The complete guide to applying eye makeup

You’re five steps away from gorgeous eyeshadow.

Applying eyeshadow is relatively easy. However, learning to apply eye makeup the right way is no simple task. How do you choose the right shade for your eye color and skin tone? Do you really need 10 makeup brushes? Will you ever use every color in that eyeshadow palette?

We know that it’s easy to get confused about the best ways to make your eyes pop, so we’ve crafted a five-step guide to show you exactly how to handle all those eyeliners, mascaras and shadows.

1. Start with great makeup brushes.

It’s hard to create a masterpiece without the proper tools. The same holds true for makeup application. Invest in a few good cosmetic brushes for even, precise and hygienic makeup application. Luckily, you can get great ones without dropping an entire paycheck.

2. Apply a base eyeshadow to the lid.

Using your eyeshadow brush, grab your eyeshadow palette and sweep your favorite base shade on your eyelid. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can bring this base color all the way up to your brow bone in preparation for a more dramatic smoky eye, or you can stop at the crease of your eye for a basic, everyday look. In the latter case, here’s a tip: Place the color into the crease of your eyelid when your eyes are open and work down toward the lash line. That way, you’ll never overshoot your crease or end up with messy lines.

3. Concentrate darker shadow in the eye crease.

Placing a darker tone of shadow in the crease of the eye makes your eyes pop by adding depth and dimension in the exact right spot. To get the look, dip a domed brush into a dark shadow and sweep it right along the eye socket, following the shape of your eye between your brow bone and eyelid. A deep brown like Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Thunderbird is universally flattering, no matter your eye color.

If you have hooded eyes, you will have to play with different, higher placements for crease shadow. Instead, start with your eyes open and use your brush to mark where you want that dark color to start in order to be visible. Then, close your eyes and blend across, smoothing out any hard lines and focusing pigment on the outermost corner of the eye in a “V” shape.

4. Rim your lash lines in a super-dark color.

Eyeliner that’s applied correctly can make your lashes look thicker. If you’re not a huge fan of eyeliner, you can get a similarly impactful look with a superdark eyeshadow. Use a flat, short-bristled brush to press the dark color along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin and along the lower lash line. If you like to wear liner on your waterline (the inner-most rim of the eye), the bristles might irritate your eye, so you can trace this line with one of our favorite waterproof eyeliners.

5. Highlight with a pretty, shimmery shadow.

Make your brows pop and add lift by adding a shimmery pale eyeshadow or pencil directly under the brow. Add the same pearly light color to the inner corner of the eye to brighten things up, too. Finish with a few coats of our favorite mascara.

Still feeling stuck? We love how YouTuber Haley Wight breaks it all down.

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