The eyes are one of our most expressive features, but sometimes we don’t know how to use them properly. We have all been there – when a friend asks for advice on their eyebrows or eyeliner placement only to be met with blank stares from bewildered faces. This is because we lack basic knowledge in applying makeup correctly.
When it comes to putting eyeshadow under the eye, many people get it wrong. They either try too hard, or they simply overlook this important part of their face altogether. But if you follow these simple guidelines below, you’ll soon master how to put eyeshadow under the eye.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s easy to see why so many women love wearing cool-toned eyeshadow underneath. It creates depth and interest without being overdone. And best of all, it looks great even at an angle.
So here’s what you need to know…
Can you put eyeshadow under your eye?
Yes, absolutely. When done well, it works wonders. Suppose you want more information about exactly which colors should go where. Read on!
It’s also worth mentioning that although some brands may advertise ‘eye shadow’, they are often actually just pressed powder rather than true eyeshadow. True eyeshadow usually has glittery particles suspended within it (which means its color won’t rub off onto other areas of skin). However, as long as you stick to the same principles outlined below, you shouldn’t run into any problems.
If you’re unsure whether the product you’re using is truly eyeshadow, check out the packaging. You should always look for words like “powdered” or “pressed,” meaning that it contains no pigment.
How do you apply eyeshadow under my eye?
The first thing you must understand is where your natural crease starts. Usually found between your pupil and brow bone, it marks the border between a light-colored iris and darker-colored sclera. In short, it’s the line separating the two parts of your eye. Once you’ve worked this area out, everything else becomes much easier.
First step
Once you’ve determined where your crease begins, take a black eyeshadow pencil and draw a straight line along with it, extending upwards towards your eyebrow. From this line, begin working your way around your entire eye. Start by drawing small dots along the outer edge of the line, then connect each point to form circles. These will serve as guides throughout the rest of your application.
Seconds step
Next, start filling in the gaps between the lines. Take your lighter shade and paint over the top of the darkest shades, gradually fading up to a medium tone halfway through. Now fill in the remaining sections until you reach the inner corner of your eye. Then move on to creating the shape of the actual shadow itself.
Third step
To create the perfect curve, place the sharp end of the brush tip slightly above the center of the crease, allowing the bristles to fan outwards. Gently sweep downwards towards the outer corner of your eye, keeping the brush angled at 45 degrees. Repeat this movement on both sides until you’ve filled in every nook and cranny. For extra oomph, hold the brush parallel to the ground during application.
Fourth step
This next step is crucial. With the help of your guidelines, extend the edges of the shadow inward, stopping before you hit the white of the eyeball. Your goal now is to subtly soften the corners of the shadow. Using a damp sponge, lightly pat down the shadow along the outer portion of the lashes. Now repeat the process on the inside corners. Use a clean brush to smooth away the excess color from the base of the lashes.
Fifth Finishing step
For a soft finish, avoid brushing across the upper layers of mascara. Instead, focus on blending the edges of the shadow with the bottom layer of mascara (have you tried dupe mascaras?), taking care not to touch the delicate hairs themselves. Finish off by gently pattering dark eyeshadow over the whole area.
As mentioned earlier, you might notice that certain products say ‘eyeshadow’ on the label but aren’t anything like real eyeshadow. As long as you stick to the same general rules above, you shouldn’t come unstuck. Just make sure you choose something that matches your skin tone perfectly.
What to do
- Apply foundation primer to prepare skin for eyeshadow application.
- Create triangle shapes with your liner pencil, starting at the outside corners of your eyes and ending at the middle crease. Draw tiny dots diagonally upward toward the temples.
- Line upper lids with mid-tone brown eyeshadow. Blend smoothly with a fingertip for softer edges.
- Dab eyeshadow beneath the eye, following the natural crease. Make sure you keep the color consistent between the two halves of your eye.
- Extend the edges of the shadow inward, stopping before hitting the whites of your eyes. Soften the corners of the shadow with a damp cotton swab.
- Lining up your blush palette beforehand gives you a lot of room for choice. Try choosing a warm-toned peach-based cream blush blended with pink shimmer. Or perhaps a cool-toned violet hue mixed with gold sparkle. Experiment with different tones to discover which suits your skin better.
- Selecting the correct eyeshadow color depends largely upon personal preference. Many women prefer a matte finish whereas others feel more comfortable with a shiny appearance. Whatever type you decide to wear, remember to match your outfit appropriately.
- Achieving smoldering sex appeal doesn’t have to involve heavy makeup. Subtlety is key. So play around with various colors and finishes until you arrive at a style you adore.
- Keep your brushes clean and dry at all times. Dirt and oil buildup can cause serious damage to expensive tools. Wash them regularly with soap and water after every single use.
