Oh, girl, I totally get it—the whole eye makeup world can feel like a maze at first. I remember trying to copy some bold makeup look I’d seen online, only to end up with what looked like a smudgy, colorful mess on my face.
But don’t worry—I promise it gets easier (and way more fun) once you know the basics and have a little guidance. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring new looks, or wanting a fresh technique, you can learn to make eye makeup work for you.
I’ve broken everything down into simple steps and thrown in some tips and trends so you’ll feel confident creating a look that feels true to you. Let’s dive in!
Mastering the Basics of Eye Makeup
Getting into eye makeup doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, with the right steps and a few essentials, you’ll be ready to experiment with anything from a natural look to full-on glam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it all easier.
Step #1: Eye Makeup Primer
Before anything else, an eye makeup primer is your best friend—it creates a smooth base and helps your makeup stay put all day. If you’re using an eyeshadow primer, it’ll reduce creasing and boost the color of your shadows, making them last way longer than they would without. This is a tiny but powerful step.
Step #2: Eyebrows
Oh, brows are a game-changer. A good brow can lift your whole look, and these days, soft feathered brows are super popular. To fill and shape, I go for the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel (available on Amazon) it fills in sparse spots and lasts without smudging. To apply, use short strokes to fill in, and then brush through with the spoolie for a natural look. Don’t worry if you’re new at this; brows are pretty forgiving, and the feathered look allows for a little less precision, which is nice!
Step #3: Eyeshadow
Alright, now for the fun part—color! I love starting with a palette that gives you plenty of options without being overwhelming. The L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette (available on Amazon) has a soft, sweet scent, and the shades blend together so beautifully. Start with a light pink all over the lid and crease, add a deeper pink on the lid, and follow with a medium brown in the crease to add some depth. Finally, dab the lightest shade in the inner corners for a pop that makes your eyes look bigger and brighter.
Once you get the hang of it, try playing around with different color combos from the palette—it’s perfect for both neutral and soft glam looks.
Step #4: Eyeliner
Eyeliner can totally transform the shape and vibe of your eyes. Whether you love a classic line or want to wing it out, waterproof liner is a must. The L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof (available on Amazon) glides on super smoothly and stays all day. Start with a line along your upper lash line, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little flick for a wing. With some practice, eyeliner can quickly become your signature look!
Step #5: Mascara
Mascara is like the icing on the cake—it brings everything together. My go-to is the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume (available on Amazon), which gives your lashes the perfect amount of curl and volume. For the best effect, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand as you move upwards. It adds just the right amount of drama and opens up your eyes beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Eye Makeup
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to keep your eye makeup looking flawless. These little hacks make a big difference:
- Always Use Primer: Seriously, it’s worth it—primer helps the colors pop and prevents creasing.
- Use Concealer as a Substitute: If you’re out of primer, a dab of concealer or foundation on the lids can work wonders in a pinch.
- Tape Hack for Sharp Lines: For precise lines, tape can be your best friend. Stick a piece diagonally from the corner of your eye to your temple, and remove when done. You’ll get clean lines without stress.
- Lash Primer for Volume: If you want extra volume, try a mascara primer before your main mascara. It really does make a difference.
- Go for Eyeshadow Quads: Not sure which shades go together? An eyeshadow quad, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow (available on Amazon), is great for matching tones without the guesswork.
- Tissues for Fallout: To prevent eyeshadow from falling onto your cheeks, hold a tissue under your eye while applying shadow.
- Business Card for Mascara: Avoid getting mascara on your lids by holding a business card right above your lashes.
- Fix Smudges with Micellar Water: If mascara smudges, just dab a cotton swab in L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types (available on Amazon) and gently clean it up.
- Set It All with a Mist: Lock everything in place with a hydrating setting spray like L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist (available on Amazon).
Trendy Eye Makeup Looks to Try
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, why not try something new? Here are a few of my favorite eye makeup trends to play around with.
- Cut Crease: Add definition by applying a darker shade in the crease and blending it upwards while keeping the lid sharp.
- Double Cut Crease: Up the drama with a second cut crease below the first—it’s bold and perfect for nights out.
- Negative Space Cut Crease: Create a modern look by leaving a blank space between two contrasting colors.
- Colored Mascara: For a pop of color, try a colored mascara instead of black.
- Foiled Eyeshadow: Apply wet shadow for a metallic, high-shine look.
- Graphic Eyeliner: Get creative with bold lines and shapes using eyeliner.
- Winged Eyeshadow: Mimic a winged liner look by angling your shadow toward your brow bone.
- White Eyeliner: Use white liner to brighten up your eyes—it’s unique and super fresh.
- Puppy Liner: Go for a soft, downward wing inspired by K-beauty to create a cute, open look.
- Accent Liner: Keep it minimalist with a small flick at the outer corner only.
- Feline Eyes: Use blue shadow, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu (available on Amazon), for a bold, cat-inspired shape.
- Two-Toned Eyes: Mix two colors for a dimensional look.
- Watercolor Eyes: Try sheer washes of pastel colors for a soft, blended effect.
- Sunset Eyes: Layer coral, purple, and gold tones for a dreamy sunset effect.
- Voluminous Lashes: Use a voluminous mascara like L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara (available on Amazon) to bring out those lashes.
- Halo Eyes: Center a light color on your lid and blend a darker color around it for a halo effect.
- Smoky Eye: For a sultry, classic look, go for a smoky blend of deep shades.
There you have it, love—your guide to fabulous eye makeup! No matter where you’re starting, makeup is a fun way to express yourself. Try things, make it your own, and most importantly, have fun with it.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.
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