder eyeshadows are the most common and versatile type, making them perfect for the newbies. Pressed powders are convenient—especially with several options in a palette—-while loose powders offer more intense pigment but can be a little messy.
Wondering which eyeshadow palette is best?
Smytten’s picks:
2. Creams
Cream eyeshadows are known for their rich, vibrant colours and smooth, blendable texture. They provide a hydrating feel and a glowy finish, making them ideal for creating bold, eye-catching looks. You can also set cream shadows with a matching powder to enhance their longevity, though this may reduce their sheen.
3. Liquids
Liquid eyeshadows offer long-lasting wear and intense pigmentation. They often come with an applicator, making them easy to apply precisely. Liquids are perfect for creating sharp lines, cut creases, or bold lid colours. Some of the best glitter eyeshadow options are in liquid form.
Smytten’s picks:
Applying Eyeshadow
Applying eyeshadow might seem intimidating when you’re not sure where to start. But it’s all about the step-by-step and you too can achieve a stunning look:
Step 1: Prime Time
Start with an eye primer to prep your lids. This step is crucial as it helps your eyeshadow last longer, prevents creasing, and allows for smoother blending. Without primer, your eyeshadow might fade or gather in your crease throughout the day.
Step 2: Choose Your Palette
As a newbie, go for simple quads instead of a professional eyeshadow palette that will overwhelm you. A quad contains four complementary shades that you can use to create a complete look without the confusion of too many eyeshadow shades.
Smytten’s best eyeshadow palette brand options for a quad:
Step 3: Base Colour
Start with a lighter colour as the base. Apply it to the centre of your lid and blend it out using side-to-side and small, circular motions to cover your entire lid. This creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your eyeshadow.
Step 4: Crease Colour
Define the crease with a slightly darker colour. Use a blending brush to apply this shade in the crease of your eye, blending it outwards to add depth and dimension.
Step 5: Outer Corner
Use a dark colour to deepen the outer corner of your lid. You can also drag it out into a V for some drama and intensity.
Step 6: Highlight
Pack on a glitter or shimmer shade in the inner corner of your eye to brighten and open up your eyes.
Finish your look with some eyeliner or mascara, and get ready to turn heads!
At the end of the day, applying makeup is about expression and you don’t always need a professional eyeshadow palette to make it fun. Just remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours and techniques to find what works best for you.
Types of eye makeup:
1. Monochromatic eyeshadow
Keep it simple with different eyeshadow shades of one hue. A wash of pink or blue or yellow with darker shades to define the corner and crease. Monochromatic is the best eyeshadow look for those with hooded eyes as too many colours may get lost under the folded skin.
2. Smokey eye makeup
Want to give off a sultry vibe? Try this for a smokey eye with a pop of colour. Start by adding black liner to your tightline and waterline and smoke it. Then, for a classic look, smoke it further into a gradient with brown eyeshadow or if you’re feeling fun, try a yellow or even pink on the lid!
3. Inner corner colour
If too much colour intimidates you, the easiest way to begin your journey is by adding just a bit of colour to your inner corner. Match it with your outfit and get a fun look with just a touch of colour.
This is just a launchpad for your eyeshadow journey. As you try more and more looks, you’ll get even more creative. Just start off with the blending, bestie!
