Eyeshadow can seem intimidating for beginners, but with some simple techniques and practice, anyone can create fun, colorful eye makeup looks. The key is starting with quality eyeshadows in easy-to-blend formulas and shades that complement your eye color and skin tone. It’s also important to have the right brushes to apply and blend shadow. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to do colorful eyeshadow looks for beginners.
Get the Right Supplies
Before attempting colorful eye makeup, assemble these basic supplies:
- Eyeshadow palette with both mattes and shimmers in a variety of colors
- Fluffy blending brush
- Smaller eyeshadow brush for applying color
- Angled brush for the crease
- Concealer and eyeshadow primer
- Mascara and eyeliner (optional)
- Eye makeup remover
- Cotton pads or balls
Look for eyeshadow palettes that offer at least 12 shades so you have plenty of options to mix and match. Prioritize buttery, pigmented formulas that blend well. Mattes create a smooth base while shimmers add fun pops of color.
Prep Your Eyes
Preparing your eyes is one of the most important steps for long-lasting, crease-free eyeshadow. Follow these tips:
- Moisturize your eyelids and under eyes.
- Apply eye primer evenly across the lid up to the brow bone. Let it set.
- Use concealer to cover any veins or discoloration on lids.
- Set primer and concealer with a light dusting of setting powder or base eyeshadow shade.
Your eyeshadows will really pop against the smooth, even base this process creates.
Focus on Blending
The secret to flawless, professional eyeshadow is blending. Follow these guidelines for blended beauty:
- Use light, feathery strokes and a light hand when applying and blending.
- Blend edges after applying each new shade.
- Use a clean fluffy brush to blend edges.
- Blend until there are no harsh lines between shades.
- Add colors gradually in thin layers and blend as you go.
Take your time and blend, blend, blend for a seamless finish.
Place Colors Strategically
Follow these tips on where to place each shadow shade:
- Apply your base shade all over the lid up to the brow bone. This will blend everything together.
- Use a mid-tone transition shade like a soft brown through the crease.
- Darker shades can go on the outer corners and outer crease.
- Pops of brighter color look best concentrated on the center of the lid.
- Metallic shimmers are great for the inner corners or lid centers.
- Matte highlight shades go right under the brow.
Use these placements as a guide, but feel free to get creative!
Start Simple
When first starting out, keep your eyeshadow looks simple. Try these easy eye makeup ideas:
- Basic neutrals – Use 2-3 matte browns, taupes or pinky nudes blended through the crease and outer corner.
- Wash of color – Sweep a shimmery shade over your lid up to the crease.
- Subtle smoky – Line your upper lash line with black or brown pencil. Smudge lightly, then blend the edges.
- Fun pop – Wear neutral shadows with a bright colorful liner on your lower waterline.
Once you’ve mastered these basic techniques, you can start experimenting more.
Add Depth
These tips will help you add dimension to your eyeshadow looks:
- Use a matte dark brown or black on the outer corners to add depth.
- Add a medium brown transition shade to the crease to contour it.
- Pop a shimmer on the inner corners to make eyes look wider and brighter.
- Layer a deep plum or purple shade over a neutral base shadow for a sultry, smoldering effect.
Play with lighter and darker versions of one color on the lid, crease, and brow bone for dimension.
Amp It Up
Once you’ve honed your blending skills, try these fun, colorful eye makeup ideas:
- Rainbow – Use matte primary shades of red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple across the lid into the crease.
- Halo eye – Surround a pop of shimmer on the center lid with deeper shades.
- Cut crease – Use concealer to carve out an exaggerated, rounded crease shape.
- Graphic liner – Create geometric or graphic liner shapes with liquid or gel liner.
- Smoky jewel tones – Blend rich shades like forest green, cobalt blue or burgundy through the crease.
The options are endless – just pick shades you love and blend away!
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some common beginner mistakes and how to fix them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Patchy color | Use a primer, pat shadows on before swiping, use a damp brush for shimmers |
| Fallout under eyes | Do eyes first before base makeup, hold a tissue under eyes |
| Creasing | Set primer with powder, avoid oily products, use an eyeshadow base |
| Muddiness | Blend colors together well, use transition shades, wipe excess shadow off brush |
| Uneven blending | Use light, feathery strokes in small sections, blend back and forth |
With practice, you’ll learn techniques to avoid and fix common eyeshadow issues.
Conclusion
Learning to create colorful eye makeup looks as a beginner just takes a few key steps. Invest in quality shadows, prep lids properly, master blending, strategically place shades, start simple, then work your way up to more dramatic looks. Follow the techniques here while practicing and playing with color. Soon you’ll be a eyeshadow pro!