Makeup is all about self-expression, and what better way to show off your vibe than through your eyes? When it comes to eye makeup, the possibilities are endless! Go bold with a dramatic cut crease, keep it chill with soft mattes, or add a touch of shimmer to make your eyes pop.
While there are no strict rules on how to do eye makeup, a few key techniques can make all the difference—especially if you’re just starting out. Let’s be real, even a simple eyeshadow look can feel tricky at first. But don’t worry! With this step-by-step guide to eyeshadow for beginners, you’ll be blending like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Primer
Just like your foundation needs a solid base, so do your lids! Sure, you might be slaying your simple eyeshadow looks without a primer, but trust us—once you try it, you’ll never go back. A good eye primer smooths things out, keeps your shadow from creasing, and makes your look last all day. No smudging, no budging!
Step 2: Base Colour
Let your primer set for a minute, then go in with a base shade—usually the lightest or second lightest shade in your palette. Sweep it all over your lids to create a seamless, even-toned canvas for the rest of your easy eyeshadow look. This step makes blending a breeze!
Step 3: Add Colour & Define
Now for the fun part (aka where things can get a little messy). Pick a shade from the Simply Nam Dawn to Dusk Eyeshadow Palette—aka the best eyeshadow palette for beginners—and use a pencil brush to create a soft V on the inner and outer corners. Then, grab a lighter shade and sweep it into your crease to shape and define your eyes. It’s all about that seamless dimension!
Step 4: Blend, Blend, Blend
The golden rule of how to do eye makeup? Blending is everything. But here’s the trick—don’t overdo it or leave it patchy. Grab a fluffy blending brush and use a gentle windshield wiper motion to soften the edges. No harsh lines, just a smooth, dreamy gradient!
Step 5: Shine Bright
Time to bring that pop to your easy eyeshadow look! Take a metallic or foil shade from the Simply Nam Dawn to Dusk Eyeshadow Palette and tap it onto the center of your lids—your fingers work best for this step! Don’t forget to add a little shimmer to your inner corners and brow bone for that extra oomph.
Step 6: Smoked-Out Liner
Ditch the regular liner and grab the darkest shade from your best eyeshadow palette for beginners to create a soft, sultry eyeliner. Use a pencil brush and smudge it along your lash line for that effortless lived-in glam. Too scared to freehand it? Simply swipe on The Ultimate Kajal for a clean, foolproof finish!
Step 7: Define & Elevate ✨
Want your simple eyeshadow look to really stand out? Tightline your upper lash line with The Ultimate Kajal—it glides on like a dream and instantly makes your eyes look bigger, bolder, and more defined. Bonus: No gaps, just a seamless, polished finish!
Step 8: Lash Lift, But Make It Easy! 💁♀️
No easy eyeshadow look is complete without mascara! Swipe on Simply Nam Clean Lashes Mascara for the perfect length, volume, and zero clumps. Its unique comb applicator separates each lash for that fluttery, fanned-out effect—effortless drama in seconds!
And there you have it! Your step-by-step guide to nailing eyeshadow for beginners. It might feel like a lot at first, but trust us—it’s totally worth it when the compliments start rolling in! But wait, before you grab your brushes.
8 Game-Changing Eyeshadow Tips for Beginners
Tip #1: Eyes First, Always!
The golden rule of an (easy eyeshadow look)? Eyes first, base second! Eyeshadow fallout can ruin your flawless foundation, so keep your base fresh by doing your eye makeup first. Once you're done, just wipe away any excess with micellar water, and boom—clean, smooth skin ready for the rest of your glam!
Tip #2: Light to Dark
As we mentioned in the eyeshadow for beginners guide, always start with a neutral base shade before layering on the darker tones. This helps create a smooth, even-toned base and makes blending so much easier!
Tip #3: Less is More
When it comes to eyeshadow, a little goes a long way! If you're heavy-handed with makeup, start with a small amount of product and blend it out. You can always build up the intensity, but it’s harder to tone it down once you’ve applied too much. Keep it soft and seamless for that effortless simple eyeshadow look!
Tip #4: Map Your Eye Shape with Your Crease
To define your eye shape, apply eyeshadow into your crease. Open your eyes wide and place the eyeshadow where your eyeball ends, blending in a soft wiper-like motion. This adds depth and ensures the eyeshadow is visible when your eyes are open.
Tip #5:Overblending is a Thing
Finding the right balance between blending well and overblending is key. If your eyeshadow starts to look patchy, you've gone too far. Blend just enough to soften harsh lines and create a smooth, seamless look.
Tip #6: Reserve Bright Colours for the Centre & Lash Line
This eyeshadow tip is especially for applying eyeshadow for beginners. As a beginner, you may be afraid to experiment with bright shades, but where’s the fun in keeping it simple, right? To ensure you don’t mess it up with bright shades, stick to applying them on the centre of your lids and close to your lashline. Use a fluffy blending brush to get it right until you feel like a pro at it.
Tip #7: Use a Wet Brush
A dry eyeshadow brush makes applying shades feel like a breeze, but wait till you’ve tried doing the same with a wet brush. Using a wet brush will help create a paste-like product that will sit well on your lids and offer a smooth-looking finish. To make the best out of this eyeshadow tip, dampen (don’t drench) your eyeshadow brush before picking up the colour on it and then continue as you would.
Tip #8: Keep It Simple if You Like
While these eyeshadow tips may help you ace your look, there’s a simpler way to create your easy eyeshadow look as well. Using one shade and your fingers. That’s it! If you don’t have the time (and energy) to go through the whole process, then simply pick a shade and use your pinky finger to swipe it smoothly across your eyelids to create a simple eyeshadow look.