How To Create Eyeshadow Looks

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Eyeshadow has been around for about 12,000 years, although trends have since evolved. The first eyeshadows were derived from kohl first to adorn the eyes of Egyptian royalty. The kohl eyeshadow had dramatic effect, as it was highly pigmented. Today most kohl products are black. However back then, it comprised various colors such as lead, ochre, ash, and oxidized copper, amongst others. That being said, modern-day eyeshadow become trendy with the introduction of smoky eyeshadow in the 1920s and multicolored lids in the 1930s. Today, wearing eyeshadow is a necessity for the fashion conscious, as outfits seem incomplete without complementary made-up eyes. That being said, many beginners often feel overwhelmed by the complexity of some eyeshadow looks. Enter: simple eye makeup!

Truthfully, when it comes to makeup, nothing can seem more daunting than attempting to apply eyeshadow, using tons of different shades and products. If this is you, the good news is that you needn't apply several colors to smolder. You can create an alluring eyeshadow look that will totally accentuate the natural beauty of your eyes, with a single shade or two. Purchase a single-shade eyeshadow, or a multi-shade palette, and just select the necessary shades from there. We've put together some easy eyeshadow looks for beginners here, inspired by Maybelline.

These are perfect for South Asian skin tones and brown eyes.

A Simple, yet Breathtaking Evening Eyeshadow Look

Who says simple eye makeup has to be dull? Rev up your glam game with this easy eyeshadow tutorial, and get ready to paint the town red. For this look you'll need:

Maybelline's The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette or a palette with similar shades
An eyeshadow brush
Your favorite mascara
Some cotton swabs
Micellar cleansing water

To get the look, follow these steps

Take the lightest shade in your palette and apply it over the eyelid. This is especially helpful if you want to work from a flawless, neutral canvas. Don't forget to add some of the purple color over the top of your eyelid.

Select the gold, shimmery shade from the palette, and apply it ever so lightly to the middle of your eyelid.

Next, select the matte purple color, and apply this in a V-shape to your outer corners. Use more of the purple shade to blend into your crease, and apply a layer of that to your top lash line too.

Apply your mascara. Be sure to use one that adds volume to make your eyes more dramatic. Some good Maybelline volumizing mascaras are the Colossal Volume Express and Rocket Volume Express. You don't have to narrow down your mascara choice to Maybelline though. Some other great volumizing mascaras include Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils volumizing mascara, and L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise mascara.

You can also use a setting spray to keep your simple eyeshadow look for longer.
Use your cotton swabs and micellar water to clean up any mess.

A Simple Monochromatic Look

Cool tones are great for olive skin types. Here's an simple eye makeup tutorial using just one eyeshadow shade from Maybelline's Total Temptation eyeshadow palette.

Steps To Get the Look

Prep your eyelids first by applying your primer. This prolongs the wear of your eyeshadow.
Use the lilac shade and sweep generously over your eyelid to serve as your base.
Take some more of that same shade and apply it to your crease and your lower lash line, forming a V at the outer corners of your eye.
This cool-toned look wouldn't be complete without a matching lipstick, so use Maybe line's Super Stay Matte Ink liquid lipstick. The absolute perfect match for this is their visionary shade.

Smoldering Looks with a Single Pink Shade

Use the following simple eye makeup idea for beautiful results, inspired by Maybelline. You'll need your eyeshadow brush, Maybelline's The City Mini eyeshadow palette in the Blushed Avenue palette, and mascara to finish off this eye makeup for beginners. It's one of the most basic eyeshadow looks, and you only need two shades.

Step by step guidance on how to achieve this look

Choose the darker matte pink shade in the palette, and apply to this to your crease. If you have harsh lines, simply blend until it softens.

For highlighting purposes, select the shimmery pink shade, and apply underneath your brow bone and along your upper lash line.

Apply black mascara to finish off your look.

Tips for some simple eye makeup

Having more than one eyeshadow brush is crucial if you want to perfect the art of applying eyeshadow. You should therefore try to get a round brush for lining underneath the eyes, plus a brush with short hair to apply the shades across your lids.
Dome-shaped eye brushes are best for shadow blending.
Avoid over-blending, as it can create an uneven or patchy look. If you notice this flaw, simply start all over again from your lightest to darkest shade.
It's best to apply your eyeshadow before your foundation, as fallen powder can spoil the flawless look you achieved via your foundation.
For shades that appear too dull for you, simply wet your brush for a bolder look.
Create the perfect canvas by priming first. You can also use your concealer as a primer. For oily skin, add some translucent powder to your primer.
Always strive to make your base neutral.
When applying eyeshadow to your crease, look directly into a mirror. Don't close your eyes when accentuating your crease.

FAQs

Is it okay to only use one eyeshadow color?

Yes, you may certainly use just one eyeshadow color to get a great result. All you need to do is use the one shade, and apply it over the entire lid. This serves as your base. Then use the same color to apply to your crease and lower lash line, to get that V shape along the outer corner of your eye. Keep adding the same product to your crease and lash line to get a bolder crease.

Do you apply light or dark eyeshadow first?

Try to always apply light eyeshadow first, and then proceed with your darker shades. It's advisable to apply a tiny portion of eyeshadow before blending. You can then keep repeating the application until you have the effect you want. This is a super-safe method if you have a heavy hand.

If you apply the darker shades first, you may experience difficulty with blending. With simple eyeshadow looks, you can just apply your lighter color across your whole eyelid, using your brush with shorter bristles. Then use one of your darker colors for your eye's outer crease. To soften any harsh lines here, simply blend. If you're opting for a brighter, bolder look, remember to apply the vibrant colors to your lower lash line and middle division.

How do you do an easy eyeshadow look for beginners?

Gorgeous simple eyeshadow looks are possible when you use single or dual shades. Just follow this easy beginner eyeshadow step by step guide for best results. With a single shade look, use the shade to cover the entire lid, after you've primed it. Then use the same shade on your crease and lower lid, and keep applying more of the same color to get a darker line.

With a dual or two-toned application, first apply concealer or primer to your eyelid to create a smooth, neutral base. Then use your lightest shade to cover your entire eyelid. Don't forget to apply the lighter shade underneath your brow bone as a highlighter. Then use your darker shade to create the V shape between your crease, and on top of your upper lash line. You may also use the darker shade to line your lower lash line, for improved dramatic effect.