1)USE A PRIMER TO SET YOUR EYESHADOW FOR COLOR THAT LASTS
Primer is the key to having eye color that lasts for hours. Just apply along the upper lid before applying your eyeshadow and ta-da, you'll have color that lasts all day. Our favorites are Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($16.00 www.urbandecay.com) and MAC'S Paints ($16.00 www.maccosmetics.com). No time to run to the store and get primer? Then use foundation, this also helps to set things for you as well.
2)USE A BRUSH AND TAP NOT SWIPE
It's better to use a brush, not the sponge tipped application tools they come with. The sponge tends to absorb a lot of the eyeshadow, so you're not getting the most out of your color (or money!). A brush is best, and try applying with a gentle tapping rather than swiping it across the lid. By tapping the color, it is much more controlled and even, so you can keep applying until you get the color you want. Another tip, is to slightly wet your brush/sponge, it will a more intense color, and aids in it lasting longer. Our favorite brushes are by Shu Uemura, so go with Synthetic Brush 5F ($17.00 www.shuuemura.com), it's short haired and flat shaped with a firm touch. Great for beginners!
3)BLENDING IS KEY
You should have 3 colors to your everyday eyeshadow-a neutral base (very light neutral color), a medium color for the lower lids, and a darker highlighter color for the crease. Apply from lightest to the darkest color. So apply the neutral base to the entire lid and under the brow, then apply the medium just under the lower lid, then you use the highlighter to the outside edge. Be careful with the highlighter, make sure to keep it to the outside crease and under the outer brow bone (never on), if it's too close to your eyes, it will minimize them. Then blend, the key is to make it look seamless and natural from one color to the next. it takes practice but you'll get it!
4)PICK THE RIGHT SHADE
Remember, lighter shades bring out your eyes and enlarge them, darker shades add dimension and minimize them, so choose accordingly. The colors you choose should compliment the color of your eyes, NOT compete with them, so go with a lighter shade than your eyes (which is very hot this season!). if you're going to choose colors you must have in your eyeshadow collection, pick taupe, lavender and charcoals-they work with any eye color!
5)PICK THE RIGHT FORMULATION
For young skin, you are pretty much free to use anything, but creamy formulations work wonderfully to accentuate skin structure. For more mature skin, go with loose powders, since they are matted and flattering. Another tip for mature skin, is to be care with shimmer and iridescent colors since they have a nasty habit of creasing and accentuating wrinkles.
