Makeup How-to: Eyeshadow Everyday

I know many women are intimidated by eyeshadow. Don’t be scared, ladies! Eyeshadow is the best. Like paint for your walls, it’s a cheap and easy way to brighten things up. It’s easier than you think to apply everyday. Here’s my no-fail formula.

Excuse my crude drawing, but above is a chart for a simple eye makeup look that you can wear everyday and in different color combinations. All you need are three shades of eyeshadow — a midtone/neutral shade, a highlight shade and a deep shade. And just two tools are used to achieve this look — a blending brush and a defining brush. Once you get it down, you’ll be wearing eyeshadow on the regular.

I have a favorite Smashbox eyeshadow palette from a Holiday 2012 collection that includes 16 shades. It’s pretty much all I use for eye color. Following the formula on the makeup chart above, I have endless combinations. Before I start applying color, I prime my lids with my favorite Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then, using the blending brush, I sweep the midtone or neutral shade across the lid. Using that same brush, I apply a highlight shade to the inside corner of my eye and just below the arch to tail-end of my eyebrow. Last, I apply the deep shade with the definer brush to the outer corner of my eyelid. The final step is to make sure everything is blended smoothly together. I like to flip my vanity mirror to the magnified side to make sure I blend all three shades seamlessly.

my much loved Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Palette

Here are some looks I put together with my trusty Smashbox palette. (Apologies for the crappy pictures; I’m still learning how to use my new camera.)

Highlight: Vanilla, Midtone: Flamingo, Deep: Smoke

Highlight: Pastel, Midtone: Nude, Deep: Orchid

Highlight: Champagne, Midtone: 24K, Deep: Nutmeg

Groomed eyebrows are key to this look. If you want to boost the drama, add eyeliner. Or just finish with a swipe of mascara, and your eyes look done up with only a few minutes work. If you’re not as restless as I am, you don’t need to change up the colors. Find your favorite three-shade palette (these Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trios have great color options) and master your look.

Images: Urban Decay blending brush, Smashbox definer brush, all others – author’s own