Eye makeup for beginners should start small. You do not need a large palette or a drawer of brushes. A soft neutral eyeshadow, a pencil liner and a mascara are enough to make your eyes look more defined, and you can learn every basic skill with them.
What you need
| Item | What to choose first |
|---|---|
| Eyeshadow | A small palette with a light shade, a medium matte brown or taupe and one deeper shade |
| Eyeliner | A soft pencil in brown or black |
| Mascara | A basic lengthening formula in black or brown |
| Brushes | One flat brush to press color on, one fluffy brush to blend |
| Optional | Eyeshadow primer or a little concealer, a brow pencil |
Matte and satin shades are the easiest to blend. Save glitter and very dark colors for later.
The parts of the eye area
- Lid: the part that moves when you blink.
- Crease: the fold above the lid, where the eyeball meets the brow bone.
- Brow bone: the area just under the eyebrow.
- Lash line: the edge where the lashes grow.
- Inner and outer corners.
Five steps to a simple look
1. Prepare the lid
Dab a small amount of eyeshadow primer or concealer over the lid and blend it up to the crease. This evens out color and helps eyeshadow to last. Set concealer with a touch of powder so that it does not crease.
2. Apply a base shade
With the flat brush, press the light shade all over the lid, from the lash line to just above the crease.
3. Add definition
Pick up a little of the medium shade on the fluffy brush and tap off the excess. Look straight ahead with your eyes open, place the brush in the crease at the outer third of the eye, and blend back and forth in small strokes. Keep blending until there are no hard edges.
4. Line the eyes
Draw the pencil along the upper lash line in short strokes, as close to the lashes as you can. Start at the outer corner and work inwards. Smudge it gently with a fingertip or a small brush for a softer line. Pencil vs Gel vs Liquid Eyeliner: Key Differences compares pencil, gel and liquid liners.
5. Apply mascara
Place the wand at the roots of the upper lashes, wiggle it slightly and sweep upwards. One or two coats are enough. See How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps for a clump-free method.
Brush your eyebrows into place, and fill any gaps lightly if you like. See How to Shape and Fill Your Eyebrows.
Tips that make it easier
- Use small amounts. It is far easier to add eyeshadow than to remove it.
- Tap the brush on the edge of the palette before it touches your face.
- Blend with a clean brush if a line looks harsh.
- Do your eyes before your base when you are learning. Fallen eyeshadow can then be wiped away without disturbing foundation.
- Check both eyes in the mirror from a little distance. They do not need to be identical.
Hygiene for eye makeup
The eye area is delicate, so cleanliness matters more here than anywhere else on the face.
- Wash your hands before you start.
- Do not share eye makeup, and do not use testers directly on your eyes.
- Never add water or saliva to a product.
- Replace mascara about every three months, or sooner if it smells odd or becomes dry.
- Do not apply eye makeup in a moving vehicle.
- Stop using a product that makes your eyes sting, itch or turn red, and do not wear eye makeup during an eye infection.
- Remove everything before bed. See How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently.
Where to go next
When this look feels easy, try a deeper shade at the outer corner, a small wing of liner, or a smoky effect. Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With lists the products worth having in a first complete makeup kit.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps
- Pencil vs Gel vs Liquid Eyeliner: Key Differences
- How to Shape and Fill Your Eyebrows
- How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently
- Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What eyeshadow colors are best for beginners?
Neutral matte shades such as beige, taupe and soft brown suit every eye color and are forgiving to blend.
Do I need eyeshadow primer?
It is optional. Primer helps eyeshadow to last and stops creasing, especially on oily lids. A little concealer set with powder does a similar job.
How do I stop eyeshadow falling onto my cheeks?
Tap excess powder off the brush, press color onto the lid instead of sweeping it, and do your eyes before your foundation while you are learning.