We all have a signature eye makeup look. It’s likely a signature that you’ve been doing for decades and it feels safe, comfortable and within your skill level. And while it may not be created with the Urban Decay Naked palette of the early 2000s when we first learnt these said techniques, it likely follows the same formula that has not really evolved much at all (raise your hands if it’s a smokey eye).
There is certainly nothing wrong with having a signature and if you do the same eye makeup for every night-out because you like it, that’s one thing. If you’re doing it because it’s all you know, that’s quite another. Those in the latter camp, there is more creativity that you can wield with your existing eyeshadow palettes or if, in the aforementioned decades in the making, you’ve finally hit pan and you want to mix things up with a new eye makeup kit, you’ve come to the right place.
Eyeshadow is one of the most exciting parts of makeup. It’s the one place where really any colour goes, bringing a pop to an otherwise minimal outfit, whether it’s a cool ice blue offering ’90s nostalgia or the surprisingly wearable swipe of green. You can bring sparkle to your eyes too (not necessarily in a striking shade) with shimmer that instantly transforms a look from day to night. The same goes for eyeliners as pigments have become more vibrant and interesting than classic black.
Proving you don’t need an elaborate tutorial or a whole lot of experience with an eyeshadow brush, we consulted the experts to share their advice on how to mix up your eye makeup, while remaining in the novice wheelhouse:
Priming is essential
The first step in any eye make-up look should begin with a primer. London-based makeup artist Harriot Babin explains, “It prolongs wear, prevents creasing and allows pigments to perform at their best. A lightweight primer or finely blended concealer smooths texture and neutralises discolouration, creating a smooth base that makes both soft washes and bold, dramatic looks stand out.”
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base
NARS Eyeshadow Base
Consider your eye shape
Whether you have round or almond, deep set or close set, hooded or monolid, knowing your eye shape will make it easier to choose makeup to enhance it. “Ignoring individual eye shape is one of the most common mistakes in eye makeup,” Babin tells us. “Trends are not one size fits all and applying shadow or liner without considering how much lid space you have or where your crease naturally sits can change the look entirely, often making the eyes appear smaller or heavier rather than more defined.” International celebrity makeup artist Buster Knight agrees, “Learning the shape of your eye helps. Making them appear bigger becomes easier once you know the final look you want. For example, if you have round eyes, a winged eyeliner helps to make the eye appear longer and bigger.”
Simplify with chubby eyeshadow sticks
Makeup artist Naima Bremer says that for beginners, “Definitely skip out on the intricate eyeliner techniques and swap them out for a chubby eyeshadow stick. You can use it on the eyelids as well as in your waterline and it is the easiest eye makeup product to use.” The multitasker, she reveals, speeds up eye make-up application. “You just apply it right on your lash line on the top and bottom. Then grab a fluffy brush (or even your finger) and just blend it out. This will instantly look good on everyone because it just adds some definition to the eye. You don’t have to worry about fallout and if you just blend it enough, it literally requires no technique. Everyone can do it!”
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color
Rare Beauty All Of The Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick
Soft shades are more forgiving
“Start with softer, lighter colours until you become more comfortable with application,” Knight recommends. Charlotte Tilbury agrees, filling her line with “flattering pretty colours that won’t make you look like Coco the Clown.” She says it can be as easy as doing a soft smoky eye with “one swipe of glitter in the middle and it will look sophisticated and elegant.”
Creamy pencils are easier to control
Liquid liners have their place in our makeup bags, but they require a lot of practice. For beginners, soft pencil eyeliners are the way to go. Babin explains that this is because “they are forgiving and easy to control.” She continues, “Unlike liquid liners, they allow you to experiment without worrying about mistakes. You can smudge them gently along the lash line for a soft, smokey effect or sharpen the tip for a more precise, defined line. They’re also versatile to use on the upper lid, lower lash line or even the waterline to subtly enhance your eyes, all without needing a perfectly steady hand.”