- Never cut your nails — unless you enjoy painful trimming sessions and lots of blood loss.
- Always set yourself plenty of time to complete your beauty routine. Getting dressed takes longer than usual, plus you’ll probably spend ages trying to tame stray hair. Consider leaving early to give yourself enough energy to function normally.
- Get creative with your wardrobe. Mixing and matching separate offers endless possibilities. Team neutral-colored pants or skirts with colorful tunics or blouses. Add accessories like scarves, belts, and jewelry to spice things up further.
- Stay hydrated! Drinking lots of clear fluids help prevent oily skin and makes your complexion appear clearer overall. Water hydrates the body while reducing puffiness. Avoid caffeinated sodas and alcohol, particularly those containing high amounts of sugar.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead cells and dirt buildup. Dead skin tends to clog pores and attract bacteria, causing breakouts. Scrubbing your face daily keeps pores unblemished and prevents acne flare-ups.
- Eat healthily. Eating foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts protect against free radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines. Healthy fats, protein, and fiber promote healthy cell growth while eliminating unhealthy ones. Opt for lean proteins like fish and chicken instead of fried fast food. Drink green tea to maintain youthful skin.
- Protect yourself from UV rays. Sunlight causes wrinkling and aging, leading to premature signs of aging. Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours (i.e., 10 am – 2 pm). Wearing sunglasses reduces the effects of sunburns.
- Exercise regularly to stay fit and boost circulation. Staying active allows fresh oxygenated blood to travel freely to every inch of your body, including facial muscles. Regular exercise boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, and improves heart health.
- Be careful with teeth whitening products. While bleaching does enhance enamel strength, it can weaken the tooth structure and lead to cracks if used improperly. Consult your dentist before undergoing treatment.
- Stop smoking immediately. Smoking wreaks havoc on the lungs, arteries, and skin. Not only does cigarette smoke irritate lung tissue, but it also stains teeth yellowish brown. Plus, nicotine constricts capillaries, depriving surrounding tissues of vital oxygen and nutrients.
- Watch your weight. Being overweight puts unnecessary strain on internal organs and weakens immune systems. Obesity increases risk factors associated with diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Adequate sleep and regular meals provide essential nutrients needed for good health.
- Manage stress effectively. Stress releases harmful adrenaline into the bloodstream, triggering headaches, upset stomachs, and insomnia. Dehydration, poor diet, and chronic fatigue tend to exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Taking breaks from stressful situations provides relief. Meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques can calm nerves and induce deep slumber.
- Have fun! Remember that life isn’t supposed to be taken seriously. Laugh often, smile, and socialize. Enjoy spending quality time with loved ones. After all, laughter is infectious.
- Maintain strong relationships. Having supportive friends and family members matters far more than material possessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you blend eyeshadow under your eyes?
When it comes to blending eyeshadow, there are a few things you can do. You can use a brush, your fingers, or a sponge. When blending eyeshadow under your eyes, you’ll want to use a thin brush so that you can get in between the lashes. You can also use a colored eyeshadow to line the bottom lashes. First, apply a primer to the area. Then, using a brush or your finger, apply the eyeshadow along the lash line. Start at the inner corner and work your way out. If you want a more dramatic look, you can extend the eyeshadow past the outer corner of the eye. Finish off with mascara.
How do you apply makeup to the lower lid?
When applying makeup to the lower lid, you’ll want to use a thin brush so that you can get in between the lashes. You can also use a colored eyeshadow to line the bottom lashes. First, apply a primer to the area. Then, using a brush or your finger, apply the eyeshadow along the lash line. Start at the inner corner and work your way out. If you want a more dramatic look, you can extend the eyeshadow past the outer corner of the eye. Finish off with mascara.
What is the best way to apply foundation?
There are a few different ways to apply foundation. You can use a brush, your fingers, or a sponge. When applying foundation, you’ll want to start in the center of your face and work your way out. Be sure to blend the foundation into your neck so that there’s no line of demarcation. Finish off with a setting powder or spray.
Why it doesn’t work for everyone
Eyeshadow under the eye can be a great way to accentuate your eyes, but it’s not for everyone. Some people find that no matter what they do, eyeshadow under the eye just doesn’t work for them. This might be because their eyes are downturned, mature, or need lots of lift. If that’s you, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to accentuate your eyes! You could try focusing on the upper lid only, or using different techniques that work better for your specific eye shape and type. The most important thing is that you like the way you look, so don’t feel like you have to force it if the lower lid shadow doesn’t work for you.
Last Thoughts
Do you want to know the best way to apply eyeshadow under your eyes? Most people find that it works well, given the right technique. The shadow under the eye can add definition and balance. Experiment with these dos and don’ts and see if you can make eyeshadow on the lower lid a flattering addition to your next eye look!
