Hi Terry, For keeping eye shadow on, try this. Make sure your eye lids are clean and very dry. Use an eye shadow primer, check ours out by clicking on the home page icon "exclusive offer" (this will take you to our store.) Apply it by using your ring finger and pat it on lightly. (Avoid dragging your finger across and stretching your eye lid.) It dries to a powder and conceals any imperfections, too. I would also powder over with your face powder just to start with a smooth canvas. Next, apply your eye shadows with brushes and blend well. Good luck and I hope that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION: I'M 53 YRS OLD AND STILL HAVE MAKE-UP MELTING OFF MY FACE.I'M USING MINERAL FOUNDATION BUT WANT TO START WEARING EYE SHADOW AGAIN WITHOUT IT MELTING. ANY BRAND SUGGESTIONS? PLEASE HELP. THANKS
Eye Shadow question from Gena
Hi Gena, To stop your eye shadow from creasing during the day, I recommend using an eye shadow primer before you apply your shadows. If you wear foundation, concealer and powder, apply the concealer, eye shadow primer and foundation in that order and then powder over the entire face. This will not only help with your crease problem, you will have a nice even canvas to apply your colors. Let me know if that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
How do you stop your eye shadow from creasing during the day?
Eye Shadow question from Kim
Hi Kim, Great question! To keep eye shadow on longer, especially if you have oily skin, start with an eye shadow primer or eye shadow base. It dries powdery to the touch, makes blending eye shadows a breeze and the colors are more true to their original color, too. I usually start my makeup routine by putting on concealer, eye shadow primer and foundation, then powder over the entire face for a more uniform canvas. This should help keep your shadows in place. Good luck and I hope that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I was just wondering, when i put on eye shadow it wears off through-out the day. I think it's my oily skin but how could i stop this from happening? Thanks x
Eye Shadow
question from Athena
Hi Athena, I'm not sure of the perfect eye color for you as I haven't seen your eyes but, I can recommend some basic colors for several eye colors. If your eyes are brown, you can use just about any color but, purple and green will bring out any green flecks that are in the eye. So, if you used a neutral palate say, ivory, taupe and a chocolate brown, you could use a bright purple eye liner and black mascara to really make the eyes pop! For a really classy look, stay with neutral shadows and eye liner (black or brown) and use a bright red lipstick - true red - not too orange and not too blue. If your eyes are hazel or blue, red lipstick will really make them look blue especially if you use a neutral brown palate on the eyes and a dark brown liner. I would stay away from bright colors like aqua, purple, etc. but, you could use more muted pastels in these colors for a change. Other colors for blue and hazel eyes are copper, burgundy, taupe, steel blue, charcoal, etc. If your eyes are really dark brown or black, try swiping a bright purple, aqua, teal, blue across the lid for some drama or special occasion. Follow with lots of black mascara. Good luck and I hope that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
How to find my perfect eye shadow color
EYE SHADOW question from Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Congratulations, you submitted our first question! In general, the best and easiest way to apply eye shadow is to start with a good quality brand of eye shadow (we'll be recommending some in the near future) that contains at least 3 coordinating colors - a light highlighter, medium contrast color and darker color for details. First start with the lightest color, using a good soft, thick eyeshadow brush. Begin at the lash line and go all the way up to the brow line. Draw an imaginary line between the outside edge of your eye and the end of your eyebrow. Don't go outside this line. Next, with a more stiff eye shadow brush, begin at the outside of the imaginary line and work toward your nose, filling in the 'crease' of the eye and following the orbital bone just below the eye brow. If you don't have a 'crease' in your eye, you will create one using the same instructions. Remember, it's easier to add more than to take off too much, so start with a little until you know the intensity of the shadow. (I usually apply it on the back of my hand when I'm trying a new color, then go to my eye, adjusting as necessary.) Now, using a blending brush or a makeup sponge (wedges work best) blend the eye shadow with the highlighter where they meet - above the 'crease' and below near the lash line. You can stop here for a great daytime, anytime natural look . For more details, use the darkest color (again testing the intensity on the back of your hand) and with a stiff eye shadow brush, apply a bit of shadow in the form of a > sign between the lash line at the end of your eye, and the 'crease' line you've created. Then, using a blending brush, blend the darkest color, too. Next, will come the eye liner and mascara. This will give a very smoky, classy look to any eye!
