Preparing Your Skin
Applying stunning eye makeup can provide an incredible effect for any look, but in order to achieve the best results, the skin should be prepped beforehand to create a perfect canvas for the look. Preparing your skin effectively is an essential step for achieving a dramatic eye makeup look. Let’s dive into the details of getting your skin ready for eye makeup.
Cleanse and moisturize your skin
Before starting any makeup project, it’s important to prepare your skin properly. You want a clean, moist surface without too much oil or product residue. To accomplish this:
- Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type— oily, dry, combination etc.
- Gently pat dry with a soft towel
- Apply a moisturizer over the entire face
- Let the moisturizer absorb into the skin
- Use light feathery strokes to blend foundation evenly over the face and neck using a foundation brush or damp sponge (natural hair)
- Make sure you blend down onto the neckline to create an even tone from top to bottom
- Apply concealer where needed, including under eyes and around nose if desired (tap with fingers or use concealer brush for best results)
- Finish by dusting with powder if desired for an even matte finish
Apply an eye primer
Before you apply any makeup, it is important to prepare your skin correctly so you can achieve the best results. An eye primer helps to create an even base and allow the makeup to glide on more smoothly, while also helping your look last longer. It should be applied evenly over the eyelid and blended in toward the brow bone.
Eye primers come in a variety of formulations – choose one that best fits your needs and works with your other products. Some are especially formulated to guard against creasing, while others help enhance color pigmentation. For example, if you are applying brightly pigmented shadows, choose an eye primer with a neutral tint as this will act as a brightening boost for any shades that you apply over it.
Applying Eyeshadow
Applying eyeshadow is an essential part of creating a dramatic eye makeup look. You can use eyeshadow to add depth and definition to your eyes, making them look bigger and brighter.
There are so many different eyeshadow colors and finishes to choose from, so it can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding what color or shade to use. But with a few tips and tricks, you can create a stunning eye makeup look:
Choose a color palette
When selecting a color palette for your eyeshadow, it’s important to consider your skin tone and eye color. The key is to go for shades that complement each other so that your eyes look intense and mysterious, rather than garish.
- For light skin tones with warm undertones, choose lighter shades of taupe, brown or peach and accentuate with darker shades such as golden bronze or caramel.
- For dark skin tones with cool undertones, blacks and blues are always great choices. However, warmer hues such as shimmery green or bronze look fabulous as well.
- If you have medium-toned skin, try out some pinks for subtle drama.
To properly accentuate your eye shape, use a medium-toned shade close to the lash line and blend it upwards into a lighter blush of color from the middle of the lid towards the brow bone (for a rounder eye shape), then add a highlight at the inner corners of the eyes (for an almond-shaped eye). If you want to add extra definition near the outer corner of the eyes, use a darker shade for more depth.
No matter what type of look you are going for—simple or dramatic—once you choose your palette wisely you will be able to create stunning eye makeup that suits your style!
Apply a light base color
The first step when applying eyeshadow for a dramatic look is to apply a light base color. Consider using a light brown or beige color that complements the natural shades of your eyelids. Start by using a wide eye shadow brush and applying it in an arch over the entire lid, from lash line to brow bone. Be sure to blend it in thoroughly and evenly so there are no harsh lines or abrupt transitions.
To ensure even coverage, lightly sweep excess powder onto the brush and around your eye’s natural crease line. Once the base has been applied and blended, you can move on to darker colors for more drama.
Apply a darker color for depth
When it comes to creating a dramatic eye makeup look, adding a darker color can help create definition and depth. To add a darker color, first use a small angled brush to create an even line of eyeshadow along your lash line. While keeping the brush flat against your skin, rotate the brush outward towards the end of your eyebrow for a winged eye effect.
After you have created that initial line, you will want to blend the shadow up towards your crease to create greater dimension in your look. If you desire an even stronger effect, start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a thin line up towards your crease, adding more shadow and intensity at each stage as you work inward. Finish off with a blend and light coat of setting powder to keep everything in place throughout the day or night!
