The magic of eyeshadow is all in how you apply it and the possibilities are endless. From a simple swipe of colour, to a sultry smoky eye, your eye makeup can completely transform your look.
In the hunt for eyeshadow, you’ll find countless options, from classic powder shadows and buttery cream shadows to convenient eyeshadow sticks. With so much choice, it can be tricky to know where to start.
Looking to nail that easy everyday eye? Or maybe you want to find the shades that’ll really make your eyes stand out? Either way, we have you covered. We’ve spoken to the experts to bring you their top tips on how to apply eyeshadow (and make it last!).
Whether you’re wondering about prepping your base, what brushes to use or you may even need expert tips for hooded eyes, we have the answers to your questions…
Which colours will best suit my eye shade?
‘There’s no strict rule when it comes to eyeshadow colours, you should absolutely wear whatever shade makes you feel good. That said, some colours can really complement your natural eye colour and help make them pop.’ says Revolution Beauty makeup artist Adeola Gboyega.
Brown-eyed girls are in luck. ‘Most shades work well for brown eyes, but golds, coppers and warm bronzes add a lovely contrast,’ says Adeola. ‘Green eyes look gorgeous with purples, mauves and reddish undertones, while blue eyes really stand out with warmer tones like peach, copper, and rusty browns. Hazel eyes pair beautifully with earthy greens and soft plums.’
If you have a multi-tonal eye shade like hazel, look at the flecks within your main eye colour. Choosing a matching eyeshadow shade will make those tones sparkle the most, suggests Charlotte Tilbury.
If you want an expert to do the legwork for you, try Charlotte’s new Beautifying Eye Trends palettes: ‘For each one, I’ve used colour theory to curate nine universally-flattering shades that work harmoniously together,’ Charlotte tells us. Try Sensual Sunset for blue eyes, Emerald Effect for green eyes, Super Neutral for hazel eyes, or Denim Dimension for brown eyes.
What eyeshadow brushes are worth investing in?
Achieving the perfect eye look isn’t just about the shadows themselves, it’s about the tools you use, too. Of course, a gorgeous palette helps, but if you’re not using the right brushes, the look might fall flat.
It’s not about quantity. ‘You only really need three key brushes to get started,’ says Adeola. ‘A flat eyeshadow brush is ideal for packing colour on to your lid, it gives that rich pigment payoff exactly where you want it. A fluffy blending brush is essential for softening edges and blending colours together without any harsh lines. And finally, a fine detail or eyeliner brush is great for applying deeper shades to your lash line or adding definition with precision.’
Makeup artist Hannah Martin, author of bestselling beauty bible Make Up: A Masterclass In Beauty, also shares an easy tip to remember: ‘The fluffier the brush, the lighter the application. That’s true of all brushes and all makeup.’
Not sure where to start? Shop our favourite brushes…
Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Brush Set
How do I make my eyeshadow last?
Want your eyeshadow to last from your morning coffee-run to post-work drinks? The trick is all in the prep. We’ve all heard about priming your skin before you apply your base makeup, but have you primed your eyes, too? It might be the most underrated step in a makeup routine, yet it can make all the difference.
‘A good eyeshadow base is key, use an eyeshadow primer or even a dab of concealer like the Revolution Beauty Skin Silk Serum Under Eye Brightener & Concealer is good to use before applying eyeshadow to create a smooth canvas and help the pigment grip. Set it with a light dusting of Revolution Translucent Baking Powder or a neutral shadow before applying colour. This will keep everything in place and stop creasing throughout the day.’ says Adeola.
Cream shadow also works well, says Hannah. ‘I use cream shadows as a base for powder shadow as it gives me confidence that the makeup isn’t going to move. You can apply straight to the eyelid and then blend with your finger or brush.’
How do I stop my eyeshadow dropping?
We’ve all been there, one moment you’re applying eyeshadow, the next moment it decides to take a trip down south and ruin your perfectly applied base. But don’t worry, there are some easy tricks to prevent the dreaded fallout.
Adeola explains: ‘One of the main reasons for eyeshadow fallout is not tapping off the excess before applying. Especially when creating a smoky eye, it’s easy to go straight in and end up with product falling under the eyes, leaving things looking messy or even bruised looking. Always tap your brush, use light pressure when blending, and try not to overwork the product.’