MY QUESTION:
How to apply eye shadow?
Makeuphelp will be adding photos and diagrams to help with your eye shadow application. Check back soon.
EYE SHADOW question from Portia
Hi Portia,
I’m glad you love crazy eye shadow - I do, too! Be careful not to look clownish by starting with a good eye shadow base (We’ll be recommending one soon) and blending really well. I usually apply the eye shadow base once I’ve applied my foundation and concealer, then I apply face powder all over including the eye area. Then, I have a smooth “canvas” to work with. Next, use a neutral highlighter all over the eye area from lash line to eye brow then, apply your “crazy” colors using a good stiff blending brush. For specific application, see question on how to apply eye shadow. As always, I recommend testing the color on the back of my hand just so I know the intensity before going to the eye area. The sponge wedges are also great for blending and “erasing” when too much has been applied. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
MY QUESTION:
I love crazy eye shadow. but I'm not sure on how to apply it to make it look nice. I just can't get that nice flow? How do I get my makeup to look smooth.
EYE SHADOW question from Tiffany
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks for your question! There are so many shades of red and it really does come into play when answering your question. So, if your shade of red is more toward a strawberry (orangish-red), use colors like cashmere or copper for a natural look. For accents or special occasions, use khaki or even a bright green. Use these sparingly as described for accents in question #1. If your shade of red is more toward the mahogany (blue red) use, you can still use the cashmere or copper shades for natural look but, you may also use wine or burgundy, even purple as accents. You can even use colors with pink in them like a baby pink for your shadow that goes from lash to brow. Then use the wine or copper colors for the crease area. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
MY QUESTION:
I am a red head and I want to know kinds of eyeshadows that would look good, but kind-of natural
EYE SHADOW Question from Stacey
Hi Stacey, You are lucky because brunettes look great in just about every color. To keep from looking too washed out, use subtle natural colors for the highlighter and "crease" colors. Then for accents and eye liner, use a brighter color like purple, khaki, wine or even navy blue. (See answer to question #1.) If you want to "play up" your lips, skip the accent color on the eyes, use a dark brown eye liner which will leave them "smoky" and choose a bright red or magenta lipstick with matching lip liner. This is a very classy, sexy look. If you want to "play up" your eyes, do add the accent color and liner and choose a more subtle lipstick like the beige glosses that you see on every celebrity this summer. About the only eye shadow color I would stay away from is light blue which doesn't compliment brown too well. I would love to know how it worked out for you! Teresa
MY QUESTION:
What color should brunnets use for eyeshadow?
EYE SHADOW question from Ariana
Hi Ariana, A nice classy look would be to start with a natural highlighter applying it from lash to brow and a neutral darker shade for the "crease" of the eye. To find the crease follow the orbital bone just below your eyebrow. If the blouse or shirt is navy, purple or another dark color, use a matching eye shadow color only on the outside corners of the eye forming a > and blend it with the neutral color in the crease of your eye. Then, use a matching navy, purple or other dark color eye pencil. If the blouse or shirt is pastel, you can sweep a matching pastel shadow across the lash line and follow up with a brown, black or bronze eye liner. If your blouse is red or a neon color, I would stick to a more neutral look for the eyes. Too much neon can be too clownish. Good luck, Ariana, let me know how it goes! Teresa
MY QUESTION:
How can i wear eye shadow to mach my shirt but not making it look like too much make-up?
EYE SHADOW question from Alyssa
Hi Alyssa,
Since I have hazel eyes too, this is a fun one for me! I love to see copper, cashmere, bronze, and neutral brown (not too dark, though) colors of eye shadow with hazel eyes. It will make them look more on the blue side. Another color I love in smaller areas like accented in the corners and with the same color of eye pencil is steel blue. Not too bright but not too gray either. Some fun colors to use sparingly are purple, burgundy, or even navy blue - these will make the eyes appear more on the green side. That's the beauty of hazel eyes - they seem to change color with simply a change of eye shadow or even lipstick. For specific details on application, refer to the first "eye shadow" question. Try these colors as an experiment yourself and let me know if you can see a difference in the appearance of your eye color. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
What colors of eyeshadow would look good with hazel eyes?
