It’s no secret that eyeshadow can be a bit tricky, especially if you are a beginner, just jumping into the world of makeup. But the fact is many women (beginners and up) don’t know how to apply & use it correctly, or if they do, they make mistakes that can ruin their look entirely.
Now, if you’re just starting out, the prospect of applying eyeshadow can seem particularly daunting. But don’t worry – we’re here to help!
With a little practice, some tips & tricks, and a bit more knowledge on the do’s and don’ts of eyeshadow, you’ll be able to apply your eye makeup with more confidence in no time at all.
This article will show you what mistakes and mishaps are most common among women. We’ll also cover ways to simply and effortlessly avoid them so that you can get your eye makeup routine on point!
So, whether you’re a beginner or happen to be a more experienced makeup lover, read on for some helpful tips & tricks you can immediately start following today!
13 Worst Eyeshadow Mistakes & How To Avoid Them As A Beginner
Let’s take a look at those dreadful makeup blunders and the best ways to prevent them, ladies!
1) Applying Too Much Eyeshadow
One of the most common beginner eyeshadow mistakes is applying too much eyeshadow. Unfortunately, this can make your eyes look heavy and overdone, which can be very difficult to correct later on. The best possible way to avoid this is to start with a light layer of eyeshadow and build up as needed.
Another trick we recommend before application is that you take your brush and tap it a few times to shake off the excess eyeshadow powder. Then when you apply your shadow, it won’t be as concentrated on the bristles. This will also help prevent eyeshadow fallout that can sometimes occur under the eyes or on the cheeks. Two birds with one stone… Win-win!!!
2) Not Using Primer On Your Eyelids First
Not using a primer on your lids can lead to your eyeshadow smudging, creasing, and fading throughout the day (particularly if you have oily lids), which, let’s face it, can leave you looking like a total hot mess by the end of the day.
To avoid this, use a primer to create a smooth surface that will help your eyeshadow apply evenly, stay in place, and act as your eye makeup base.
PRO Tip: If you don’t have primer, instead, you can try concealer or foundation on your lids. Just be sure to set it with a translucent powder when working with a powder eyeshadow formula.
Related: To Learn About Different Eyeshadow Formulas Check Out These Additional Eyeshadow Tips For Beginners…
3) Not Blending Enough
Not blending enough is another major mistake a beginner may make when applying eyeshadow. When you don’t take the time to blend properly, it can result in harsh, unattractive lines around your eyes that look quite unnatural.
To avoid this, use a blending brush to make sure that the color is distributed evenly, soften any harsh lines or edges (particularly where the color meets with the surrounding skin), and create a smooth, seamless transition (where your different colors meet).
PRO Tip: If blending is not your strong suit, start with your lightest colors first before moving on to your darker shades.
4) Using Expired Or Old Makeup
Using expired or old eye makeup can be dangerous, as it can cause irritation or an eye infection. If you have any eyeshadow that’s past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it and replace it with a new, fresh product.
This will also help to ensure that your makeup applies evenly and smoothly to your skin (expired eyeshadow won’t apply as smoothly). Generally speaking, powder eyeshadow products can last (at most) up to 2 years (depending on the brand). While cream eyeshadow can last from 1-1.5 years.
5) Not Using Your Best Eyeshadow Colors
One of the most unfortunate mistakes that you can make as a beginner or otherwise is not applying eyeshadow in a way that makes your natural eye color stand out.
Sticking to neutrals is always the safe route, but you can really miss out if you only play it safe. For most gals, their eyes happen to be one of the best features, but if you don’t use your makeup to enhance them, it’s easy for them to go unnoticed.
To prevent this, grab our freebie, so you can find out your best colors and select them the next time you go makeup shopping.
6) Using The Wrong Makeup Brush
When it comes to eyeshadow, it’s essential to use the right brush, one specifically designed for its task – whether for eye makeup application or blending.
Be sure you pay attention to the type of brush you use, its size, and its shape. Some eye makeup brushes work better for the crease vs. the lid vs. under the lower lashes, and so on.
It’s important to note that the right brush will help with precision so you can avoid a messy or sloppy eyeshadow look. Additionally, if you use the wrong brush, you can end up with a streaky or patchy appearance.
With the application, a shader brush is perfect for packing on color. When blending your eyeshadow, make sure to use a brush that’s actually made for blending, as this will help to soften lines and create an even finish.
PRO Tip: Don’t sell yourself short and settle for those little foam applicators often found in drugstore palettes.