She continues: ‘Do your eyes first. That way, if any fallout happens, you can clean it up before applying your base’ – it’s as easy as that!
How can I apply eyeshadow for an easy, daytime look?
Eyeshadow doesn’t have to be complicated, says Hannah. ‘Classic matte shadows are an excellent makeup bag staple suitable for all skin types and ages. Think of a matte neutral shadow in your makeup bag as a plain white shirt would be to your wardrobe. Classic and wearable, it goes with anything’ she says.
If you want to make it even easier, try opting for a cream shadow or a shadow stick. Simply swipe, blend (you can even use your finger for these) and you’re done.
How can I ramp up my eyeshadow from day to night?
Taking your eyeshadow from day to night doesn’t mean starting from scratch. All you need is a few minutes to add a touch of shimmer, or maybe smoke out your lash line for something sultrier.
Adeola says: ‘The quickest way to take your look from day to night is to add a shimmer shadow to the centre of your lid, it instantly brings dimension and glam. The Revolution Beauty Icon Palettes are fab for this, as they include a mix of matte and shimmer shades. During the day, stick to mattes, then press a shimmer on top with your finger or a brush for the evening. Refreshing your under-eye concealer can also make a huge difference – adding brightness back in lifts the whole look.’
How can I apply smoky eyeshadow that won’t look harsh?
Smoky eyes are a classic for a reason, but you don’t want to overdo it. Picking up those darker shades can feel intimidating if you’re not sure where to start. Victoria Beckham’s signature look is the perfect example – smudgy and effortlessly sultry.
When it comes to a smoky eye, Rupert Kingston, Creative Director and Co-founder of delilah explains: ‘The key to a soft, wearable smoky eye is blending. Our Stay the Night Smooth Shadow Stick Collection makes it effortless, as the creamy formula glides on and blends beautifully before setting in place. Start by applying a deeper shade along the lash line and outer corner, then use a fluffy brush or your fingertip to diffuse the edges. Layer and build intensity gradually, keeping the darkest tones close to the lashes for a seamless, smouldering look that never feels too harsh.’
‘I can do a smoky eye in under five minutes if I use a long-wear cream shadow stick,’ Hannah says, ‘Just blend the shade all over the lid and blend out with your finger – it’s that easy! Do the same along the lower lash line and finish with mascara.’
How do I use eyeshadow on a hooded eye?
Hooded eyes can make eyeshadow a little more tricker, but adopting the right techniques can make all the difference. It’s all about understanding the lid space you have and working with it.
‘When applying eyeshadow on to hooded eyes, lift your chin and look down into your mirror so you can see your full eyelid, and if you are working on the bottom of your eyes, tilt your chin down,’ says Charlotte. ‘This technique will help you apply eyeshadow with precision on the largest surface area of your eyes without smudging.
‘Next, apply eyeshadow above the crease to make your eyes look lifted and wider. People with hooded eyes often have a smaller visible eyelid when looking straight on, meaning some of the eyeshadow you apply can get hidden. My Tilbury tip is to apply eyeshadow a little past the eyelid, up into and past the crease, then blend upwards and outwards. Using my Eye Blender Brush, apply your eyeshadow from side to side on the lid like a windscreen wiper, but be sure to also blend it up and out past the eyelid.’
What’s the grown-up way to wear glitter?
When it comes to glitter, it’s important to think about where on your eyes you want it. There are plenty of ways to subtly add glitter to your eyeshadow look. Makeup artist and Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan recommends adding glitter to the inner corner of your eye or the lower lash line. ‘Doing this will open your eyes and make them look bigger,’ she said.
Any eyeshadow mistakes to avoid?
If you can’t already tell, the GH beauty team loves a good eyeshadow look. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, it doesn’t always go to plan. You might be making a common mistake without even realising it…
Rupert says: ‘One of the most common eyeshadow mistakes is not blending enough. Harsh lines and edges can make your eyes look unpolished. Always take a clean, fluffy brush to soften the edges for a seamless finish. Another mistake is skipping primer; without a good base, eyeshadow can crease or fade. Delilah Wake Up Radiant Eye Perfector works brilliantly as a primer, ensuring your eyeshadow stays put all day. Finally, be mindful of placement — darker shades should lift and define, not drag the eyes down, so focus on blending upwards and outwards for a flattering finish.’