EYE SHADOW question from Shelby
Hi Shelby,
Dark Brown eyes look beautiful with most shades of purple and green. For a nice summer look, try using a lavender shade as a highlighter, applying it from lash to brow. Then, just under the orbital bone working from the outside towards your nose in the "crease" of the eye, use a darker purple. This will brighten up your dark eyes. For a pencil, I would stick with a brown or black so, it doesn't look too made up. Try the same instructions using a pastel green with a darker green. There are some beautiful combinations of 2 colors or 3 colors that are packaged together and will look gorgeous on you. Another great color combination is shades of gold which has the look of summer. You can just use a beige neutral highlight color from lash to brow then fill in the crease and lid with a gold or bronze color. In this case, I would use a liquid liner in just about any color. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have very dark brown eyes and I don't know which color of eyeshadow I should use. Any suggestions?
EYE SHADOW question from Ruthie
Hi Ruthie,
For keeping eye shadow on, I either use a specific eye shadow base or dry the eye lid with face powder before I apply any color. An eye shadow base will also even out the color over your eye lid, making the colors you apply more true to the colors you've chosen and they will adhere better. (Usually, eye shadow base won't work with a cream eye shadow, so use powder or mineral shadows.) Thanks for your question and please let me know if I've helped. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
how do i keep my eyeshadow from not fading away?
EYE SHADOW question from Deanne
Hi Deanne,
Please see our new step by step instruction page "How to apply eye shadow" We start with how to get the "smoky look". We will be adding diagrams and photos soon.
Teresa
MY QUESTION:
i want to learn how to put my eyeshadow on especially smokey eyes can you show me how to do it?
EYE SHADOW question from Abi
Hi Abi, For Asian eyes, I basically use the same procedures as any other application. But, for small eyes, I would accent the outside of the eyes a bit more and use brighter, but not neon, colors. I'll explain step by step. Always use an eye shadow base first from lash line to brow line then, powder over it to neutralize the color of the lid and give a clean canvas. For an everyday look choose a palate of at least 3 colors that are fairly neutral in color. A really nice look for your skin color is some pastel pink shades w/ a couple of brownish or copperish colors. If you are brave and want a more dramatic effect, try a white w/ grey and black. In either case, start with the lightest color and a larger shadow brush to apply the color lash to brow. For the outside boundary, draw an imaginary line from the end of your outside eye lid to the outside end of your eye brow. Next, use the medium color and a medium eye shadow brush to create the crease under the brow bone. Start at the outside of the eye and continue across, making the crease line thinner as you work towards the inside of the eye. With the darkest color and an angle shaped eye shadow brush, apply the color only on the outside corner of the lid going all the way up to the eye brow. Now, using the larger shadow brush again, blend everything. Another trick I use is a angle shaped sponge, available at pretty much any drugstore or makeup supply store. These are like mini erasers and will clean up any other eye shadow that flaked under the eye and also works great to blend. Touch it lightly to the eye and just blend the areas where the colors meet each other. Other great color options for you are purples, burgundy or navy blue although, I would use these for the outside corner only. For eye liner, I think black is best to open a small eye. Liquid is great for the top lid and I always use a pencil for the lower lash. For a more smoky look, use the pencil on top and bottom, then using a very stiff small brush that looks like a lip brush, blend it really well. Then, add the liquid liner staying as close to the lash line as possible and very thin. For tips on how to apply these, see our eye liner page. Last, I always use black mascara and in your case, I would recommend waterproof as it tends not to smudge later in the day. These techniques will take some practice and we'll have photos soon to help you out. Let me know how it goes. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
what kind of eyeshadow will match me? im asian and i have really small eyes and i also have really short and sticking out eye lashes. i also have black hair and black eyes
EYE SHADOW
question from Lindsey
Hi Lindsey, For a cute fun look, try using colors you wouldn't normally use. Be careful not to look too clownish with bright neon colors but, pastels always look classy and pretty. For application ideas check out our eye shadow pages. Another fun idea is to use crazy eye liner colors and keep the shadow pretty neutral. There are liquid eye liners with glitter and without glitter in just about every color you can imagine. They are really fun with a major wow factor! Then there are also just regular pencils in really groovy colors like neon blue, green or purple. These should also be worn with pretty neutral eye shadow colors. Check out the eye liner page to see how to put them on. Have fun and let me know how it goes! Teresa
