5 Tips to Perfect Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is one cosmetic that can pull together your entire look or enhance your outfit for the day. While you can easily apply the shadow to the lids, there are a few tips you can incorporate into the application that will help the shadow stay put and look fresh for the entire day. Since makeup allows you to experiment and create custom looks to suit your mood, it is up to you to create a perfect eyeshadow application. These 5 tips will help you create a long-lasting look that will complement the rest of your makeup and outfit:

• Start out slowly. If you have never worn much eyeshadow, now is not the time to blend multiple colors or attempt a dramatic smoky eye. Start out with neutral or muted shadows and practice applying them with different brushes. Get a feel for how to blend shadows, especially when you use different colors for the lid, crease and brow bones. Purchase a shadow palette, such as Tarte The Starlet Makeup Vanity to try all of the colors and practice with them.

• Apply shadow first. After you apply shadow, colored powder often falls from the lid or eyeshadow brush onto the cheekbones. Instead of ruining your completed look and wiping the powder off the foundation, apply the eyeshadow first and then finish the look with foundation.

• Never match your makeup to what you're wearing. Matching your eyeshadow to the blouse you have on is the quickest way you can outdate your look, so always use makeup to complement your style. Just as you don't want to be too matchy with your outfit, don't overdo it by wearing a bold lipstick and heavy eyeshadow. Choose one or the other and accentuate that part.

• Choose eyeshadow colors that complement your skin tone. When wearing eyeshadow, it is important to enhance your natural beauty by wearing colors that complement your skin tone and eye color. For those with olive undertones, stay away from green, yellow or brown shades, since those tones are already in the skin. Those with fair skin should choose lighter colors, such as golden brown or pastels.

• Prepare the lids for shadow. A primer used on the lids before eyeshadow helps color stay on longer, avoid creasing and allows the color to go on smoothly. One formula to look for is Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube.

Eyeshadow is simple to use, and there are a variety of formulas to work with to find one that you are most comfortable using. Start out slow and learn techniques by watching tutorials on the web.