Whether you’re an eye make-up newbie or an experienced artist, there are always new tips, tricks, and techniques to learn.
In this article, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the types of products to use, application styles and equipment, and how to get your make-up to best accentuate your features – let’s get to it.
How to start doing eye make-up from scratch
If you’re new to the game, there are a few key points to remember before picking up your brushes.
Our first piece of advice is to watch other people do their make-up. If you have a parent, sibling, or friend whose eye make-up always looks flawless, ask if they’ll show you how they apply it. Alternatively, you could watch make-up tutorials on YouTube. Our favourite for beginners is How to do the Classic Make-up Look. Make-up artist Lala Flores helps you achieve an everyday look with easy-to-follow steps.
To start your first eye make-up look, you’ll need some make-up brushes, including an eyeshadow brush and an eyeliner brush. We’d also recommend the Power Stay Shadow Stick and Unlimited Instant Lift Mascara.
What’s the best eye make-up for small eyes?
If you’ve got small eyes, you can make them appear bigger with a few nifty tricks.
Using a dab of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes will help make them pop – our favourite is the Sunset Beats Glow On Highlighter.
You could also cover up any dark circles underneath your eyes and use a lengthening mascara and winged eyeliner to give the appearance of bigger eyes. Conceal your dark circles with the True Colour Under Eye Brightening Illuminator, then use eyelash curlers to lengthen your lashes before applying your mascara – you’re welcome.
How can I apply eye make-up to hooded eyes?
With hooded eyes, you’ll want to try and make the visible part of your eyelid look as large as possible. Using lighter shades of eyeshadow on the centre of your eyelid will help create the illusion of bigger, wider eyes. Give the lighter shades in the All Nudes Eyeshadow Palette a go!
What can I use as an eyeshadow primer?
Some like to use concealer as an eyeshadow primer. Others prefer to moisturise and apply a light layer of translucent powder over the top of their lids before layering on their eyeshadow. The easiest way to prime your eyes is using an eyeshadow primer like the mark. MagiX Shadow Attract Eye Primer. For more mature make-up wearers who may have ageing skin, the Anew Skin Anti-ageing Transforming Serum Infused Primer helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Can you use a face primer as an eye primer?
Ideally, using an eye primer gives the best results, as your eye make-up stays in place for a long time without going cakey, clumping in your eye creases, or imprinting onto your brow bone when you blink. Eye primers have a lightweight formula that helps to keep sebum and face oils from gathering on your lids and interfering with your make-up.
Whilst face primers can be a suitable solution in some cases, they’re often a lot thicker and heavier than eye primers, meaning they won’t give your eye make-up the same long-lasting effects.
Can you use concealer as an eyeshadow primer?
If you’re using a concealer as an eyeshadow primer, there are a few tips to consider. Firstly, make sure the colour of your concealer is a good match for your skin. You want it to be as close to your natural colouring as possible, so it blends in well with your foundation. Secondly, find a lighter concealer that won’t weigh too heavily on your eyelids, as it’ll reduce the chances of the product settling and clumping in your eye creases.
RELATED: Why You Should Always Wear Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days
Can foundation be used as an eyeshadow primer?
Using foundation is another popular technique, but it can play havoc with your eyeshadow if not applied well. Depending on the coverage offered by your foundation, it’s likely to have a far thicker formula than any eyeshadow primer. Perfect when it comes to covering blemishes and giving your make-up a flawless finish, but when you apply heavy make-up products to your eyelids, they gather in your eye creases.
If you’re going to use a foundation for this purpose, choose a lightweight formula like the Skin Perfecting SPF30 Serum Foundation.
What are the best ways to remove eyeshadow?
A vital part of applying make-up is also making sure you remove it well. Following a robust skin regime to cleanse your skin is a great place to start. Don’t forget to apply a hydrating moisturiser after cleansing and toning to help nourish your skin.
Remember to be gentle when pressing on your eyes and avoid getting any product in or around the eyes, as some formulas could cause redness and irritation. Use a muslin cloth and apply the Anew Revitalising Micellar Water – it’s gentle on the skin and can remove even waterproof make-up.
RELATED: Find the best mascara for you
And there you have it! Your make-up questions answered. Why not expand your skills further? You’ll find a load of handy eye make-up tutorials on our YouTube channel.