MY QUESTION:
umm how is a good way to put on eyeshadow for a cute fun young look?=]]
EYE SHADOW question from Gabrielle
Hi Gabrielle, Great question! I love helping with eye shadow. Start by applying the lightest color from lash to brow. Then, in the crease area (the area just under the brow bone, AKA the orbital bone). If you don't have a natural crease there, you can create it with the medium color in your palate. In either case, using the medium color in the palate, start at the outside of the eye and work your way across with a medium size eye shadow brush. It should be wider at the outside and more narrow as you work toward the inside. At this point, grab a wedge sponge (I call them erasers, but they are the bomb for blending when a brush just won't do the job) and blend the shadow with the first color you applied so you can't really tell where the begin and end and the crease appears to truly be a shadow. (Dark colors recede and lighter colors will enhance.) This is a great daytime look if pair it up with a neutral colored pencil and mascara. For a more dramatic or nighttime look, add the darkest color in your palate just at the outside corner and blend again with the sponge. It doesn't take much but, it changes the whole look. Also, for smokin' eyes, use the darkest color to line the bottom lashes. This is a little tricky. You need a good eye brush that has small stiff bristles much like a lip brush and shadows that don't flake much. Then, you use the brush with a little of the dark shadow and line the bottom lashes like eyeliner. It's a soft smokey look. Make sure you use your sponge again to pat off any little specs that may have dropped under the eye area. Practice as the more you do this, the better you'll get and it will get easier each time. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
Hi i rcently bought eyeshadow with 3 colors and i need help on how to apply each color!
EYE SHADOW question from Heather
Hi Heather, I know what you mean about the brown shadows. They are always great for a more natural classy look. You may want to try wearing them with red lipstick. That would really brighten up your face. Red lipstick makes the appearance of your eyes more blue and your teeth appear whiter, too. I would choose a blue red and stay away from orangish red colors. If you really want to try some other colors, try a metal or slate blue. I've also seen some beautiful palates coming out for spring with pastel pinks, blues and even green. These are all good colors for you and will really bring out the eyes. In this case, you should go with a more subdued lipstick or gloss. Hope that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have light brown hair, dark blue eyes and fair skin. I've been wearing different shades of brown eye shadow for years and I'm so bored with it! What are some other colors I could wear?
Eye Shadow question from Jenny
Hi Jenny, To make your eyes pop, try these suggestions. How about a really bright sweep of aqua or chartreuse green, or even a magenta pink across the lid of the eye? Be careful not to make it too thick and don't exceed the crease area in the eye. Then, use a black liner to make a thin line as close to the lashes as possible. Finish it up with layers of thick black mascara. This is a great summer or party look. Another idea is to check out the smoky eye page of our website to see if this is a look for you. Remember that if you are going to play up the eyes, go easy on the lips with a gloss or a more neutral lip color. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
how can i make my eyes pop
Eye Shadow question from Missy
Hi Missy, With your neutral coloring, you can wear lots of different colors depending on how you want the outcome to be. For example, for a classy daytime look, you might want to stick with a neutral brownish palate and maybe use a steel blue eye liner to jazz your eyes up a bit w/o looking too made up. If you are going for a more dramatic look, add a purple or green eye liner or shadows. These are great colors to brighten up brown eyes. If you have any green in your eyes, the purple will bring it out. For some application tips, check out our smoky eyes and eye shadow pages. Good luck and I hope that helps. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have brown eyes, dark brown hair (with some gray) and have a fair complexion what color eye make up (liner and shadow) should i wear? thanks so much.
Eye Shadow question from Megan
Hi Megan, Believe it or not, the best eye shadow colors to bring out the blue in your eyes are in the brown family. Basically, any color like taupe, copper, pure brown, ivory will all make your eyes seem more blue. Follow up with brown eye liner and lots of either dark brown or black mascara. Other colors that are complimentary are steel or navy blue, Burgundy or wine, some purples and lavenders would be o.k., as well. I would stay away from bright blues and greens. To really make blue eyes noticeable, apply red lipstick. Choose a blue red or an orange red depending on your skin tone. If you have a yellow tone to your skin use a blue red and if you have more pink, go with an orange red. Check out our other eye shadow pages for ideas on how to apply the shadows. Good luck and I hope that helps you out. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
What is the best eye shadow color for blue eyes?
