Eye shadow is a cosmetic, which is commonly used on the eyelids and under the eyebrows to make a subtle change in the look of the eyes and enhance their shapes. You can give depth and dimension to your eyes and complement to your eye color with the application of eye shadow.

You can find eye shadow of different colors and textures. Although it is usually made with powder and mica, now a days it can also be available in forms of liquid, pencil and mousse.

Types of eye shadows

Dark - This type of eye shadow is meant for application on an area from the lash line to the crease.

Medium - This is used at an area just below the eyelid crease to the brow bone.

Highlight - This is considered to be the lightest, which can be applied on the brow bone. It extends a little past the outer end of the eyebrow giving a pearly finish.

Eye Shadow Tips

There are several ways to applying eye shadow depending upon desired look and formulation. Typical application of eye shadow requires use of sponges, fingers and brushes. Blending well is considered to be one of the most important aspects of eye shadow application. An eye shadow primer or base is used to stop shadow from getting faded and its migration to the crease.

Eye shadow sets are mostly found in three colors in which the lightest one can be considered as highlighter whereas the darkest one can be skillfully used for the crease.

You must pick up an eye shadow color, which suits to color of your eyes, your dress and makeup on your face.

Eye shadow can be applied through light blending of the base (medium) color all over thelid before smudging the darker color from the lash line up to the crease. When two colors are blended completely, sweep highlighter onto the brow bone and then blend. You can also use eyeliner and mascara for finishing touch.

Though simple water and soap are generally used to remove eye shadow, yet commercial eye makeup remover is also available in the market for removal. Rich face wash can also be used for removal of all traces of color. Baby oil can also be used for removal of eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

Women willing to make their eyes attractive must accentuate the inner corners of the eyes in the beginning.

Apply light eye shadow over the whole eyelid and then a medium color on the inner half of the eyelid to get more effective result.

Some women use damp brush or applicator for application of eye shadow mainly to intensifying the color. These are one of the best eye shadow tips.

Cream and Powder Eye shadows

You can find single or color coordinated sets of powder eye shadows. The powder eye shadows can be coordinated with cream eye shadows. Powder eye shadows make it easy to control the application with a brush.

Though cream-to-powder eye shadows make the application easier through their complete sweeping over the eyelid in a single stroke, yet they are likely to glide off again or creasing in the eyelid within few hours of application.

To ensure that cream eye shadow stays for more time you can set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. Though powder eye shadows do not disappear quickly, yet they need precise application. Powder eye shadows can also be useful for older skins. Eye shadow can also be used to conceal the blueness on the skin of eyelids.

How to Apply Eye Shadow

After applying a light color on whole area of eyelid from lash line to brow eyelid use a large flat eye shadow brush of good quality.

Cover your lower lid from lash line to the crease of your eye through application of a medium shadow color. Always use a fluff brush.

Pick up darkest color as a liner and then apply it along your lash line. Dampen eyeliner brush prior to applying eye shadow to avoid flaking of shadow.

Eye shadow selection

Selection of shades will help accentuate your natural coloring. Dark eye shadow deepens the hollow features whereas the application of light color makes the eyes stand out. Try bright shades but limit their use to washing over the eyelids in order to add a subtle hint of color.

Those having blue eyes must use brown or navy liner to avoid wearing blue eye shadow. Khaki and brown shades with yellow undertones stand out green eyes. Persons having dark brown eyes can choose any color but brown, charcoal and mahogany shades will make their look more striking. Very dark brown eyes can wear almost any color but look especially striking with browns, charcoal and mahogany. Charcoal and black shades enhance gray or green eyes.

Choosing right eye makeup

In case you wear glasses, you must consider the type of lenses before selecting eye makeup. In case of shortsightedness, your eyes can be magnified through corrective lenses. Therefore you must apply muted or natural shades of eye shadow if you do not have naturally small eyes. In case of long-sightedness, your eyes will appear smaller because of lenses you use. Therefore you must apply eye shadow to strengthen them.

Avoid shading the eyelid heavily while dusting eye shadow along the socket line and outer corners of the eyes. Your eyes will look smaller than their actual size if you apply eyeliner on the upper lash line and steer clear of dark eye shadow. Since frames usually cast a shadow on the face, you would better to conceal any darkness with a concealer, which can be one shade lighter than your foundation. This is one of the effective method of eye makeup for eyes.