7) Not Cleaning Your Brushes Regularly
If you don’t clean your eyeshadow makeup brushes regularly, they can become covered in bacteria which can cause irritation or infection. To prevent this, it’s vital to do a combination of deep cleaning (using a gentle cleanser or shampoo) and “in-between” light cleaning using a spray. For deep cleaning, try once every two weeks.
If you wear eyeshadow daily, like switching up your colors from day to day, and tend to rely on using the same brush, you will want to do “in-between” cleansing daily.
Related: For More Info On Deep Cleaning Vs. “In-Between” Cleaning Check Out — How To Clean Makeup Brushes Correctly: A Makeup Artist Explains
8) Selecting The Wrong Color For Your Skin Tone
Another common beginner mistake is using the wrong eyeshadow for your complexion. When picking out colors, be sure to take into account your skin tone. The wrong eyeshadow can make you look washed out, ashy, or like you’re wearing too much makeup. To avoid this, it’s important to choose colors that complement your complexion.
*Please note: These are by no means your only options; these are simply a few top picks…
- If you have fair or light skin, stick to softer, sheerer colors. A few great options you can try are soft shades of pink, peach, ivory, champagne, rose gold, taupe, gold, bronze, mint green, pastel lilac, etc.
- If you have dark skin, try using deeper, brighter, & more vibrant shades. Try metallics (warm gold, bronze, & copper), along with warm shades like burgundy, cranberry, magenta, orange, and bright purples, blues, or greens (emerald), etc.
- And if you have a medium skin tone, you have a little more flexibility; you can try going sheerer and softer, or bolder and darker. Think warm hues of cinnamon, bronze, cranberry, copper, teals, gold, warm browns, jewel tones of blue, green, or purple, and so on.
9) Applying Eyeliner Before Eyeshadow
When you’re applying eye makeup, it’s best to follow a specific order so that you don’t end up with a messy or uneven look. If you use your eyeliner before your eyeshadow, it will wind up getting covered up by the eyeshadow powder.
This will prevent your eyeliner from remaining crisp and defined. The general rule is to apply eyeshadow first, then eyeliner, and finish with mascara.
10) Using A Blending Brush, That’s Not 100% Clean
Suppose you use a dirty brush to blend your eyeshadow (or one that still has visible color deposited on the bristles). In that case, it’s highly likely you’ll end up with your eye makeup looking muddy. To avoid this, first, make sure you stock up on more than one blending brush.
We’ve already established that you must clean your brushes regularly, but if you’ve forgotten, having a few extra blending brushes on hand will help.
Consider having at least two clean ones sitting out on your counter when you start applying your eyeshadow. Use one for creating a smooth transition as you blend from color to color. Then use the other clean blending brush to softly go over any harsh lines or edges where the eyeshadow transitions to your skin.
11) Forgetting To Apply Mascara
After applying eyeshadow, it’s essential to apply mascara to create contrast and add definition to the eyes & lashes. Skipping it can leave your eye makeup looking rather unfinished. At the very least, make sure to apply a light layer of mascara to your upper lashes.
12) Over Blending Complementary Eyeshadow Colors
Finding the perfect eyeshadow combo is not easy. There are so many different shades out there, it can be difficult to find two or three that go well together.
But if you decide to use complementary colors (like yellow and purple, for example), you need to make sure that you don’t over-blend, or your eye makeup may start to get that muddy look.
We go into detail about a variety of processes for combining eyeshadow colors in The Essential Master Your Eyeshadow Guide. Basically, the complementary method involves combinations using colors that fall opposite one another on the color wheel.
13) Forgetting About Skincare
This is a common beginner mistake and one we see with experienced eyeshadow users. If you don’t take the time to use an eye cream so that the skin around your eyes stays hydrated, you’ll notice dryness and flaky skin.
Both of which will cause your eyeshadow to apply unevenly and look patchy. So, try to keep a consistent skincare routine that includes using an eye cream both day and night.
Beginner Eyeshadow 101: Application Tips & Tricks
When you’re applying eyeshadow, as a beginner, it’s important to remember a few key things:
Invest in a variety of eye makeup brushes.
This will help you get that perfect precision needed for all the eyeshadow looks you try. Not to mention, this will save you from having to wash as many brushes quite as often.
As a beginner, try considering eyeshadow palettes over singles.
