Eye makeup can be a bit tricky. It’s not just about slapping on some shadow and calling it a day; it takes time to create the perfect look.
The key to flawless-looking eyeshadow is using a few tips and tricks that are geared towards your specific eye shape. So, let’s get started!
Use a White Eyeliner Pencil
If you’re not sure where to start with white eyeliner, try a simple application along your lower waterline. It’s a classic trick that can instantly make your eyes look brighter and bigger. “It really enhances the whites of your eyes,” explains New York City-based makeup artist Julianna Grogan. It’s a great trick to have up your sleeve in case you forget your regular pencil or run out of the one you normally use, she adds.
The key to this eyeliner technique is to choose a creamy formula that won’t fade or smudge throughout the day. You can also go for a liquid liner if you want a crisper look. But for most of us, a pencil is easier to work with. A few favorites are Fenty’s Flypencil, a retractable lip and eyeliner crayon that comes in multiple shades including white. It’s easy to carry in your purse, has an ultra-fine felt tip for lines, dots, and wings, and is waterproof for long-wear.
You can also find plenty of other options at your local beauty store. TikTok star Alix Earle swears by Nyx’s Slide On Waterproof Pencil in Pure White, which she says lasts all day. Or check out this gel liner by Maybelline New York, which has a soft matte finish and stays smudge-proof all day.
You can even get super creative and create a graphic white eyeliner look, like the one seen on model Gigi Hadid. Draw a thin, straight line above your crease with a white eyeliner pencil—again, it’s best to opt for a creamy formula so it won’t flake or fade throughout the day. Try the Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil in Polished White for a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to blend.
Highlight Your Inner Corners
While using a light eyeshadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyes is a classic beauty trick for hiding dark circles and tired eyes, it can also be used to make your peepers pop. And, since the inner corner is higher than your lash line, it’s the perfect place to add a pop of color that’ll catch everyone’s attention.
The best way to do this is by applying a shimmery cream or powder highlighter to the area. And, while these types of products are often used to highlight the cheeks, they work just as well — if not better — on the eyelids. Simply dampen a brush with water or a setting spray, dip it in the product and then apply it to your eyelids and brow bone.
You can use almost any shade for this, but it’s important to choose a light one that compliments the color of your eyes. For example, blue eyes look best with shades of yellow, while green or hazel eyes are complimented by warm colors like oranges and chocolate browns. You can also try a light neutral or even a pale pink to draw attention to your eyes.
If you want to really go for a bold look, try adding an inner-eye pop of color that matches your wing. The power of TikTok on beauty trends is enormous as even celebrities use this to create a striking beauty look.
Another way to do this is by highlighting your inner corners with a highlighter that’s made specifically for the eyes. These products are usually cream-based and have a soft shimmer, which will naturally reflect the light and brighten your whole face.
Tightline Your Lower Waterline With a Dark Color
The lower waterline is an often overlooked area for eye makeup, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make your lashes look thicker. Use a dark shade of shadow that’s close to your natural color and line it just above your bottom lash line (right where the eyelashes begin). You can even tightline with a gel or pencil liner, but we recommend using an eyeshadow to keep things sleek and waterproof.
The important thing to remember when doing this is that you need to be extra careful as your eyes are super sensitive. If your eyeliner smudges, you need to take it off with a gentle makeup remover or you’ll end up looking like a hot mess. It’s also best to do this after you’ve finished all of your other eye makeup and before you put on mascara.
If you’re a hooded-eye gal, be careful about doing this technique with dark colors. If you line the entire lower waterline with dark makeup, it can make your eyes look small and droopy. Stick to highlighting the inner corners with light shades, instead, and you’ll find that your hooded eyes look more dramatic and bright.
As far as what shade to use, you can go for a neutral nude or even try a darker hue like blue or purple for something completely different. Just be sure that the darker hue you choose is not too close to your skin tone or you might end up looking muddy.
Put a Light Shimmer or Matte in Your Inner Corners
Eyeshadow can be one of the most intimidating makeup products to apply, especially if you’re just starting out with it. But the right shade (instead of a full-on pigment, try a cream texture) and strategic swiping can really make your eyes pop.
If you have hooded or downturned eyes, use a light shimmery eyeshadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyes. The shimmer will help them to look more awake and will also draw attention up toward your brow bone, pulling the eye upwards. You can also smudge a little of your highlighter in the middle of the lid, above the crease, to open up the eyes.
A basic technique for eyeshadow is to start with a light medium matte color that is close to your skin tone as your base color. Then, depending on the look you’re going for, you can take it all the way up to your crease for a dramatic smoky eye or stop it at your transition area for a simple everyday eyeshadow look. It’s important to remember that the lighter the eyeshadow shade you use, the more it will blend and open up your eyes, so stick with a neutral color or something that compliments your eyebrow color to keep the look natural.
Once you’ve got your base color down, it’s time to work in a darker color that will contour your lids and give the appearance of depth. For this step, it’s best to use a powdered eyeshadow since they’re usually easier to blend. Start by focusing on the crease of your eye where you want to create more definition, and then work the dark shade along the outside of your upper and lower lash lines. For a dramatic effect, finish the look with an eyeliner, either in a winged liner or just a darkening of your upper lash line, and some coats of mascara.
Use a Spoon to Apply Mascara
Nothing is more frustrating than spending time perfecting an eye look and then ruining it with mascara smudges. Luckily, there’s a simple trick that you can use to keep your eye makeup pristine: A spoon. You’ll want to make sure that your spoon is clean, but once you do, just hold it against your eyelids while you apply mascara. The back of the spoon will catch any residue from the wand and prevent it from touching your skin, so you’ll never have to worry about smudged mascara again.
This beauty hack is great for those who are trying to master a cut crease and need a way to keep their work intact. You can also try this technique when you’re wearing false lashes and need to get the lash line right.
And if you’re ever on vacation and realize that your eyelash curler is nowhere in sight, just call room service to grab a spoon from the kitchen. Turn the spoon horizontally and sandwich your eyelashes between your thumb and the rounded part of the spoon to curl them. You can even blow dry the spoon to add heat for an extra lift, if needed.