Add a shimmery highlight
The next step in applying eyeshadow is to add a shimmery highlight. This is usually done with a medium or light colored eyeshadow—though some may go as dark as charcoal gray. The color choice is up to you, but try to choose one that will complement the other colors in your blend. Make sure that the highlight is applied only at the top of your eyelid and near the inner corner of your eye as these are areas where light catches best.
When picking an eyeshadow color, keep in mind that lighter colors will draw attention to the area, while darker shades can help create a subtle contour effect. Once you’ve selected your hue and have gathered all necessary materials, apply it using either a damp brush or with a sponge applicator for even coverage. Use light strokes so that only the chosen area has eyeshadow on it without touching any other areas around it for subtle definition and shimmery sophistication!
Applying Eyeliner
Applying eyeliner is one of the most powerful ways to create dramatic eye makeup looks. It can give the appearance of larger eyes or add a smoldering, smoky effect. Careful application is necessary to ensure that your eyeliner looks neat and doesn’t smudge or smear.
Let’s look at different techniques you can use to apply eyeliner:
Choose a pencil, liquid, or gel liner
Eyeliner can be applied in different ways, depending on the desired effect. Pencil liners give a softer, more smudgy look, while liquid and gel liners are great for creating dramatic and precise lines. Liquid and gel liner formulas both come in small jars with an applicator like a thin brush or sponge-tipped wand.
Pencil eyeliners are easiest to use on the upper lash line and usually give the softest line. They can also be blended with a cotton swab or brush for an even finish. However, they may not stay all day so you may need to touch up during the course of wearing it. Pencil liners come in numerous colors from classic black to vibrant blues and greens – choose one that color coordinates with your eye shadow.
Liquid and gel liners create a finer, crisp line that is easy to control for precise application near the lash line and along the shape of your eyes – perfect for creating a dramatic cat-eye look! These formulas spread evenly over lids of many textures and won’t smudge or fade throughout the day. When selecting a liquid or gel liner formula, choose one with high pigmentation to ensure your lines stay put all day long!
Apply a thin line along the upper lash line
Eyeliner is a great way to add depth to your eyes and make them stand out. When applying eyeliner, start with the upper lash line. Hold the eyeliner pencil or brush steady with your dominant hand, then draw a thin line along the top of your lashes. Starting at the inner corner of the eye, move toward and slightly beyond the outer corner.
If desired, stop at any point along this stage to create a softer look, but don’t go any closer than halfway toward either inner or outer corner of each eye to avoid a harsh angle. For best results, work slowly and in small sections so you can be sure of an even application and less smudging.
Create a winged effect
Creating the winged look, often referred to as a cat-eye, is one of the most popular eye makeup looks that can be achieved with eyeliner.
To achieve this look, first draw a very thin yet continuous line from the outer corner of your eye that slightly curves upwards, as though you were drawing an upward arrow. Once you have established this base line, start at the middle of your lash line and draw a thin line towards the outer corner until it meets up with your original line.
With a small and precise makeup brush, blend out both lines gently. Keep your lines thin so that they do not create too harsh of a contrast on your lid. If you would like a more subtle winged effect, use light feathery strokes to add definition along the upper lash line.
Finally add mascara or false lashes and enjoy your new eye makeup look!
Apply a thin line along the lower lash line
The lower lash line is the perfect area to make a bold statement with your eye makeup. To draw a thin line along the lower lash line, start at either corner of the eye and use short strokes to create a smooth, even line. Use an eyeliner pencil in the same shade as the shadow or mascara you are using, or go one shade darker if you prefer. Apply the eyeliner only to halfway through your bottom lashes and blend it upwards where possible to make sure it is evenly distributed.
If you need to extend the color of your liner, add very small dots after applying and use a small brush to blend them in for a seamless finish. When applying eyeliner to create dramatic eyes, make sure that it grows gradually thicker from the inner corners of your eyes outward, giving you fuller-looking lashes with maximum impact.
Applying Mascara
Applying mascara is a key step in creating dramatic eye makeup looks. Mascara helps define your lashes, makes them appear longer and thicker, and frames your eyes. Choosing the right mascara for your lashes is important for getting your desired look.