Choosing a palette as opposed to single shades will make things easier for you when it comes to doing any eyeshadow looks that require three or more colors. Palettes usually include eyeshadows in the same color family (a few shades that already work well together), which will also make blending a bit easier.
Don’t forget to prep with a primer!
Apply an even layer of your primer all over your eyelid (to help your shadow stay in place & make the color pop). Continue, going right up to under your brow and around the inner eye corner (near your tear duct).
If your makeup look requires eyeshadow under your lower lashes, be sure to apply there as well. Allow it to dry before using any other makeup products.
Go light as a feather…
Remember, you need to use a light hand when you apply your eyeshadow. Then add more gradually and as needed.
Blend, blend, blend!
Make sure all of your shades are seamlessly blended together for a natural look. And make sure your blend out the outer edges where the color meets your skin. You should also blend the eyeshadow at the outer corner of your eyes, upward and outward towards the tail of your brows and temples.
Complete the look!
As a beginner, we recommend you use eyeliner and mascara to finish off your eyeshadow look and make everything appear polished. Both products will help to accentuate and give your eyes that extra needed definition!
Related: Learn How To Apply Mascara Properly: 23 Insider Tips & Tricks!
How Can A Beginner Get Better At Applying Their Eye Makeup & Eyeshadow?
There are quite a few ways to learn how to apply your own makeup and improve your eyeshadow skills. You can watch tutorials online, read blog posts or articles about it, take courses at a makeup school, or attend a makeup workshop.
However, the best way to learn is by practice. Practice makes perfect! Experiment with different colors, palettes, looks, and techniques, and find what looks best on you.
Of course, we know that many women (beginners & up) can still often struggle with selecting different colors and with techniques, which is why we created The Essential Master Your Eyeshadow Guide… So you can be sure that your eye makeup looks flawless & learn to apply like a Pro!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GUIDE
75+ Pages Packed with Exclusive Professional Makeup Tips, Tricks, & More From A Makeup Artist!!
- How To Apply Eyeshadow Pictures & Charts — 14 Eyeshadow Looks!
- Best Ways To Combine & Pair Your Eyeshadows
- How To Select The Most Flattering Eyeshadow Colors Based On Eyes & Hair Color
- Discover How To Correctly Use All Your Eye Makeup Brushes
- Find Out How To Apply False Lashes
- Cheat Sheets, Charts,+ Additional Bonus Tutorials!
- Get INSTANT Access From Your Computer, Tablet, or Phone!
A Few Beginner FAQ’S About Eyeshadow
Do you need eyeliner with eyeshadow?
While eyeliner may not be 100% necessary for every eyeshadow look, if you do happen to decide to go without it, you definitely don’t want to skip the mascara. Our favorite looks where the liner is not needed, but mascara is a must are those with a glossy lid or pastel eyeshadow looks.
Is it ok to use my blush as eyeshadow? Can you put blush on your eyelids?
Absolutely! When in a bind or short on time, you can always grab your blush and use it as an eyeshadow; this works particularly well if you are going for a monochromatic look.
It also works great for a simple look when you just want to give your face a little picked me up with a hint of color. Make sure you apply primer first.
Can you just use one color for eyeshadow?
Yep! One-color is absolutely ok if you want to make things easy for yourself. This works well with super simple natural eyeshadow looks, the glossy lid, or a pastel eyeshadow look, as well as when you are using eyeshadow with a lot of texture like a glittery one.
Additionally, a duo-chrome eyeshadow is an excellent pick if you want to stick to just one product. These eyeshadows will seem to shift in color depending on how the light hits them. So even just using one shadow will add dimension to your eyes.
The Wrap-Up
If you’ve been struggling with eye makeup and often find yourself unhappy with how your eyeshadow looks, our list of common beginner mistakes along with application tips & tricks should be a good place to start.
The good news — once you become more aware of your mishaps and how to avoid them, your eyeshadow will begin looking flawless and much improved. Just remember to practice, play with different colors, styles, & ideas, and most importantly, have fun!
We truly hope you found this blog post helpful! If you need more beginner makeup tips, eyeshadow, or otherwise, we’ve got plenty of articles to browse. And if you enjoyed reading this post or have any questions, leave us a comment down below!
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I was looking for some tips online to apply a perfectly blended eye shadow, as this week I am going to a party, and I want to look good. I also like to do eye makeup, so I want to try other eye makeup variations. I enjoyed reading your blog, and I got to learn so many things about eye makeup that I never knew. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. It was very informational and helpful. I am going to try your tips out for the party.