The classic or basic concept of applying eyeshadow is to
shade the eye and accent its shape by using a progression of light to dark colors across the eye, blending one over (or into) the other so that you can't exactly see where one stops and the other starts. The most professional and beautiful way to achieve this is applying eyeshadow with makeup brushes.
Eyeshadow and Eyeliner Brush Info/Tips:
Always apply powder eyeshadow with brushes. There are dozens of eyeshadow brushes to choose from, depending on what look you want to create and what type of brush feels best and is easiest for you to control. Paula's Choice
Eyeshadow Brushes are quite versatile, but by no means are they the only options! As a guideline,
the size of the eyeshadow brush should match the size of the area you are working on.
Below are some examples of how specific Paula's Choice
Eyeshadow Brushes can help you create sophisticated, professional eye designs with ease:
For lid or lid-to-brow color, use the
Small Eyeshadow Brush,
Large Eyeshadow Brush or
Shadow Softening Brush, depending on personal preference and the size of your eyelid area. Sweep the brush over the powder, and knock off the excess. Depending on the shade, apply to the appropriate area using smooth, even strokes with the
flat side of the brush. Try to keep the strokes moving in one direction, not back and forth in a wiping motion. If more depth or intensity is needed, simply layer and blend the color until it looks the way you want.
To create definition in and above the natural crease of the eye, choose from Paula's Choice
Crease Defining Brush,
Angled Shadow Brush,
Soft Blending Brush or
Precision Shadow Brush. Which brush to use depends on your desired effect. For strong or more dramatic crease shading, the
Precision Shadow Brush is ideal. You can achieve goofproof crease definition with the
Crease Defining Brush while the
Angled Shadow Brush is ideal for shading in and above the crease and also the inner corner of the eye and out onto the brow bone. For a soft sheer application of crease color or for blending the edges of any eyeshadow color, the
Soft Blending Brush is an excellent tool to have in your makeup kit.
For highlighting the brow bone or underneath the arch of your eyebrow (a common step seen on the cover of almost every fashion magazine) Paula's Choice
Concealer Brush,
Wedge/Brow Brush or
Small Eyeshadow Brush can be employed. The brush to use depends on the size of your underbrow area. Controlling application of the highlighter color is the key to making this step look beautiful and ensuring it blends seamlessly with the rest of your eye design.
Paula recommends lining the eyes with powder eyeshadow, and has created two brushes to make this step easy and the results striking! The traditional
Eyeliner Brush can be used wet for intensity or try it dry for a softer look. Simply stroke the long, flat part of the brush over the powder and apply as close to the lash line as possible, following the natural curvature of the eye. Do not use the slightly tapered tip of this brush to apply your liner. Color can be layered or you can use the brush to thicken and build the line for added depth and drama.
The
Precision Liner Brush allows you to create a thinner line (using the very tip or side of the brush) or a thicker line (using the full, flat side of the brush). It may be used wet or dry. Both eyelining brushes are designed for use on the upper and lower lash lines.
For more
Eyeshadow Application Tips, see our
Soft Matte Eyeshadow Trio.