Let’s look at how you can apply mascara for a dramatic eye makeup:
Choose a lengthening or volumizing mascara
When choosing the right mascara for your desired look, consider its effects and whether you want volume or length. Many lengthening mascaras contain fibers that stick to the surface of your lashes and create a longer, fuller look.
Volumizing mascaras are thicker and creamier in texture and they tend to build up each individual lash into fuller effects. For example, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara has a thickening formula that builds 5X more volume for lush lashes without weighing them down.
If you’re looking for something that does both, try L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara, which provides intense length and volume without clumping up or flaking off throughout the day.
Apply the mascara to the upper lashes
When you are ready to apply the mascara, make sure to coat your upper lash line first. Start close to the lash root and wiggle the brush up and out. This will help you catch all of the lashes, even those small ones in the inner corner of your eye. Continue wiggling out at the ends until all of your upper lashes are covered. Then go back in and brush through any clumps that formed on the way up, using a delicate touch for a smooth finish.
Apply the mascara to the lower lashes
To apply mascara to your lower lashes, use a clean wand that has been dipped in the mascara. Avoid overloading the wand with product as it can make your eyes appear clumpy and spidery.
Hold the wand vertically and use short, gentle strokes to apply the mascara evenly through your lower lashes. Take care when applying makeup to your lower eyelid area as this is a delicate region and can be prone to smudging if not done properly.
Gently wiggle the wand back and forth from root to tip for an even application of product. Finish by cleaning off any excess product from the spoolie end of the wand that may have been caught on or around lower lashes or your eyelid area. Once you are satisfied, check for any clumps or excess product and remove it with a clean tissue before allowing all areas to dry naturally.
Finishing Touches
Once you have applied your base eyeshadow and created the desired shape, it’s time to add some extra drama to your makeup look with the finishing touches. This can include adding shimmer eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara for a more intense look. The key here is to choose the right shades that will complement your eye color to really make your eyes pop.
Let’s keep going and take a look at the best way to apply these finishing touches.
Apply false eyelashes (optional)
If you want to add extra drama and length to your finished eye makeup look, you can apply false eyelashes. False eyelashes are available in a variety of sizes, lengths and colors, so take your time to browse the shelves and find the right lashes for you.
Before applying false lashes, be sure to curl both your natural lashes with an eyelash curler. This will give a more seamless blend between the false lash and your own. When applying adhesive, let it sit for a minute before immediately attaching the lashes – this will give the adhesive enough time to become tacky on the lash band itself. Once lashed have been applied, apply a thin layer of mascara onto both natural and falsies to help blend them together for an even more dramatic effect. Be sure not to overdue it or you may end up with clumpy looking lashes!
Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corner of the eye
Highlighting the inner corner of the eye is a great way to emphasize your eye shape and give your overall look a dramatic flair. To create a natural look, make sure to select a white, cream or light silver shade that compliments your skin tone and eye color.
Start by taking an angled shadow brush or your fingers and dabbing the highlighter into the inner corners of the eyes. For an extra layer of dimension, use shades that add subtle contrast such as silver for cool tones or champagne for warmer tones. If you are looking for something bolder, you can use shimmery gold shades to bring out blue eyes or copper to enhance green-colored eyes.
Finally, make sure to blend away any harsh lines using rounded motions—this will help ensure that everything looks blended and natural when finished. To complete this look, set it with a coat of translucent powder so it lasts throughout the day!
Add a touch of blush to the cheeks
Now that you have perfected your eye makeup, it is time to add the finishing touches to your look. Just a few simple steps can add drama and sophistication.
Adding blush to your cheeks can give you a healthy, rosy glow while providing contrast to the intense eyes. Pick a blush in a flattering shade that looks natural on your skin tone. To apply, use a large brush and dust the color lightly onto the apples of your cheeks and along the cheekbone for definition. Gently blend for an even finish without creating hard edges. Remember, subtlety is key when applying blush. Excessive product will make you look overdone and unnatural.