Eye Shadow question from Georgia
Hi Georgia, What fun going from blond to dark brown for your hair! This really does change the color story for your eye shadow, blush and lip colors. Some great colors that will brighten up your brown eyes are purple, green and burgundy. You can go with jewel tone versions of these eye shadow colors or pastels with your brown eyes. Using the purple or burgundy colors will bring out any green flecks you may have in your eye color. When wearing these brighter colors on the eyes, go easy on the lips with a subtle color of lipstick or gloss like peachy or pink. If you like a more natural look, use brown shadows and eye liner (or purple, burgundy, green eye liner would look great, too) but, jazz up the look with a pretty red or magenta (bright pink) lipstick or gloss. For blush, go with a peachy or pastel pink to brighten up your pale skin tone. Good luck and congrats on your new look! Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have brown eyes and pale skin, and have just died my hair from blonde to dark brown. What eye colours will suit me best now?
Eye Shadow question from Sammy
Hi Sammy, For blue eyed blondes, the best colors are in the brown family for eye shadows. You could use taupe, coppers and bronze colors or browns. For more color, try using wine, burgundy or steel blue colors. These colors really emphasize the blue in your eyes. For more attention to the eyes, believe it or not, add true red lipstick or a blue red lipstick. (Stay away from orange reds) This combination of neutral (browns) eyes and really red lips are smashing on blondes so go for it! Teresa
MY QUESTION:
i have blue eyes and i dont know what color would look the best for blonde hair blue eyes
Eye Shadow question from Allie
Hi Allie, For brown hair and brown eyes, the best colors are neutral browns for a natural look and you can use greens and purples to accent with. Since your hair is short, the focus will be on your face and you can choose to play up your eyes or your lips. I don't usually recommend that you are dramatic or focus on both. For natural eyes, use a neutral brown palette with at least 3 colors. Start with the lightest color and apply it from lash to brow. Use the medium color to apply to the crease of the eye and the darker color on the outside as an accent color. If you want to play up the eyes, apply a purple or green to the outside. For eye liner, use dark brown, black or one of the accent colors that matches the accent shadow. For lips, use peach or true red for a more dramatic look. I hope that helps, Allie. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have brown hair and brown eyes. my hair is short and curly. what color eyeshadow shold i wear
Eyeshadow question from Doreen
Hi Doreen, That could be true if you have larger eyes or you are going for a smoky look. As a general rule, you can remember that dark colors recess and lighter colors bring more reflection giving the appearance of being larger and brighter. It also depends on the palate as some have medium colors that are lighter and more reflective. If you don't have a natural crease in your eye lid, then using the darkest color to have the appearance of one makes sense. You can try both techniques and see what works best for you. Hope that helps to clarify your question. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
When applying eyeshadow I was taught the same method as you have described but instead I was told to apply the darkest colour to your crease and fill in your lid with the medium colour. Is there a difference?
EYE SHADOW question from Serena
Hi Serena, To get a sexy look when you are blond and have fair skin, I have the perfect eye shadow color for you. Get a trio or 3 singles that are taupe (dark greyish-brown), ivory and a darker color taupe or charcoal color. Check our "smoky eyes" page for directions on how to apply. Use a charcoal eye pencil or eye liner. Black can be a little harsh for blondes but, do use lots of black mascara to really make the eyes pop. One thing blondes can do better than brunettes is wear red lipstick! So, go for it! Use a blue red lipstick to compliment this look. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have fair skin and light blonde hair (bleached from a darker natural blonde), and I have a lot of freckles and pink undertones. I want to be able to get that exotic sexy look that brunettes can get with dark eyeshadow, etc. It just seems that if you don't go tanning and you are fair, you can't get that look! Any brunette model can put on dark eyeshadow and look super sexy. But blondes can't- they usually look trashy. I don't want to just put on light colors. How can I get that exotic, sexy look?!
EYE SHADOW question from Anna
Hi Anna, I can see where that would be annoying. Have you tried using an eye shadow primer or base? This will help to keep the shadows on the lid. Also, when you load up your brush, start with small amounts, apply a dab to the back of your hand, then go to the eye with it. This may help to prevent the extra falling off the brush an onto your face. As far as the brushes and supplies go, I think you just have to wash them out when you are tired of using the glitter shadows. Hope that helps some. Teresa
MY QUESTION:
I have a lot of urban decay eye shadows and other such eye shadows that have a glitter in them. It seems like no matter what I do all my makeup ends up covered in glitter. This is especially annoying when applying foundation which I want to be solid and glitterless. Is there anything I can do to prevent the glitter attack on my brushes and supplies?
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